Question:
3 weeks out, have PAIN while swallowing crackers and cream of wheat - HELP

kinda scared. i should be on full liguids, but like many after 3 weeks i am going crazy with it. i can add soft foods in 2 days - cottage cheese, scrambled eggs, etc... i tried cream of wheat 4 days ago and was in SO MUCH PAIN in my throat i thought i would die. i went back to liquids, and then tried a saltine followed by sips of soup... same thing, real pain in my throat and felt like nothing could get into my stomach. had to force vomit to releive pain. WHAT AM I DOING WRONG? i've read where so many of you are eating all kinds of things after 3 weeks... pizza? the thought scares the pee outta me! any thoughts would be appreciated!    — glblgal (posted on December 31, 2003)

December 30, 2003
People heal at different rates and you sure don't want to rush things if your body isn't ready for it. I was on full liquids for the first 2 weeks. I did my protein drinks, blenderized soups, cottage cheese, sugar free popsicles. Then after the doctor okayed it, I moved to soft foods like cooked cereals, overcooked pastas, soft veggies, etc. You may want to talk to your doctor about this. I don't do pizza now and I'm a year and a half out now, so if people are doing pizza at 3 weeks, they're doing so at great risk to themselves. Caution is a good thing while you're healing.
   — Cathy S.

December 30, 2003
The two foods that you mention are very hard for us to eat at first. I can't touch cream of wheat or crackers. I am 6 months post-op and still don't try starches like crackers, cream of wheat, or grits. They just don't agree with us. You should stick to vegetables in a broth, or meats that have a broth or some sort of salsa or low cal or low fat broth with them. I feel your pain. I have had trouble with the same things for months. Just take your time and try to keep your food moist and chew like crazy. Don't get discouraged. As time goes on you will find that you don't want the same things as you did pre-op. Crackers are a no-no. They have no nutritional value and just cause you to gain weight because they are made of flour and salt. Try to eat foods that are high in protein and those that are loaded with vitamins. We can only eat small portions, whatever you put in your pouch should be full of good nutrition. Good luck. :>
   — Suzann G.

December 31, 2003
I'm 8 weeks out, and had trouble with those things in the beginning. They gave me Cream of Wheat while I was still in the hospital, and I couldn't keep it down. Tried again a week after I got home, and had the same problem. I just tried it again yesterday, and didn't have any problem with it. My doctor emphasizes a well-balanced diet, and both he and the dietician at my diabetes specialist's office tell me to eat carbs in moderate amounts, so I have been doing some of the crackers, cereal, etc. even though I still push the protein. I'd say listen to your pouch...it's trying to let you know it's just not ready. Things will get better as you go along.
   — Shelly M.

December 31, 2003
I agree with the CofW thing...it was the first thing that really made me barf...even though I made it very runny. I would say that if cottage cheese and eggs are okay...you are just fine...if not, then I would talk to your doc.
   — eaamc

January 1, 2004
I too am 3 weeks out and my Doc says I can have chicken and fish and stuff as long as I chew chew chew...but he said no bread, pasta, crackers, etc. That these things can get into pouch and become a kind of plug that can block the exit out. Just what I was told but it made sense. Good luck.
   — victoria W.