Eating and swallowing

Just curious how others were swallowing at 8 weeks post op? I have been on liquids since surgery except a trial of food ( mushy) at 2 weeks post op. Got taken off foods due to problems. Have been having a few bites of food for about a week or so now. I was suppose to start dabbling in foods as of the end of April so I could tell surgeon how it goes at my appoint May 6th.

I still get foods stuck at the wrap site but not always. I do feel food back up and take time to get through at times. The times I wonder about is the food that gets stuck at the top of my throat. I can't get it down without drinking hot tea. One day I can eat something but the next I can't. I chew, chew, chew but it doesn't matter. Drinking water does nothing. My main staples are crackers with liver pate, yogurt, apple sauce, eggs. Believe it or boy Lays potato chips liquefy well. I've eaten other things but this is my daily norm. Not like I'm attempting difficult foods. I even cut pork into tiny pieces and could eat it.

I had incidents of struggling to swallow pre surgery but once in a blue moon and short lived. None of my tests showed swallowing issues. Is this still the norm for 8 weeks? The upper throat mainly. I eat and I gurgle and burp lots. Happens with drinking too. Then my tummy rumbles and growls a lot for a long time. Think this part is normal. I do get extreme pain in my tummy, I think it's after making it through the wrap, based on where the pain is when I eat some things but it goes away fairly fast. Still get nerve pain with eating in my left shoulder/clavicle region. That's just weird.

Started back to yoga today. Yeah! Felt like I brought someone else's body though. With all the weight loss, everything felt different but good.

Thanks for sharing. Curious how others are doing with swallowing.

Debra

Wow Keith, that's a great surgeon. I don't get worried or panic, I just accept its part of my healing. I do not suffer anxiety and am very calm. The first couple weeks after my surgery was rough but I had many issue happen. Now I'm just curious how others are doing. I know I have to do another Barium Swallow after I see my surgeon. He felt he may have to reverse mine but there's no way I'm doing that. I'd rather just keep going the way I am. No reflux. I'm sure in time it will lessen for me. Thanks for sharing. Wish I had your surgeon.

Thanks Alcie. I still stick to my restricted pre surgery diet. No gassy foods, never touch soda and I don't drink any alcohol. I don't have caffeine. I even avoid things like honey and peanut butter b/c they gave me heartburn. No spices. No grease. I think after years of the pain I suffered it will take me forever to attempt those type foods again.

The bloat and gas are annoying but expected. I'm surprised with how much I burp that I can bloat so well. I get gas pain sometimes but only when out and it's not appropriate to toot. Lol. I always say I'm going to stay on liquids forever b/c I don't bloat. Food and I do not get along.

I'm highly lactose intolerant and gluten sensitive so my diet is often not like others. I have learned to eat balanced in this manner. Just have to get swallowing accomplished. I too do not agree with a dilation yet. I had such bad swelling that I think I need time to get to what my norm should be. I know the surgeon suggested that too. I don't want to risk the wrap getting faulty after all I've been through. I just keep dabbling and trying textures out.

Hi Debra, hope your doing well.

I was not able to see my surgeon on Thursday for our lunch but he did promise another day! The swallow test went well but I am still not doing the best with soft foods, soups,yogurt and liquids are no problem but anything with more texture gives me grief. Oh well just need to be patient I guess.

Have a great day,
Keith

If this surgery works as well as I hope and pray it does I will buy him dinner. Dr.Kern has Been a real treat to work with, he spent a lot of time before, during and after the surgery to answer questions and help guide me through this.
I am a little nervous for this weekend as it is the Minnesota fishing opener and I have 15 guys coming up to my cabin for our annual fishing trip, there will be lots of food,drinks and laughs...this will be very hard. Oh well I guess this year I trade in my steak and Beer for Ensure and Yogurt.

Patience should be our middle name Barb, as always I thank you for your positivity and kind words.

Have a great weekend and happy healing,

Keith