Learning to eat -Post OP
I am 2 weeks post op and I am experimenting with some soft foods. Some foods burn going down and feel like they get stuck in my esophagus. It is awful. It almost takes my breath away and I end up vomitting the bite of food I just swallowed. Also, I have eaten some foods (dry lima beans) and they seem to make me dizzy afterwards. I feel like I need to lie down afterwards. Could I be dumping on beans or did I eat to many? I am trying to get off the protein supplements ASAP and get 60grams of protein through regular food because the protein drinks are making me nauseated. Even the Flinstone vitamins taste bitter. Has anyone experienced this?
I am 6 weeks out and still have to do at least 1 protein shake a day at this point. I am only suppose to eat 300-600 calories and trying to get protein from just food and be below 600 calories is too hard. If you feel like something is getting stuck and you are vomiting then more than likely you are either eating too much too quickly or not chewing up the food well enough. This early out you may not be able to tolerate certain foods - if you keep getting sick off the same thing then you want to wait another 2 weeks before trying again. Not sure about dumpin on the beans.... everything at this point is suppose to be soft but I was told with veggies/fruits to stay away from skin... maybe the outside of the lima bean is having a hard time getting out of your pouch.
Audrey
It definetly sounds like dumping to me, but at two weeks out I would never have considered eating lima beans. At this point you should be eating pureed foods(but this does differ from surgeon to surgeon and nutritionist to nutritionist, just follow your surgeons rules and you'll be okay.
I would suggest not working so hard to get rid of the protein supplements at this time. Protien is essential to healing and body functions. Keep up with the supplements, maybe cutting them in half if you must.
Also, refried beans and cheese from Taco Bell is wonderful, about the right portion size for a meal and you can add the hot sauce if you desire! You can also make these at home, but I found Taco Bell so quick and convenient.
If you are determined to eat the lima beans I would put my portion in a blender, add some chicken broth and mix it till it is mush. then reheat in the microwave. The chicken broth would also add a little protein. 
Keep on experimenting. That's what it is all about.
You also might be eating too fast! I know that at 18 months out that is still a problem I have to contend with. Put your fork or spoon down between every bite and say at least one sentence to some that is there with you before picking up your utensil again. If you are alone then between bites say things like your address, a Bible verse, learn a poem. Anything to slow you down.
Larry
It definetly sounds like dumping to me, but at two weeks out I would never have considered eating lima beans. At this point you should be eating pureed foods(but this does differ from surgeon to surgeon and nutritionist to nutritionist, just follow your surgeons rules and you'll be okay.
I would suggest not working so hard to get rid of the protein supplements at this time. Protien is essential to healing and body functions. Keep up with the supplements, maybe cutting them in half if you must.
Also, refried beans and cheese from Taco Bell is wonderful, about the right portion size for a meal and you can add the hot sauce if you desire! You can also make these at home, but I found Taco Bell so quick and convenient.
If you are determined to eat the lima beans I would put my portion in a blender, add some chicken broth and mix it till it is mush. then reheat in the microwave. The chicken broth would also add a little protein.
Keep on experimenting. That's what it is all about.
You also might be eating too fast! I know that at 18 months out that is still a problem I have to contend with. Put your fork or spoon down between every bite and say at least one sentence to some that is there with you before picking up your utensil again. If you are alone then between bites say things like your address, a Bible verse, learn a poem. Anything to slow you down.
Larry 
Audrey have you tried the Isopure fruit drinks?...they are carb/sugar free and have 40 grams of protein in 20 ounces. You can buy them them in bottles or in powder. I like them because they are not very sweet and the reason I can't drink the other supplements is because of the sweet taste...it nauseates me to my core.
Audrey,
I had surgery 5/22/2006, I had to do 2 week of liquids post op, then pureed for 2 weeks, then on to foods. I had a lot of trouble eating pureed and soft foods, they really grossed me out. I mostly drank NSA/CIB with a scoop of Any Whey unflavored protein powder. Then I also ate a lot of mashed potatoes with the Any Whey added to them. I tried several other pureed recipes and anything with a texture over mashed potates did not stay with me and caused a lot of pressure.
I had many of the same symptoms you described when I started on purees. I was told I ate too fast and too much, but I complained and complained about it being painful and vomiting regularly when I did eat, and fianlly my doctor put me on steriods, and this really helped. So he thinks my pouch was still inflamed and swollen from surgery.
Since you are two weeks out, maybe try more liquids based stuff instead of full beans. ALso mention the steriods to your doctor and see what he thinks.
Jamie mentioned the Isopure, I found these to be too sweet but that is just me. However, since I had bought several bottles of them and did not want to waste, the wonderful Bobby at Dr. V's office gave me a great tip. Mix half Isopure with half water in a 24 oz water bottle. I could not drink water post op, it was way too heavy or something, still can't drink it, but this 1/2 and 1/2 mixture tasted good (it took away the sweetness) and gave me the protein I despartely needed.
Rachel
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