Question:
Has anyone experienced not being able to eat

I had my surgery on Aug. 15,00, it is now Oct. 30.00. I am still not able to eat. Some days I don't eat anything. I have found that I can drink giner ale so I have lots of that. I always drink water or eat ice. I try to get my iron and antacid talblets in me every day. i am unable to take the multi-vitamins. I can't stand chewing them so I just don't take them. Today I decided that I wanted to try some processed turkey meat. I made a sandwich with one slice of bread and mayo. I got maybe a half in me when it came back. i have not been able to eat slow enough. I am begining to wonder if I will ever get the hang of this new eating. I have lost 52 pounds but I don't take much joy in it because I seem to not be able to handle food. I don't know how much longer I can hold out like this. I am never hungry and that scars me. If anyone else has gone through this please share with me. My surgery is 11 weeks does this sound normal to anyone. I am not scheduled to see my doctor until Jan. I hate to call for an appointment when there might not be anything wrong. Please Help!!!! I would welcome e-mail replies. [email protected]    — Jacquelyn P. (posted on October 30, 2000)

October 30, 2000
Hello...January is a long way off... First off i think you should be able to call your Dcotor ANYTIME you feel something isnt quite right. Its his/her job to tell you if everything is ok. It may also be that the worry you are doing is making things worse and maybe seeing the Doc could put you at ease. I know you don't want to "bug" the Doc for every little thing that comes along but this is all new to you and for a while youre going to have questions and concerns..not many here dont...Call the Doc and ease your mind.. : )
   — Tracy L.

October 30, 2000
Please call your doc NOW. If your outlet has a mechanical problem (stenosis), you could dehydrate! It's not uncommon to need to have the opening stretched (you're "out" for this), or to have an ulcer form at the connection. Waiting won't make it better and can make it worse. You need to get an eyeball down in there VERY soon. It's painless (except for the IV, of course), takes an hour or so and relief is often immediate. Please don't wait til January. Even if you remain able to eat just a little, and take in water, you coudllseriously jeapardize your wt loss and over all health by not being able to take vitamins and eat a little food.
   — vitalady

October 30, 2000
I had my surgery on august 21, 00 and I have not had this problem. If you can't eat PLEASE call your doctor today!!! I don't eat alot but I can eat and keep things down, I would say something is wrong and you have got to find out what it is. Making yourself sick will not make your recovery or weight loss easy. Good luck to you and keep us posted on how your doing.
   — christine L.

October 31, 2000
It is possible that your stoma has narrowed and food cannot pass. An endoscopic dilation will cure it. If you are vomiting everything you eat, this is probably what is wrong.
   — [Deactivated Member]

October 31, 2000
Emily please call the doctor's office and outline your problems to the nurse on staff. She will inform the Doctor who will make the decision if you should come in or not. May I suggest sticking with broths, soups and jello.
   — Debi V.