Question:
Has anyone post op found out that their lower esophageal sphinter was missing?

Had been vomitting off and on since surgery. Liquids are fine but solids especially meats come up. Even if they are pureed if it has a texture up it comes. Had a barium swallow done, came out fine, no strictures. Had an EGD done and GI specialist said Lower esophageal sphinter was missing. Have no history of reflux. Now pouch cant fill up. Have basically a tube from mouth to instestine and nothing stopping it in between. If I sneeze after eating or lean over up comes the food....called my surgeon's office...they said never heard of anything like that before. Surgeon did not require GI consult before surgery so don't know if preexisting condition....please respond...weigh loss going fine...down 65 pounds at 3mo post op... Thanks    — Muriel M. (posted on October 11, 2002)

October 12, 2002
Can't advise about the physical part, only know that many drs don't advise red meats until close to 1 yr post op. What kinds of meat are you eating. I could not digest chicken for over 2 years, so it is a very individual thing. I would stay with the softer, milder foods for awhile. If you are a fish eater, fresh fish has lots of protein and poached or grilled is still very soft. I do cheese, plain yougert and cottage cheese that are high in protein. Many of the frozen dinners are high in protein but because of the processing the meat is eatier to digest. Hope this will help with the food piece.
   — Elizabeth K.