Question:
food will not go dowm, bad feeling in chest

I have had two endoscopes. The first one showed a stricture, which was dialated. I was still having problems so they did another one which showed that there was nothing wrong. I am not eating too fast or to much. I starve myself all day because I know if I eat I will be miserable for 4-5 hours, and this is only about 5 bites eaten very slowly. I can not drink for 4 hour after I eat because everything is stuck in my chest. I hear a gurrleing sound then feel it back in my throat and then chest discomfort. My surgen says that the endoscope and UGI are normal so it must be in my head, but I know it's not. I vomit everyday to get rid of the feeling in my chest. My throat hurts so much from vomiting. I am 4 months out from a RNY lap and have vomited everyday for four months. I am so depressed. What can I do? I am not crazy and this is no in my head. I am in constant discomfort. I am either starving, nauseated, or vomiting. Surgery is suppost to give you a better life, not put you in pain. Please help me!!! How do I get help, when my surgen says nothing is wrong?    — melissa J. (posted on February 10, 2001)

February 9, 2001
Sorry to hear of your trouble. Since your doctor has not been helpful and tests show no problem, I can only tell you what I would try. If this was happening to me, I would go back to sipping liquids only for a week or more. Blended food after that, then solids. I'll be praying for your recovery!
   — Shirley P.

February 9, 2001
Melissa- I too have had a similar experience. I am now almost 6 mo. out of RNY . It does get better hon! My doc explained that some of us have a more sensitive pouch. The idea of going back to liquid, then soft foods is a good one.I still have some problems but I am no longer vomiting daily.That gurgling sound gets me too! I thought I was nuts! Now problem is just mainly with meats. But it is getting much better. Find a good protein powder so you sustain yourself! Good luck- my prayers are with you.
   — Jill M.

February 10, 2001
hi, i had surgery on dec.2,2000, i too have this problem whenever i try to eat anything that is not totally pureed. i have tomake sure that there is no spicy stuff, no meats, in the pureed mix also. it is a horrible feeling, i recently has pureed tomatoes, and was miserable all day, nothing helped except to vomit it up, and to not eat or drink at all for at least 6 hours.... i cannot tolerate any chewed foods at this point, so its yogurt, broth, protein drinks, jello,protein powder w/milk and other pureed foodstuffs until my pouch heals ... we all are so different!!! hope you feel better, you are "not" alone in this nasty experience..... viola
   — viola C.

February 10, 2001
First, do not make yourself vomit every day! You are doing more harm than good. I don't have your particular problem but when I don't chew well enough and the food gets stuck, rather than make myself throw up (which I have to only occasionally), I get up and walk around. Sometimes just standing will help. Sometimes I walk to the kitchen and start cleaning up. The relaxation helps the food to go down. If I am in a restaurant, I just walk to the restroom. The stuck food has usually gone down by the time I reach the restroom. You may also need another doctor's opinion.
   — Pat B.

February 11, 2001
Hi Melissa, You are among friends=;) I am 4+ months post-op. This uncomfortable feeling-that you describe- still bothers me several times+ a week. Although, it is slowly improving. Keep in mind that constant throwing-up will cause throat tissue swelling and pouch opening swelling and irritation. You must wait for the swelling to subside before eating solid food again...So I agree with the other comments...temporarily return to all blenderized and pureed foods (2 to 3 days). For me personally...it often helps to chew up 1 or 2 tums immediately before eating solids. Hang tough!! ((Hugs)) Sharon
   — Sharon M.

February 13, 2001
This very same thing happen to me and it was happening also with clear liquids. I went back into the hospital and I had a stricture that was dilated like you said you had. However the doctor said this may happen again, however they could open it back up in not using endoscopy but through radiology. I would continue to express this with my doctor. it sounds like another stricture.
   — gcs8v

February 13, 2001
Melissa, We chatted privately. Please let us know what you found out from your surgeon. All the best,
   — [Deactivated Member]

February 13, 2001
Melissa, I am sorry that you are suffering - but I must admitt that I feel sooooo releived that someone else is having exactly the same problem, same symptoms as I am. Isn't that terrible! I thought I was alone. It looks like there is already some great advice posted in answer to your question. I completely sympathize with your pain, discomfort and depression. I thought for sure by now I would be able to eat solids, it just doesn't seem fair. I'm afraid to even attempt solids now for fear of another choking/gagging/barfing/chest-pain episode. Even after only a couple of well chewed bites! I try to look on the bright side while I wait for things to get better: I have lost 70 #'s in less that 7 weeks. I hope you find someone to take you seriously and can get you some relief. I have to wait for my 3 month checkup before my Dr. will even order me an Endoscopy. This certainly isn't what I had bargained for, it's hard to be patient. Good luck!
   — Kerri B.