Bulimia (post-op)

For several years prior to surgery, I had problems with bulimia. Through counseling, I was able to overcome the problem several months prior to having surgery. Now, 8-weeks post-op, the problem is creeping back into my life. Almost whenever I eat solid foods--no matter how small the quantity--I get an incredibly full, uncomfortable, painfull feeling in my chest. I take small bites, I eat slowly, and I don't drink with my meals. It hurts so much that I end up making myself throw up to relieve the discomfort. I'm afraid I might have caused damage to my new stomach. (By the way, I've tried calling and e-mailing my doctor numerous times, and I haven't had a reply. That's why I trying to get an answer here.) Not only does the bulimia cause me emotional distress, but I know it's not good for my body. Can anyone help?

Sweetie, run, do not walk, to your surgeon's office and plant yourself in reception until you get seen. You are in so much risk of serious complications by inducing vomitting. I am a recovering bulimic as well and with the lap band I occasionally get those moments of pain where I know purging will help the feeling pass but I don't do it because the risk of doing so - band slippage in my case - is soooo great. I don't know specifically what harm you can do to yourself as a RNYer but I know it must be substantial. Don't take no for an answer. Please see you doctor immediately. Caeli

Caeli' I am 2-months post-op and am having the same sythoms that you are talking about, but I have not had a eating disorder before surgery. I have talked to my doctor with no really good answer. I am getting very frustrated. I don't think this is normal. Try to see your doctor also.

Gracie, Have you had any success since you posted your concerns with throwing up? All I do it throw up. They did scopes and found nothing. I eat slow. Take small bites and follow the rules. I"m not sure what is going on, but when I eat, I get this really heavy feeling in my chest and have to relieve it. they just put me on xanax yesterday to see if it will relieve the anxiety. Let me know if you have had any success. Terri

Is it at all possible that you ladies are eating more than you should? I know that it seems like we are hardly eating at all, especially compared to our pre-surgery eating. But here is how I conquered this problem. I measured my food in a shot glass. 2 Ounces. Whatever fit in the shot glass I would eat. And I only ate one food at a time. Oatmeal, mashed potatoes etc. When I added meat to the diet I added FILLET MIGNON. I still eat it, because it is so tender and never causes a probelm. But I cut the fillets in half, and then slice the halves the long way so that the piece is about 3/4 thick and 2" by 2". When you eat so little you can afford to eat the best. Even after 5 years I occassionally have problems. So I go back to the basics. Soft stuff I can fit in a shot glass. Maybe some of these ideas will help Also, if you used to like chocolate milk shakes, try this You find it in the milk section; Solae Lite Chocolate Soy Milk 16 oz = 3 ounces fat and about 18 grams protien . And I find it to be very very easy tyo digest. That's probably why they give soy milk to babies? Diane Lundgren RNc