Question:
I have a friend that recently had Lap RNY 3 weeks ago. He has severe pain upon eating

His diet has gone to stage 2, he has severe pain upon eating that doesn't go away until he forces himself to vomit. He is also experiences alot of nausea. I had my surgery 5 years ago and never had any of this so I am looking for advice from all, can you please help me to help him? Thanks    — vanessabee (posted on December 31, 2008)

December 31, 2008
First off, He should probably call his Doctor. In the meantime my advice would be to go back to the liquid phase. Make sure he isn't eating to fast, or too much. I hope he finds answers soon.
   — VickiLyn

December 31, 2008
Tell your friend that he is probably taking too big a bites...not chewing his food to mush...... Rules: Take bites no bigger than a pea Chew each bite until it is mush Put your fork down between bites Make sure the meats you eat are very moist and tender Avoid eating steak at first as it is dense If he gets stuck ( that what causes the hurting ) Sip ( don't drink ) room temperature pineapple juice until you get it to go down or come up. If he continues to make himself throw up he can cause his band to slip.......sounds like he is having trouble taking those small bites....tell him to get a small set of silverware that will help alot......he needs to slow down and follow the rules and this should stop happening to him. there is a group on Yahoo call Bandbuddies try going to them as there is a lady on that group that sells small sets of silverware to Banded people.....good luck Pam Never drink with your meals
   — pphillips4720aol.com

December 31, 2008
I had this same problem and I went back to my doctor and he found out that my opening was closing with scar tissue, so they went in an opened it back up. It only take about one hour from the time they put you to sleep and your wide awake again and it don't hurt a bit. They say you might need it done up to 3 time befor it takes but mine worked on the first time. GO see you baratic doctor right away. GOD BLESS and good luck.
   — LBowker

January 1, 2009
Sounds like a stricture might be forming...but only a doctor will be able to help him if it is...Otherwise he is eating too much...too fast and not chewing or pureeing his food. If he does not have a stricture and continues to eat this way, he will probably stretch or tear his stoma...and if he is over eating constantly could be stretching or tearing his pouch too...He either needs to slow down and not try to eat normally...but very much like a baby, just a tiny taste at a time and go see his doc to be certain something else is not causing this trouble. Papaya enzymes (chewable tablets) help break down food fast when this happens on occassion...but his problem is more than just an occassion...Either way...all that pain is not normal and he could hinder healing properly and get unhealthy very quickly with inadequate nutrition...
   — .Anita R.

January 1, 2009
Vanessa, please tell your friend, that he is still very early out, and everyone is different I know this however, I would strongly suggest he stick to his liquads much longer and do protein shakes and jello, pudding, soups and whatever else is in that catagory, and let that pouch heal. His may not be ready at all for foods and to me it is way to early for that for him. Tell him I know thisis what my doctor would definately say to do and yet I say he should stilla sk his siurgeon so he hears it from hsi own. And to not worry about eating foods he will be better off without them for now and lose more anyway...this is the period of tiem he wants to enjoy not eating food and enjoy the major weight loss. When he does eat, his pouch may be a snug one and he may have ot take very small portions like a spoonfull here and one more an hour later and eventually life will resume to normal in the eating department for him and he willw ish he was right back here like my daughter and i do right now. Good luck to him and Happy New Year Donna
   — WannaBThin4OnceInMyLife

January 1, 2009
Get him to his doc ASAP. Go back to the liquid diet for now and find out what is causing this pain. Any emotional issues bothering him, perhaps? Good Luck, God Bless and Happy New Year, vinnigirl, retired RN
   — vinnigirl

January 1, 2009
I experienced the exact same thing and was hospitalized for 10 days and my surgeon had no explaination for it. I still vomit or make myself vomit at least 6 times a week and I am 4 months out. I chew very carefully and it can happen with a food I have succesfully eaten before. My doctor is no help at all. I don't have any advise just wanted you to know your friend is not alone. Good luck and god bless.
   — hannahsmom1014

January 1, 2009
Happy New Year everyone! My advice? Slow down, chew, chew, chew, chew, and chew your food until each little bite you take is completely liquid. Then, swallow it. By all means, contact your doctor and let him/her know what is going on: this is not normal. Also, why would he consider eating food if it hurts and he has to vomit? Same advise for the lady who vomits 6 times a week. Vomiting causes acids to form in the mouth, which wears away the enamel to a person's teeth! Wear away the enamel, and teeth fall out: vomiting is a quick and easy way to end up with false teeth! Blessings, Christine Gibson, MS, MA, OH Coach and WLS Support Group Leader
   — Christine Gibson