Question:
At 5 l/2 weeks post op I can't keep solids down more than once or twice in two days

Liquids and peanut butter crackers stay down--why am I throwing up so much???    — Judy B. (posted on June 24, 2002)

June 24, 2002
Hi... Sorry you're not feeling well. I am now 11 wks post op and no longer have those problems but when I did, I went back to basics of soups, broth, jello...simple things and try to make sure to get your protein in. Part of why this is happening is that your body is recovering from major surgery and your pouch is recovering also. In the beginning too it is important to have small bites and chew them to death before swallowing and eat and drink slowly. Sometimes vomiting can occur if you don't do that. Keep your diet simple and get the protein in and you'll be ok. If vomiting occurs though with anything you eat, let your Dr. know as strictures can occur too. Try things for protein like cheese, yogurt, SF pudding, cottage cheese if you like it...things like that. Something that worked well for me was low fat white corn tortilla chips with mozzarella & cheddar cheese on them and nuke them for about a minute... good protein and plus you get some texture. My best to you.
   — AJC750

June 24, 2002
I feel your pain (10 weeks post op), I threw up every day for 8 weeks, I kept nothing down. I was only able to drink the nasty protein shakes and broth and jello. Water did not even stay down for me. I did have a stricture and did go in for same day surgery. I felt so much better right after that, drinking actually felt good going down as to before all i did was sip and puke. My question to myself everytime I ate was "Do you feel like throwing up today?" Good luck and eat light your still early in the surgery. if your vomiting continues or you feel uncomfortable see your DR
   — Lovett

June 24, 2002
I had this problem and went back to liquids, peppermint tea would stay down. I found out that the problem was that I was swallowing a pill that was too big to go through the little opening, which is about as round as an eraser on a mechanical pencil. When I started cutting the pills up, the throwing up got easier. Also, I tried to eat some roast beef, which is very tender, but it was getting stuck also. Good luck!
   — Lisa L.

June 24, 2002
I've been going through the same exact thing. I'm 7 weeks out and have been throwing up for the past 4 weeks. I have finally realized that my eyes are bigger than my stomach and that I need to eat smaller and chew better. When I forget to do that, it's going to come up. I have also noticed that I can't tolerate thick sauces and creamy sauces on things. You should be chewing every bite so small that it takes you a minute or two to chew it. Try doing that with each bite and see if it makes a difference. I was going to have another endoscopy done and my doctor asked me to give this a try and for the most part it has worked. I take a normal-sized bite and then chew the food thoroughly. I then seperate it into parts in my mouth and swallow it in pieces. I know it sounds gross but it has worked for me. Good luck to you.
   — Michael N.

June 24, 2002
I thought I was reading my own question! All my post-op friends thin I am a freak, because I am 9 weeks out, and stsill vomitting daily. I chew so slowly, and eat slowly too... to the point where my TMJ is now beginning to be a problem (migraines, etc.). The only things I can keep down are liquids and very wet/juicy food, like watermellon. Even refried beans make me sick. I know how frustrated you must be. Good luck on figuring it out, because I haven't been able to. I will watch this post for updates ;)
   — kultgirl