Question:
Can't keep food down... help...!

Hi... I'm almost 7 weeks post-op and almost 2 weeks ago, my doctor told me that I could start eating real food. Just to take my time eating it. He did not limit any type of food; said pasta was okay, meat was okay... whatever I could tolerate, just eat it slowly. Well... I can't keep anything down and I haven't tried anything meaty; just chicken, tuna, pasta's, crackers, eggs, cheese, etc. I get a full feeling in my esophagus and if I eat more or take a sip of liquid, I throw it all up. So obviously, I'm not getting my protein in. I manage the vitamins fine, though. I don't know if this is psychological or if I have a gagging effect; but, I throw up at least 2 of the 3 meals daily. Has anyone else had this problem? Thanks for answering....    — Peri B. (posted on January 17, 2000)

January 17, 2000
Dearest Linda I went through this..........you are eating too fast and not chewing enough.........NEVER drink up to one hour before a meal and one half an hour after............your pouch is very small and cannot handle both........I hope this helps as I went through the exact same thing.......and by the way (I still do from time to time) It should take you 45-60 mins to eat one meal......grab a book and read a chapter between bites.........chew well make sure there is NO lumps when you swallow........or it gets stuck at the top opening of your tummy TAKE CARE I hope this helps KIMMY
   — whisperskiss

January 17, 2000
First, ask yourself honestly if your are eating too fast? Don't belive what you read, believe yourself... if you believe you are eating very slow, then you need to talk with your dr. I had a similar problem, and when I had my 6 week checkup my dr. scheduled me for my second Endoscopy, he assumed I was just eating too much too! But a week later when he scoped me, he found I had such scar tissue above my new pouch that there was approx. a pen size hole that food was able to get down, so anything with texture hurt, and just about everytime I would "burp" it back up, with so much saliva! I really thought I was all mental and I was causing this problem, I had gone to my support meeting and there were people bragging about eating all kinds of stuff and I was having such a hard time just eating soft soft textured foods... well, the dr. stretched this hole that was so TINY, and I finally felt food in my new pouch... I could hardly even drink liquids easily either... and now it's wonderful! I feel pretty normal, and I can eat anything (within reason) I want to eat! I occasionally eat a little too much but the feeling is totally different from what I felt before. I would compare the feeling of pains to be like... if you have ever ate a really hard chip, and possibly gotten a big peice swallowed, and then you feel it deep in your esphogus?---This was similar to what I felt all the time, when I tried eating anthing but mushy or liquid like foods. Listen to yourself... and if you don't have this scar tissue to worry about, it'll help you know that it's something else :-) best of luck! I had my surgery October 14, 1999 I am sooo close to my first 100lbs of loss! best of luck, I welcome any emails! :-)
   — Jamie T.

January 17, 2000
Peri, I'm no expert, but my Dr. said not to eat any carbs. until weight loss goal has been met. and to avoid sugar, and high fat. Also, not to drink 1/2 before or after a meal, and NEVER during. Remember to chew, chew, chew and take 1/2 hour to eat your meal.
   — Dani J.

January 17, 2000
hi Peri, Did you try baby food first before real food? That is what UCLA has you do and they are just about the best in the country. I had my surgery there and have followed their directions and have had no problems so far. I am 7 months post op. I would be glad to send you a copy of their diet plan if you want. Just send me your email address. mine is [email protected] Cheri
   — Cheri H.

January 17, 2000
I had a problem early on that when I tried to eat I would get an awful pressure in my chest and acouple of times it got so bad I threw-up. I was eating extremely slowly (45min for a meal) and chewing everything to a paste. Yet still at times I could only get 1 to 2 bites in and then I was done. I was told by my clinic that in the beginning if the meal you ate before was too dry or your pouch was still full from the previous meal (it can take a long time to empty in the beginning) then the body produces mucus to help pass the food through. What that means is that there is no room for the food from the next meal to go. It does get better and now at almost 3 months post-op I have not experienced those problems in a while. Good Luck.
   — Jilda H.

January 17, 2000
Hi Peri: The first thing I would do is eliminate the pasta and bread. I know that in my case, even though I chew them into oblivion, when they get into my pouch they clump up together again. Maybe try going back to creamed soups, scrambled eggs, mashed potates, soft fruits and the like to see if this improves. Also, maybe you have a stricture. Definitely talk to your surgeon about this. Eliminate drinking before, during, and after the meal, too. I'm 5 1/2 months post-op, and if I drink anytime around my meal, it's a problem! Vomiting as not good for your new stomach, even though it's been 7 weeks it's still healing. Good luck! How much weight have you lost? Jaye Carl, open proximal RNY 7-29-99, 90 pounds gone forever!
   — Jaye C.