Question:
Pain with liquids and/or food?

I wonder if my belly was "asleep" after the surgery, because I felt hungry, I didn't feel full, and all of a sudden this week (3.5 weeks out) I really know when I am full, infact it feels like a horse kicked me in the chest, and like I have a rib separator lodged in my right ribs in my back. It is insane! Sometimes only after drinking water...anybody else experience this? I am not eating and drinking near the same times, I am eating sugar free, non-fat, and pureed to very soft foods, measuring out my food and only eating about 3-4 tbsp at a time. Luckily this feeling passes in usually 5-10 min, but WOW while it's there it feel like a lifetime. I hate it, so I have been eating only about 1/2 of what I measure so that I try to avoid that feeling at all costs!! Is this common? It's horrid!    — Tomi D. (posted on October 14, 2007)

October 14, 2007
This too shall pass..... I remember having this feeling as well, never did find out what is was. But I know I no longer have this happening. Just eat/drink what you can and speak with your surgeon.
   — Toni Todd

October 14, 2007
It's gas...still trying to finish escaping through our bodies from the surgery. Get up and move around as much as you can and it will pass faster...the fullness feeling helps you to recognize that you are full. This is a GOOD thing! You are lucky, you actually get to feel this, some don't and it hinders them. (I am also lucky and I am able to feel it too only not as bad) I am about 6 1/2 months out and know my limits so I am good to go on that aspect. We never really felt this before, so LISTEN when this happens and or avoid it by eating less. Good luck, God bless, and welcome to the losing side!
   — crystalsno

October 14, 2007
I had this too. I have the most horrid cramps if I eat a full portion of anything and yes, it occurs with water, solid food or liquidified foods. It seems the softer the food is the more I can tolerate. Its occurs only when I eat. Exercise and moving around makes no difference. One day I can eat a half cup of chili and the next time I eat chili I can tolerate only a few spoonfuls. It felt like my stomach has different sensitivities. Doctor says it is nothing so, I'm passing it on to you.
   — Anna C.

October 14, 2007
how much of what are you trying to eat over how much time? our program here is clear liquids for 4 weeks (plus protein & vites, of course), so I can't really identify with food so early. But also your being 3 weeks out starts jangling some bells for me.
   — vitalady

October 14, 2007
it sounds like you might be eating too fast -- slow it down to a snails pace -- when ppl say slow they mean really really really slow -- take itty bitty bites and let it go down slow -- sip real slow -- don't take a mouthful or even a half a mouthful -- try it and see if it works for you
   — RCassety

October 15, 2007
Another thought---do you still have your Gallbladder?? Julia
   — Julia W.

October 15, 2007
Gall bladder and appendix are gone ;o)
   — Tomi D.