Desperately Looking For Help

I posted this on the General Forum Board but am hoping someone here can help: I don't know what to do.  I had my surgery (RNY) almost a year ago.  My husband had his a little over 4 months ago.  I don't remember going through what he is going through.  His surgery was Feb 4, 2008.  He has lost 115 pounds.  I know - a lot.  The problem is he is unable/unwilling to eat.  While he loved to eat he is/was picky.  He does not like the soft proteins - peanut butter, shakes, won't eat seafood or any protein bars that have chocolate.  Everything (if anything) he eats lately seems to give him the foamies.  I hate seeing him this miserable.  He manages to eat broth, some cheese, maybe an Isopure during the day.  That is about it.  The nutritionist yesterday stressed again that he needs to get more protein.   All he keeps asking is "Can't they reverse this?"  He was bad about his vitamins but is getting better.  Can anyone offer any adivse?  Please.  we have been married almost 25 years and I have never seen him feel this horrible.  I don't know what to do.

My best guess is a return trip to the surgeon. It might not can be reversed but maybe it can be modified somewhat. At 4 months out, most of us men around here could eat almost any kind of high protein food. Sounds to me like you need a solution strategy from professionals rather than advice from practitioners.

Phyllis, I agree…Take him to see the doc. Sounds like a stricture, but only an endoscopy will tell. Several here have had their stoma dilated in order to make the move to solid foods. If even mushy foods are “kicking back” on him, It sounds like a textbook case of scar tissue constricting his stoma. Get the Bariatric Surgeon’s office on the phone in the morning. Hope he’s doing better soon! Best Wishes- Dx

Hey neighbor, I agree with the other guys here, have him get back to see Rosenthal ASAP.  This could be a simple fix, but he'll never know till he's evaluated.  I just saw Rosenthal last Friday, he is going to repair a hernia I have in August.  He is the best, and he'll find out what the problem is. Be well and good luck to your hsuband. John

Thank you all.  The more I hear, the more I think a sticture.  I called the surgeon's office but no voice mail at night so I sent a fax asking them to call first thing in the morning.  My husband is understandably worried.  I would like to get him in to see dr Friday.  If it is a stricture what is the procedure?  Down time?  Hospital time?  All that?   (I can't get my husband to visit the boards and I know he needs to) Thanks

Most anastomotic strictures (scar tissue closing the diameter of the Stoma) can be effectively treated by endoscopic dilations. The patient is sedated and an endoscopy will be used to examine to see if this is in fact the problem.  Then a balloon is placed endoscopically, and it is inflated to stretch the opening a bit until the dilation is an appropriate size. It’s often done as out-patient treatment. The bad news is that many who have a stricture will need this procedure done a few times before the stoma remains open at the appropriate diameter. About 7 or 8 of the guys here have had this done, and went on to quickly feel instant relief and ‘normalcy.’ In the meantime? To get a little extra protein in, use the clear proteins such as Zero-Carb Isopure or some type of "Protien Shots" like New-Whey... Just dillute them with some water and as he sips He'll be getting in more protein than even a normal (non-op) Could eat in that amont of time. A GNC or nutition store would have them..... Hope he's doing great soon. Best Wishes- Dx

I have to agree with the other guys. I've had and have a stricture I'm going back in Friday for a second dilation, no big deal usually takes about 45 min. you wake up and with in the hour back to normal might want to take it easy the rest of the day, but thats about it. Protein bullets as Dx shows above are also very good added in SF Jell-O you make from scratch. One box makes I think four 1/2 cup servings my wife put two of the 42g bullets in the mix (use 6oz less water then normal) this gives me a easy way to get in 21g at a time. Any flavor jell-o and any flavored new whey, taste good and you don't even taste the protein. Good Luck, he's lucky to have a wife that cares, as do I. C'ya Bob

DX, How much water do you use to cut the New-Whey?  I've tried a whole one at one time and split one into two parts but never have tried diluting one.  When I drank them I sprayed the back of the toidy.  Can you help a brother out?

I've been using New Whey 42's for the last year or so.  They dilute well with the Crystal Light individual serving packets that you put in bottled water.  I just mix up the crystal light and drink some and mix in some of the new whey.  Works very well for me.

sorry, just saw your message.... I used 1 part New-Whey to 2 to 4 parts water and had it over ice. Just sipped it through the day. Actually I usually just pour about half of one over ice in a big tea-glass And fill it up the rest of the way with water. Also mixing them in to Crystal lite was pretty good. I used to gag on 'em trying to have the straight. Tastes like a cat peed in it. Best Wishes- Dx