Question:
Has anyone had problems eating meats after surgery?

I am 8 weeks post op and when I eat meat it hurts so bad I cannot stand it. I chew well and I only eat maybe 1 1/2 - 2 ozs at a time.I don't understand this. Can anyone help?Thanks.    — jamie C. (posted on May 25, 2002)

May 25, 2002
I had trouble at first, and if something is going to give me trouble, it will be meats. We were always required to use protein supps, so I never HAD to eat meat, never cared either way, but sometimes it's easier if you can. In my case, it just took awhile. Seemed like every 3 months I got a new set of "rules" issued by my pouch. I learned to listen and obey and then things were MUCH easier for me! However, in your case, if this continues, please see your doc and make sure your outlet (exit from pouch) is not closed or closing.
   — vitalady

May 25, 2002
I am over 2 years post op and the only meat I ever had a problem with and still do is chicken...it cant be dry at all or it just sits hard in my stomach and makes me feel miserable until I throw it up.
   — Debbie M.

May 25, 2002
It could be that your stoma is just tight enough to where things like meat get stuck. That hurts and then you want to throw it up to relieve the pain. That is what it felt like when I had my strictures, but it felt that way with even my own spit. After I was 'done' with my strictures, I was still pretty tight because I couldn't tolerated meats, even chewed super good and teeny bites, so I gave up on them for a little while, I thought forever. Then later on I was able to tolerate the small bites chewed to death, but at that point they weren't enjoyable. So I had pretty much given up on eating meats ever again. I do the prot. supps anyway so it was no biggie. Just recently I got a craving for filet mignon and lo and behold, it went down so smooth, without having to chew it to dryness. So, my point here is that maybe you just need to give it a little time and try again. It was successful for me just a couple of weeks ago at 6 months post-op.
   — Cheri M.

May 26, 2002
I am 7 weeks post ob and my dr told me not to have or attempt to have meat for at least 3 months from my surgery date. He told me that meat is very hard to digest especially the red meats. I can tolerate some chicken and fish but i am staying away from the red meats till he gives the ok . I was told it takes a good 3 months for that new tummy to heal and eating red meat is hard on the new pouch . I hope this helps :-)))))
   — sallie P.

May 29, 2002
I have the same problem you have, when I eat beef or pork and certain fish. I also noticed that when I eat processed pork for beef it's ok. I am 14 post op. I guess my system just isn't ready for it.
   — Carolyn M.