Question:
Seeking Others Who Have Had Difficulty Eating Meat Post Op

In the past 3 weeks when I eat (meat mostly) I have been experencing pain. The pain starts under my right arm around my rib cage. It feels like gas and most of the time it hurts, I quit eatting or really slow down, like a bite every 5 minutes or so and the pain usually goes away. However the other night we had hamburgers, I had about 3 bites, pain started and within about 3 minutess I vomited. The next night I did not eat any meat and no problems. Then we had chicken and same thing happened - vomited. Yesterday we had pulled bbq pork sandwichs and it started but I stopped eatting and the pain subsided and then disappeared. I asked the Dr. if I was eating too fast, bites too big or is it just one of those things that we all go through. I'm 11 months out and have not had any problems up till now. Any suggestions as to what is going on.. Has anyone eles had similar experiences?? Let me know, THanks...    — Jeana S. (posted on August 3, 2003)

August 3, 2003
Could it possibly be the bread with the sandwiches? I'm nearly a year out and still have problems with bread. It has a tendency to "ball up like a dough-ball" in your stomach.
   — Cathy S.

August 3, 2003
Jeana, I would agree with Cathy. I am not able to bread except very dark rye invery small amounts at a time. Maybe if you tryed to toast your bread before you eat it. I am not able to eat hamburger it comes back up every time. The way you described the pain I would definitely consult your Dr.
   — Angie H.

August 3, 2003
I still vomit every once in awhile when something doesn't agree with me. It mostly anything moist or chewy bread if it not toasted i can't eat it. Meat every once and awhle does that especilly if i ate to fast. Pasta still does that to me am about 11 months out also. My doctor says it will just pass easyer if you take a little sip of water with your food. I know allot of people say don't do that it will make you full faster but it helps me avoide trowing it up. trust me I did that for 2 months.
   — sheri B.

August 3, 2003
There are only a few meats that I can eat at six months out. Then I can only eat a bite or two or i get sick. I just can't do meat and I have almost stopped trying. i do the shakes for my protein
   — Delores S.

August 3, 2003
HI WELL THE PROBLEM I HAD WITH MEAT IN FACT WASN'T AT ALL THE MEAT I HAD A STRICTURE. THAT MADE IT DIFFICULT TO EAT MEAT IN FACT EVERYTIME I ATE MEAT I GOT SICK,BUT ONCE I HAD THE STRICTURE FIXED I CAN EAT ALL KINDS OF MEAT ALTHOUGH I'M ONLY 18 WEEKS OUT AND I'M STILL NOT ALLOWED TO HAVE RED MEAT FOR A COUPLE OF MORE WEEKS.BUT ANY HOW MAYBE YOU SHOULD ASK YOUR DR.ABOUT A STRICTURE.GOOD LUCK.
   — GRACE M.

August 3, 2003
If you have not had problems with meats/chicken up until 11 months post-op, that is not normal. I'm wondering a few things- reflux, or a small stricture. What did your doctor say when you talked to him-was it the surgeon or the PCP? Are you having problems eating other foods too or just meats?
   — Cindy R.

August 4, 2003
i am 19 mos post op & have had a meat problem since day one. beef & turkey are my biggest enemies. i chew chew chew the smallest pieces & they hit my pouch & turn to lead. omg! the pain! needless to say, i dont eat beef & turkey, which is no big deal cause i never was a big meat & turkey eater to begin with. chicken presents a problem to me occasionally & since i never know when it will or wont, i dont eat it very often. my loss as i love chicken. i have absolutely no problem with most pork products. ham, sausages, bacon, chops, roasted & stewed all go down well, stay down & leave me feeling very satisfied. the best source of protein for myself that i found is any white fish, shrimps, scallops & crab. its funny because the foods i have absolutely no problem with are the foods i have loved all my life.
   — sheryl titone