Question:
What is normal?

I am just wondering how many bites people can eat at each meal? Most meals for me include only about 4 or 5 bites of something like soup. I can not eat most foods yet. Is this common? Most foods make me vomit. How would I know if I had a stricture or something? Sometimes I can drink liquids but water usually makes me vomit. Please any help would be appreciated.    — Lois M. (posted on November 10, 2001)

November 10, 2001
If it was just solids, I'd say, yeah, sure learning curve, but WATER, no. How does your protein supp go down? Better than water? Not as good? You'll need to call your doc, as the common denominator seems to be the timing (about 4 weeks) and the water. Don't be afraid as the fixit procedure is minimal. Inconvenient, but not painful or gross.
   — vitalady

November 10, 2001
The TASTE of water made me nauseous at first, after a month or so thankfully that went away. During this time I only drank strong grape sugar free kool aid. For a day or so tr eating just half a egg, over 20 minutes. A whole egg took me 1/2 hour to eat if scrambled, less if soft boiled. These unreal times are no longer a problem. But early on taking it slow and cautious is important. I read your profile and advise against intentionally making yourself vomit, long term a few might make it a bad habit.After a couple months these issues went away. Theyy arent all bad, they help to turn us off on food, a valuable if tough adjustment. Congrats on your loss, and just take one day at a time.
   — bob-haller

November 12, 2001
I am about 5 months out, and until just a few weeks ago a meal for me consisted of 3 or 4 bites. But then again, I was water loading right before I ate. As to how you know if you have a stricture? I can tell you my experience. If you vomit more than 3 or 4 times a week....it's likely. It's easy to blame the vomiting on this surgery...I'm eating things I'm not ready for, I'm eating too fast, I'm not chewing well enough. And maybe these are true. BUT...if you consciously try to change these things and are still vomiting, a stricture is likely. Mine happened at about 2 months, and now just again at 4 and a half months. What can I say...I'm just a good healer....healing my stoma right closed! Hehe. If you keep vomiting, particularly if you're at the stage where you vomit any liquids, mention the endoscope to your surgeon. I waited too long the first time, and I was way malnourished by the time I had my endoscopic dilation. I didn't wait this time. I threw up 4 times in a week...and I knew it was time. And don't worry if this procedure is where you are headed. It is a cake walk. You're so drugged (conscious sedation) and the procedure itself takes 15 mins with an hour in recovery. Half day off work...and I feel as good as new. Whether or not this is your problem, best of luck!
   — Tracy L.