Question:
My stomach and back hurt all the time - Am I hungry or did I eat something I shouldnt

Almost every day, sometimes numerous times a day, my stomach starts aching and my back hurts something awful. Like today for example: I ate 1/2 cup chicken broth. As soon as I was done, my stomach starting aching and my back is throbing! I don't feel nauseaus or anything, just pain. I am 3 weeks post op. Am I still hungry, or did I eat too much, or am I dumping?? My doc told me to eat 1/2 cup at my 3 main meal times and then up to a 1/2 c at my 3 snack times. Thanks for any answers.    — sibarra (posted on October 9, 2003)

October 9, 2003
How long did it take you to eat the 1/2 cup of chicken broth? Maybe you sipped it too quickly. I have a difficult time relating to this as I was eating grilled pork chops at three weeks. I also don't understand why your back would be hurting unless you've got some gas. It definitely isn't dumping. You might want to call your surgeon's office and talk to someone there.
   — Patty_Butler

October 9, 2003
How does water taste? How does it feel if you gently press the area directly below your breastbone?
   — vitalady

October 9, 2003
Let me know what you find out...I have the same pains. But I am 2 years out and it just started. I had similar pains a year ago and it was an ulcer, but this that I am having now is different. I'm sure it could be many many things....go to the doctor! I am. :)
   — RebeccaP

October 9, 2003
Hi Sarah. Check with your doctor. I am now 11 months out. I remember not being able to eat more than about 1/4 cup at a time until about 4-6 weeks. I remember trying to push it, and getting the stomach aches and back ache. You might be eating too much, too quickly, or just too soon. Everyone is different. I've learned that when my stomach even slightly starts to hurt or my nose starts running (no matter how much I've eaten) I have to stop or I'm sick for hours. Good luck. :)
   — Laurie C.

October 9, 2003
It sounds to me like you are eating too much. I am 9 months post-op and I had an open RNY. I remember in my first few weeks of liquids, I could only "eat" a few tablespoons of soup at each meal. I could drink about 2oz of skim milk or a few tablespoons of cottage cheese once I was able to start taking in soft stuff. Make sure you eat very, very slowly as well. This early on, you should be taking about 30 minutes to eat those few tablespoons of food. If it helps to monitor your intake, use a bathroom dixie cup to measure your food. That is about the size of your new pouch. Which means, that is all the food you can eat about every 3-4 hours. You should also wait about 30 minutes after you eat, to drink anything....I'm sure you were told this already. I'm just helping to remind you of all the NEW things you have to get used to. You have to be very careful these first few weeks because your insides are still healing. If you eat too much, you could be causing the pouch to stretch beyond it's limits and that may be the pain you are experiencing. SO, slow down, eat less and if the pain persists, consult with your doctor. Good luck on you new journey. I'm so happy I've lost 92#'s...but it takes time and work and PATIENCE!!
   — Lisa R.

October 10, 2003
Thank you for all responses. Water tastes great, and I'm drinking it constantly to make sure I get enough. Pressing right below my breast bone doesn't hurt. I think I must be eating to fast and maybe too much. I will slow down. I have noticed that my nose starts running when my stomach starts hurting! That is so weird! I must be over eating. I'm going to make an appointment with my doc to make sure my back pain isn't my kidney's and to also make sure I don't have an ulcer. Thanks again for all your help!! :o)
   — sibarra

October 12, 2003
I could be wrong but it sounds like the symptoms of a gallbladder attack. Check with your doctor. good luck
   — teresa W.