Is this normal

OK, I am fairly new and mostly a late night lurker, but since I am on the June board, i'd figure I would ask your opinion. I have had no real problems with food, other than when I eat too fast I hear about a lot of people who could never eat rice or pasta, I don't eat a lot of pasta because it takes up too much room, so maybe a bite or two, but has anyone else felt like they ate normal too fast, minus the portion size of course. Just curious. Danae just trying it out, never seen these emoticons

I completely agree!! I was just talking about asking my surgeon at my follow up next week, why I don't seem to be getting sick at all!! I have never dumped, never frothed, never even got sick. The most I've gotten was a stuck feeling in my chest when I didn't chew something enough. My "owner's manual" says that I shouldn't tolerate white meat chicken or any kind of red meat or bread for at least 6 months! That is basically what I eat every day! (Only a tiny bit of bread or rice or anything) The only reason I can think of is that I am extremely careful to chew, chew, chew!!! So, I don't have an answer but I'm right there with you!!

Everybody is different and some people dont have problems with any of the above mentioned. The issue with bread is not being able to tolerate it - its that it can tend to be "gummy" and possibly get stuck. Havent heard anything about not being able to tolerate chicken - problem again is if it is too dry and you cant chew up enough it can get stuck... same with the meat. As for rice - I was told to avoid because it is so small it could get stuck somewhere along the way - allowed to have after 8 weeks post-op when you are better healed. Dumping is something that may or may not happen... as for if you follow the rules you really shouldnt. I have read many posts where people 6+ months out never dumped, or had issues.

Hi, I'm feeling the same way. The only thing I cannot tollerate that I've tried is water. It makes my pouch ache. Even Crystal Light bothers me at times. So I drink lots of tea (hot or room temp) I also drink Lactaid milk (cold). I really feel that I'm dehydrated because my lips and skin are dry. But food wise, I eat chicken, beef, pork, and fish w/o any problems. I can also eat small portions of rice and pasta. I'm down 35lbs, but I really slowed down during the last 2 1/2 weeks. So I'm wondering if I'm eating too normal right now. I also need to exercise. EW

I've had trouble with chicken and hamburger this weekend. It was grilled but still verrrry moist. I chewed the fire out of it and it was ok right afterward for a couple of hours but then later my stomach felt like it had a brick in it. Otherwise, every thing else has gone well. I don't think I'm ready yet for meat. Magina

Not everybody gets sick.... and everybody has different tolerances. I was told not to eat rice until at least 8+ weeks out because it is small and you are still healing and could get stuck. Was ok'd on pasta and dry bread only (crackers, toast). You want to watch how much pasta/rice/bread you are eating since its cabs and the protein is so low.... they also tend to fill you up quicker so you really arnt getting a good meal in unless you are mixing tuna with the pasta or something to that effect. Otherwise - I agree with the above - I eat pretty "normal". I am on the soft foods phase for another 4 weeks so I am watching what types of foods I eat but overall havent had any issues and havent gotten sick from anything yet.

Hi, I am beginning to think this is more normal than those who get sick. I have never had much problem- unless I don't chew or eat too fast -then I just get that "Thanksgiving stuffness" feeling. However, the other day I tried BOOST with Protein energy drink - I thought I was going to upchuck for sure. I thought perhaps I drank it too fast and too much, so I tried it again this morning. Again, I got really sick (but didn't throw up). Both times it did make me "dump" within an hour of drinking it. I don't know if that is so bad though as I have a tendency to not "dump" on a regular basis. This has been my only negative experience with food in the six weeks since surgery.

Could be something in the drink your body doesnt like - did you check the sugar? If it is giving you an ill-effect I wouldnt drink it for now.... try again in 2 weeks and see if it agrees with you then!

I have the exact same problem. I'm not having a problem tolerating foods but if I dare forget to eat very slow, I end up with a strong indigestion pain between my breasts. It usually passes fairly quick and then I can continue if I feel lucky. One thing that helps is taking really small bites and remembering to chew extremely well. I have tried multi-grain bread with peanut butter. It's been ok but I'm afraid to eat too much of it. I did try a couple bites of pasta - not a problem. Mostly I'm sticking with chicken, tuna, mashed potatoes, cottage cheese, and soft vegetables. I did eat a very small salad today. God that was good! I'm trying new things slowly but almost daily because I'm so tired of soft foods. Namaste, Kim

I'm in the same boat with many of y ou and I am glad that you guys posted this.. I was beginning to wonder was something wrong with me because I was ablee to eat almost anything as long as I chewed it well... but then here comes this week. I was eating chicken and after one bite it made me so nauseous that I stopped..haven't had it since. Next, I ate beef (meatballs, beef patty) like one or two bites and it seemed o****il I dumped but not but the other way and I realized that after eating more "normal" foods this would happend so I've kinda gone back to soups, more pureed foods and I totally avoid most dairy and bread... I tried to have butter toast...and lawd have mercy I thought I was gonna die because it got stuck and wouldn't go either way....I had to make myself throw up....last time I did that.... no bread for me.