Question:
feeling sick 24/7

I am sick to my stomach all day every day. I am 4 weeks out and still cannot eat anything. I throw up a few times a day every day. I had an endoscopy and have an ulcer but no stricture. My opening is only the size of a pen. Does this sound normal?    — jengriggs01 (posted on November 14, 2005)

November 14, 2005
I had the same problem--I could hardly eat, which was a real issue for me because I learned how much emotional comfort I had depended on from food! But, the good news is, I lost ALOT of weight because of this problem--125 pounds. Now, 2 years out, I can eat anything, and I wish I had more sensitivity to food! Try to hang in there and I hope you will be more comfortable soon. Just eat small meals and try not to worry. Take care!!! Jen
   — Jennifer J.

November 15, 2005
jennifer, Do not try to eat real food yet, if you are having that much trouble stay with pureed foods or cream soups. Mashed potatoes with some cheese for added protein. Very small amounts maybe on 2 oz. till your new pouch gets use to it. Take at least 45 min to eat that amount. Chew, chew, chew your food,. You may still be eating too fast and that is causing the nausea & vomiting problems. If your Doc did the endoscopy & could not find any strictures, than you just have to get use to the very small opening. after healing that will do some stretching. Make sure if you can't eat at least you are drinking some protein. I no that some Dr.s don't believe in them, but you have to keep your strength up. Drink water slowly, but, keep drinking even if it is just sip all day long. do not get dehydrated. it could casue bigger problems then you already have. It does get better, & I hope you start feeling better soon. You mihgt try some kind of warm decaf tea, it might help clear your passage way & help with the foamies as well. Marilyn, the Bearlady
   — Marilyn C.

November 16, 2005
The size of a pen? How are they treating the ulcer? And no, it doesn't sound normal. You want the size of a dime, roughly. But if it's all inflamed from the ulcer, I can see how it'd be too small. I had many ulcers the first few years. (But I also had tons of ulcers pre-op).
   — vitalady

November 19, 2005
that is exactly how I was. My doctor had me on liquids for the first six weeks, in fact, but even drinking water made me ill. I threw up all the time, and I was not getting nearly enough water in! Make sure to drink your protein! I still cannot eat as much as I am supposed to, but I rejoice because I am losing weight! Isn't that the point? If you are eating solid food, go back to liquids for a while. Are you taking Pepecid ? My doc has me on prescription nexium or prilosec for my stomach.
   — Novashannon

November 21, 2005
No it doesn't sound normal for the opening size! I vomited everything including water for almost 6 months-my doctor even said I needed a psychiatrist evaluation and what I needed was my opening dialated. After that I am 4 years out and vomit maybe once in a couple of months. I suffered for that first 6 months because my doctor wouldn't listen and I will never let a proffessional treat me like that again! Keep talking and get another opinion - whatever you have to do!
   — ppane35