Question:
I can only keep down liquids....

This may be lengthy. I am nearly 5 weeks post op and only decaf tea, water, creamed soups, and broth go down well. The problem is this: I can ONLY eat saltines and grahams w/peanut butter. My pureed plan the doctor prescribes for 8 wks consists of this: pureed fruits/veggies, cot cheese, tuna, rice, (I know! tuna and rice? that didn't go down at all!) saltines, grahams, eggs, milk and that's about it. I know it seems wonderful but if I can't keep it down, then it's NOT wonderful. I vomit 3-4 times a week trying something on this list and the nurse INSISTS that I stay on liquids indefinitely??? and says I'm normal. I've complained since surgery that food "gets stuck" in my esophagus and she says this is normal. I am so emotional and nearly faint at times...down 30 pounds since surgery. I finally INSISTED on seeing the doctor (she wouldn't let me) prior to my June 18 visit. I go tomorrow (Tues 6/4) and please GOD let him give me some answers. I get diarrhea with milk and diluted juice (never before surgery did this happen). Does this sound normal to ANYONE? Please give me some feedback--I am really starting to regret this surgery. I have a leg injury but start water aerobics soon--yes, I chew and chew and don't drink liquids with my meal....everything I'm supposed to do. HELP?    — KristyKatt (posted on June 3, 2002)

June 3, 2002
Actually, everything you are going thru DOES sound normal for 5 weeks, as uncomfortable as you may be feeling. All you can do at this point is have faith that things will be getting better for you as time goes on. The more time that passes, you will gradually be able to keep things downs. I'm 7 months and still have a hard time with alot of foods. For instance, meat. It has to be prepared a certain way, such as in chili, you know "disguised" in a way. But to eat a bite out of a burger, or a bite out of a chicken breast, etc. forget it. It's not happening. So I supplement with protein drinks and other ways to get the protein in. It's still all new to you. Go with what you can tolerate and the other stuff will come. Best wishes on your journey.
   — Annie H.

June 3, 2002
I had 2 strictures. The first one I couldn't even tolerate my own saliva. The second one sounds a lot like what you describe. I could tolerate liquids, but anything thicker (yogurt, mash. pot., cottage ch.) would get stuck. It was painful and you shouldn't have to feel that way. After my second dilation, I was able to eat 1/4 grilled chicken sandwich from chick-fila. They told me to leave the hospital and go eat something solid to encourage the opening to stay open. That chicken sandwich was calling my name. I also ate a salad in the next couple of days, and did fine. I felt so much better after being able to eat. I would definitely insist on seeing the doctor. Your stoma should not be that closed up.
   — Cheri M.

June 3, 2002
Kristy, It sounds like you have a stricture. I am 3.5 weeks post op and had to be readmitted to the hospital on my 3 week anniversary for a stricture. Basically, I had over-produced scar tissue and my opening had narrowed. I was only able to put in small amounts of liquids... anything thicker I would vomit up. I don't think what you're describing is "normal" for 5 weeks as the nurse is stating. At 5 weeks, you should be able to eat soft foods like tuna, eggs, veggies, etc. without them being pureed. The only way to know if you have a stricture or not is to have a barium swallow x-ray done. When I had mine done, it showed that two small swallows of liquid completely filled my pouch and backed up into my esaphagus. The surgeon said liquid should run right through. I was then taken for an EGD where they placed a scope and balloon down my pouch and into the opening. They dilated the opening. I feel great and have returned to normal eating. Please demand that a barium swallow x-ray be done on you. It's your body and your healthcare. Best of luck to you.
   — juliehedges