Question:
I am 5 weeks post op and the first 3 weeks went so easily.

I was on blended foods and was able to eat quite a variety with no problems. Since starting on regular foods, I get this lump in my throat when I eat. It begins after just the 2nd or 3rd bite so it isn't because I am eating too much. I barely get in 1/2 cup usually. The only foods that I have no problem with are oatmeal, cottage cheese, applesauce, mixed fruit in natural juices, and carnation instant breakfast (sugar free) which I blend with a banana. Soups seem OK. Basically, it seems I can tolerate soft foods, but any meats or chili (which I ate quite a bit of the first 3 weeks) cause this stuck feeling in my throat or this sharp pain in my center back. I have thown up after lunch the last two days. I love cottage cheese, but really want to start eating "normal" soon. Any suggestions?    — Brenda A. (posted on June 7, 2002)

June 6, 2002
Hello! I'm five weeks post-op and as soon as I went from liquids to soft foods (about 7 days out), I had that sensation. It took about a week before it went away. I had two thoughts when this happened: 1)the tube down my throat during surgery had iritated the lining of my throat or 2)my throat was a bit constricted because it had just had liquids sliding down it. I was going to bring it up as a concern to my doctor at my ten day visit, but by the time I went to him, it was pretty much non-existent. I eat anything I want now with no difficulty. It will be fine! Good luck! 4/29/02 Open RNY -35
   — stacey L.

June 6, 2002
Brenda, The best thing I can suggest is to CHEW CHEW CHEW and then Chew some more.... you'll notice that it doesn't hurt as bad when it goes down that way.... I like to think of it as "getting the full flavor of EVERY bite". :-) As for trying meats... luckily I'm able to tolerate pulled pork from Buddies (in small amounts mind you). Try just buying the meat and putting a small amount of sauce on it. It tastes good and as long as you take small bites you should able to swallow it with no problem.
   — lindajenkins

June 7, 2002
Maybe you ARE eating too much! I had rny and I could only eat 2-3 ounces at a time for about 4 months. The foods you say you have no problems with are mushy and/or liquidy foods that will pass on thru your pouch. When I get that feeling in my throat I know it is time to stop eating. Don't feel like you HAVE to eat a certain amount. Stop when your body tells you to or you will throw up and/or be miserable. Stuff like chicken, veggies, etc. will fill up the limited amount of space in your pouch and stay there for a while. That's what they're supposed to do! Eat frequent, small meals--stopping when you're full--and you will be fine. Later down the road you will be able to eat larger amounts.
   — ctyst

June 7, 2002
I have noticed that I have the same thing whenever I eat something too fast. Sometimes I forget to chew chew chew and I swallow one bite after another too quickly. It causes this harsh pressure in my throat and I eventually end up throwing up. Try spacing out each bite a little longer and see if that helps.
   — Kelly M.

June 7, 2002
Hi Brenda, been there done that! I am 11wks post-op & sometimes still get that "stuck" or "lump-like" feeling. The best suggestion is to take your time & chew-chew-chew. If you must take a sip of water. Best wishes! ~ Debbie
   — Deborah F.

June 7, 2002
Nothing new to add, just wanted to tell you I too am 5 weeks post op, and if I don't puree something, I get the same feeling. I posted a question about this very thing the other day. Apparently the trick is tiny bites, and chewing a lot. I've got the chewing a lot down, and I'm working on the tinier bites. I guess it'll just take time for the tummy to adjust. Good luck to both of us! :)
   — KelBurt