Question:
Foamies

I have another question...lol I dont eat a whole lot neither do i drink a whole lot but i am getting the foamies and throwing up still. I just had an endoscopy done on friday 9-25-09 and had my opening stretched thought that would work and it didnt. Does anyone have any advice. I cant sleep and its worse at night. But i know it is not due to overeating. Please Help it feels like im about dead. Making me regret my decision to have the bypass done. I have been sick like this for the last 3 weeks. Thanks Nikki    — nik2909 (posted on September 28, 2009)

September 28, 2009
Nikki, you may be taking too big a bite, not chewing it well enough, or eating it too quickly. That was happening to me. When they say your bites should be about the size of your little fingernail, they really mean it. I also had a stricture and had to be dilated, and still had some problems for a month or two afterwards. And I also found that for some reason, chicken didn't sit well with me, and neither did fish...which was strange, because on my pre-op diet, I didn't have any problems with them at all. I'm seven months out now, and I still can't eat them and will throw them up if they are at all dry. They have to be really juicy, or I have to have at lest SOME drippings or gravy to dip the pieces in. I found some great vegetarian entrees at Safeway, called Gardein. They are textured tempeh, and they taste like chicken but are much moister and easier to digest for me, and still high in protein (although not as high as the chicken or fish). You can also get them at Whole Foods. I also eat tuna from the pouches - in different flavors - but make sure that it is well-moistened with light mayo and some dill relish first. Up until recently, I would average my food getting "stuck" at least once or twice a week. But now, I've finally gotten it through my thick skull that I need to take SMALLER BITES and CHEW CHEW CHEW. And still, once in a while I'll get stuck. I hope this helps, it can be really frustrating. Oh, and you say you don't drink a lot. That could be a HUGE part of your problem. You've GOT to drink. If water is a problem for you, then try Crystal Light, or the Benefiber Flavored stick packs (that way you're getting in your extra fiber as well as good-tasting strawberry-kiwi flavored water). I personally don't like the taste of water, so I buy Aquafina flavor splash, and try to get in two bottles from midnight to noon, and two more bottles from noon to midnight. That gives me my 64+ ounces. Drinking enough is sooooo important. And finally, try some of the softer foods for a while...like Kroger Carbmaster Yogurt, which is very low in carbs and high in protein. I mix a little Nutricology Fiber in with it and eat it right away (otherwise the fiber changes the texture). Or, I get Oikos Plain Greek Yogurt and add some vanilla extract, splenda, and Polaner Sugar-Free Strawberry Preserves with Fiber and have some of that. Give your pouch and stoma time to heal after the dilation. It will get better, I guarantee it. I'm down 110 pounds, and happier than I've ever been. It will be worth it to you in the long run. Good luck and blessings to you.
   — Erica Alikchihoo

September 28, 2009
I agree with the first answer. I had that too. I think we all experience it at some point and time. You need to take small bites. The opening to the stomach is only the width of your small pinkie finger. So imagine trying to push a lot of food down it at once. Not a pretty picture. Take your time, small bites and chew until your food is mushy.
   — Kristy

September 28, 2009
anytime i have got the faomies is when i didn't chew like i should have and the faomies were horrible until i wind up throwing up.i am 8 weeks out.
   — carolyn1970

September 28, 2009
I agree totally with all the above posts. I am two years out and have learned if I eat too fast or don't chew my food until it is puree'd consistancy, I will get the foamies & even throw up. My old bad habits of scrafing food down without paying attention seem to try to creep back in when I let my guard down. Don't swallow one bite until it is chewed to death. Good luck. The foamies are no fun!
   — BonnieP

September 29, 2009
I have to agree and add and that sometimes if I consume too much artificail sugars..or alcohols that I get them too. Best of luck to you!
   — gpcmist