What is eating like for you at this point?

Hi November 2005 Surgery Buddies, My surgery was Nov. 1, 2005. I started off just fine during the liquid and pureed phase of the diet post op. At approximately 2 1/2 months I was throwing up about 4 times a week. I had my first EGD (scope) with dilation on Feb. 17, and a second one on April 7. The gastroenterologist prescribed generic prescription strength Pepcid that I take twice a day now. I tolerate soft foods and soups OK. I avoid stringy meats. Thin sliced deli meats and string cheese, just do not appeal to my taste at this point. I find there are still may things I cannot tolerate at this point. I have never cared for cottage cheese or yogurt(so that sucks for me) . I supplement daily with at least 30g of Unjury Protein. I try and drink 2 cups of 1% milk daily too, cause it's easy for me to tolerate and has 11g of protein in an 8oz. serving. I know my caloric intake has got to be low. Don't really know how low though. I take my vitamins and stay hydrated. So what is eating like for you all at this point? Do you get hungry? I never feel really starved. I just get a little uncomfortable feeling if I go too long without eating. Eating is not enjoyable at this point. I'm not sure if it get's enjoyable again or not? It's not that I'm in any intense pain, but keenly aware that my pouch is very sensitive. Alot of times I have a feeling that I could become nauseous, but I usually don't. My wish is that I could just enjoy a small well rounded meal, but no can do at this point. What has me confused is whether this is possible at this point as a post op or it's because of my pouch and the connection needing dilation. After my first scope with dilation the vomiting went from approx. 4 times a week to 4 times in 4 weeks. Since the second scope and dilation on April 8, I have vomited twice. It's getting better, but feeling so sensitive with certain foods is getting really old. I may need to have one more scope with dilation, I don't mind it at all if it helps me improve. Any thoughts on the matter? And what kinds of foods are you guys eating? Thanks so much! Tami -91 pounds since surgery

Any dairy except cheese makes me sick, eggs are a big no-no too. Mainly, I stick with chili, moist chicken, shellfish, white fish, broccolli, cauliflower, green beans, beans in general, cheese, soy chips if I want something crunchy (I make them into nachos), some fresh fruit but I'm just adding that. I can tolerate some beef, but don't eat it often. If I want a burger, I grill a turkey patty, add cheese, cut up avocado and tomato. I can eat about half. My chihuahua eats the rest. I also eat on a schedule. 6 mini meals a day to keep my sugar from dropping too low. My largest meal is always dinner with hubby, but that is no more than 1/2 cup total. About all I can hold, lol. The last few weeks, nothing much is staying down thanks to re-occurring migraines. Having a bit of trouble with dehydration and starvation mode, but can't help that when everything comes back up. At least my protein drinks stay down with ease. I drink a minimum of 2 a day, usually 3. Adding pedi-a lite per doc's instruction right now too. Once this cluster of migraines is over, I'll be back to my regulated food schedule. Starla down 73 lbs.

Dear Tami, I am sorry to hear how much trouble you have been having. I have been fortunate in that regard. The only times I have thrown up have been when I have eaten too fast or not chewed well. Surprisingly, this is usually when I eat fish or seafood. I guess there is something about their softness that makes me think I don't have to chew as well! I have been able to eat beef, lamb, pork (usually ground), chicken, and seafood pretty much from the start of the regular food stage. I have to chew forever! Chicken is actually my least favorite because it seems to get dry regardless of how I reheat it. I make a lot of stews or braises so I can reheat things in liquids. I cook for just me, so I have a lot of leftovers. Eggs are still "iffy" and I rarely do any cheese product--never was a cheese fan. I do drink skim milk when I need to get my protein count up a bit. I don't do shakes--too ucky--but will use the Power Crunch bars as a meal substitute for breakfast sometimes. For me, breakfast is the hardest meal. I don't want to eat yet but know I need to. I haven't been hungry either, and am just now getting to the point where eating sounds good. But when I actually start to eat, it isn't so much fun. I had times when I had to force myself to eat because I knew I needed to rather than wanting to. How strange for me. I haven't tried sugary things yet--and don't plan to--but I have had a few bites of rice (well chewed), and that set okay. I do eat a flatbread cracker that has seeds on it, but again try and chew very well. (These are things I was told to look out for.) I haven't tried lettuce, corn, or peas or raw vegetables yet. Just this past month I've started adding veggies--up to then all I had room for was my protein. I've done asparagus (roasted), spinach (sautéed), green beans (canned), and okra (in gumbo). I am still discovering what I should/can eat, working on my calorie range (which no one seems clear on), and food preparation. I've even eaten out a few times on a trip and done okay. Today I'm going to try the Boca chili--150 cal. and 20 grams of protein. I've liked their other products pre-surgery, so I hope I like this. Very handy to microwave for lunch. I hope things get better for you and more normal. Sally

Hi Tami. I can eat just about everything I've tried. But I have not tried beef, breads, rice, or raw veggies yet. Other than that, I have not had a tolerability problem. Once in a while I get the foamies but that's from eating too fast or not chewing enough. I've had chicken, turkey, pork tenderloin, salmon, swordfish, crab, tuna, scallops, shrimp, tilapia, chili (gr turkey or gr beef), turkey bacon, turkey pepperoni. I usually have a cooked veggie or salad with dinner and fruit with lunch. Lots of cheese. And I supplement with one Unjury shake a day. Sorry to hear about your pouch problems. Hopefully they will be resolved with this next dilation. Kathy

WOW! I didn't think ppl had this many problems at almost 6 months! I can't do chicken or eggs, but everything else is cool! My pouch hates eggs, and chicken just doesn't 'feel' right. And I can eat 1C to 1C 1/2 or 3/4's! I don't do those protien drinks so I eat LOTS of CHEESE! Hope you do better and feel OK!