:-| Severe stomach cramps..help!

I am 2 weeks post op and twice have suffered from extreme stomach cramping and a general feeling of bloating. Because of the limiting of food, I have not been able to have a productive bowel movement. Has anybody else experienced this? I am also concerned, will I ever be able to sit down and enjoy a nice meal again at a restaurant or must I get use to eating like a 5 year old? I am not feeling hungry but my desire to have a nice slice of pizza has not gone away. Any thoughts would be appreciated. Thanks

Hi, I was in my Doctors office for my follow up visit I am four weeks out and there was a women there who was experiencing the same as you with vomiting also. I spoke to the nurse and was told to make sure you stay well hydrated at all times by drinking plenty of liquids. Don't drink 30 min before and after your meals and hopefully you new stomach won't continue to freak out. Also make sure you eat slow and chew, chew, chew. I have been told you should be able to go to a restaurant and enjoy a meal in the furture but it will take time and you will probably have left overs for the next day. Right now you have head hunger which can play cruel tricks on you. :tounge? Hang in there, hope this helps. Darlene

Ralph, Darlene is right, what you are experiencing is "head hunger" this is so common for those of use that give up our best friends, pizza and chinese and KFC. Take Darlene's advice about the chewing, it will make things easier for you. The drinking schedule also is very very important. Trust me, I learned this one the hard way!! This does not mean that a few months from now you won't be able to enjoy these in very small amounts. I didn't see if you had open RNY or not, but if you did, you need to allow yourself time to heal. The thing that concerned me about your post is you used the word severe to describe your pain. That is the kind of pain you should call your docs office for. Rate it on a scale from 1-10 and if it is over an 8 I would surely call. Better safe than sorry....... Be well Cheryl

I agree with Darlene and Cheryl -- except I would say severe pain above 6 means call the doctor! Also, if you haven't had a BM in 2 weeks - that's too long. My doctor's office told me if I don't have one in about 4 days to take some Milk of Magnesia. If something doesn't happen with me by the morning, I'm getting some! I don't want it to be blocked up later -- that could cause lots of pain and could be what your problem is now. Call first thing in the morning, and keep us posted. I'll be praying for you. God Bless, Kathy Bilodeau

Hi Ralph. I agree with the other ladies about calling your doctor if it feels so bad. My surgeon said I could use Milk of Magnesia also......but be warned, it works much faster on our new bally's than it says on the bottle...so plan to be awake the next few hours after you take it, sorry but I thought I would mention that to you. Hugs and I hope you will feel better soon, Tove

I concur will all advice given so far. I'd like to add a thought. Perhaps what you are expereincing is a food intolerance. The cramping you describe coupled with the lack of movement can be an indication of that. Of course overly productive movement is more common with food intolerance, but not always. The stomach crapming- think about it- is it in the new area where your pouch is (high, under the ribcage, to the right of center)? Or is it lower- where you're used to with the 'old' stomach? If it's down low, it's probably intestinal. Intolerance can be from many things like lack of proper chewing, eating too much or actual food 'allergy' like lactose or artificial sweeteners, too much fat, sugar alcohol or regualr sugar too. Think about the foods you are eating when you experience this...is there anything in common? You may find a link if you think about it. Anyway- it's not a bad idea to speak to your Dr about it. The first time I expereinced extreme crapming, it turned out to be from Malitol (a sugar substitute) I thought I was going to die. (OK, I knew I wouldn't, but I wanted to) At first I thought it was my stomach, but upon further reflection, I realized it wasnt in the right 'spot' for it to be my pouch. (high and under the ribcage to the right) Good luck to you and if this persists- get thee to thy surgeon! P.S. YES! You will eat in a restaurant again and enjoy it. But, alas, not for a while. Just wait, you'll see! It get's better. Oh and my advice is not to watch the food channel or any pizza hut commericals!