Little Stomach Problems 4 1/2 Weeks Out.

OK, question for you. I've been really lucky with this thing overall, but at 4 1/2 weeks out, I'm getting more pain and more stomach issues during/after eating than before.  I'm now on "soft foods," which means most things are ok in theory for me to eat.  But, some things just aren't agreeing with me.  I was so looking forward to getting away from liquids and purees, but now I'm not so sure it was a good idea. I don't want to make it sound like I'm in agony or anything, and I don't think anything major is wrong by any means.  But, this new eating regimen just isn't agreeing with me -- more "discomfort" after I eat is perhaps the best way of describing it.  I did get a little nauseous a couple of times, but nothing really happened, mostly just a little gas.  Haven't had "the foamies" yet. And yes, I'm being good (NO POP per my post of the other day), not abusing what I eat, eating slowly, and making a real effort to chew very well.  I have an appointment for follow up next week at the clinic.  Just wondering, should I slide backwards a bit and go back to pureed foods and liquids for a while?  Do I just need to rest the stomach and let it heal a bit more?   I assume in another couple of months, this will all be resolved, because it will be more healed and settled in there.  In the interim, I need advice.  Any thoughts? Dan

Possibility exists that you may be getting a stricture. Thats scar tissue closing the stoma. I had trouble with that. It can be resloved and is more of bother than anything else. They go in and dialate the opening. I needed four trips, but I seem to be OK now. Like you say, just back off and do more of pureed foods for awhile. Could be you beat things up a bit and have some swelling that will just need some time to go away.  If things seem to be getting worse rather than better call your Dr. and they may up your appointment.

Doug, when you say they "go in and dialate the opening" what doe that mean? Exactly what and how do they do it? Just curious. Thanksl

They use a scope (a long flexable tube with a camera on it) that is inserted through your throat. Once they see what's going on they then decide if dilation is necessary. If they dialate they use a balloon that they inflate to stretch the opening a bit. They do this in stages to avoid rupture. That's why i had to go back 4 times. Usually 2 or 3 trips is all that is needed, but I'm special. If they ask you if you want  something to help you relax prior to the procedure just say "all I can get". I really pussed out over the first time. But seriously, its not that big of a deal. It does not hurt. Its just weird and you will be pretty goofy or sleeping during the procedure. You won't be allowed to drive yourself home although you'll feel like you can and most likely could. Its just a bump in the road my friend, no big deal.

Congratulations on your surgery in your trip to good health.

Whenever a patient mentions something like this I asked them to pick up the phone and called their surgeon's office right away.

As you are handling things just right, and it is likely you are okay.  Sometimes some folks are not ready to advance to regular food.  Their body is telling them that they need to take it a little slower. There is no problem with that as long as you are able to get your fluids and protein in every day.

But whenever you have problems pick up the phone and call your doctor's office to ask for advice.  That's the best place for you to get facts that are accurate and true.

This may not be slighting backwards, it is just a minor adjustment you may need to make to stay on the road to becoming healthy.

Good luck to you and good health.

Dr. Dirk Rodriguez

Deaconess Hospital

Cincinnati, OH

Any information given in this message is general and not intended to address specific medical concerns. Always seek advice from your bariatric surgeon or personal doctor.

 

 

Dan, I felt like that for a couple weeks about that time, in fact, I posted here about it, and found it was common to many folks. http://www.obesityhelp.com/forums/men/board_id,5479/cat_id,5 079/topic_id,3492373/a,messageboard/action,replies/#27323983 Every thing I ate felt like it just laid there.. and it felt disgusting and heavy.  I think it was just the fact that my body got used to all this liquidy, slurpy food sliding thru with no work.  All of a sudden, I'm asking this new, raw, tender pouch, stoma, and passageway to WORK!    I was queasy every time I ate for about 2 weeks.  It has finally mostly passed now, but I still have to be careful not to eat anything bulky or it sits there. If it's just the heavy, uncomfortable feeling... NOT PAIN>>>  you may  be going thru that same transition.  Mine always passed.. if somethings stuck.. you'll know it.. it hurts! Dale