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Trouble Eating After Surgery

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Posted 8/3/2008 11:02 PM (GMT 0)
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Schells 5 wrote:
Hi, I am just wondering if all of you had trouble eating after the surgery. I am 9 days post op and I will eat something and I end up throwing up. Like chicken noodle soup, ravioli. I can eat popcicles like crazy. I need to find a good easy ease into food. any suggestions my new friends. :) I have lost 16 pounds in 9 days.
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Welcome!

I was just starting a new topic when I read your message; because I have the same question, I decided to carry your question over here. I am 2 1/2 weeks post-op and have had a significant set-back. I've taken the advice of the good people here, but eating is still such a chore.

I'm finally on phenergan, alternating with zofran, every 4 hours and before I eat I chew a gas-x chewable (my Husbands' idea..which helps a lot!!...) I start each meal with as warm/hot water as you can sip because it really does work and this is NOT my idea! but one of the good people's here, and that helps a lot. But even with these aids, I must take tiny, tiny little bites; chew the bee-jeebies out of it add tepid water, swish and swallow. Then I wait, pray that it goes down and stays down and then try it again! Today, I had a small baked potato and an even smaller piece of chicken, but it takes me as long to eat that as my Husband does a full meal. Saying all of that, at least I'm finally eating a bit and this has been the biggest meal I've had in a long time!

This has allowed me to start eating; like you I lost weight..last week...12 pounds! But I know it isn't healthy. I know our on-line family will be willing to give you advice (and me too!) as you will start to heal. I have found the kinship here to the most solid of lifelines!

Janice

Post Edited (LdyJane) : 8/3/2008 5:05:49 PM (GMT-6)

Posted 8/4/2008 1:58 AM (GMT 0)

Schell,

Welcome to HaelingWell and the GERD Forum.  I am sorry you having problems with the eating.  Janice gave you some good tips.  I am a great fan of Zofran for anyone that has Nausea. 

I have GERD but have not had the surgery.  We do have a fair amount of members that do and I know it is a  different story for each person. 

Please keep posting and do read the stories and advice.  I am Kitt and I look forward to knowing you better.

Welcome!


Posted 8/4/2008 2:33 AM (GMT 0)
Thank you for your genirosity. I am stuggling everyday to eat. It is not bad and I will survive. This is so uch better than prior to the surgery. I do not miss my chronic cough and the horrible heartburn. I am lucky I can afford to lose weight.haha. I did have soem baked potatoe tonight and chewed stek but did not swallow it. I am going to dive into soups tomorrow and stove stop stuffing weeeeeeeeee. It is so nice to have someone who knows what this feels like. Husband is always saaying. eat something and does not know what a pain it is. I am luckt that I have one of the top doctors . Life is good.
Posted 8/4/2008 2:47 AM (GMT 0)
I can tell you that steak is out of the question for right now; saying that I have also "eaten" some potato chips! I chew them up and discard them, but at least you get some flavor. Make sure your stove top stuffing is incredibly moist or you may have a real problem.

I had to be as close to a normal BMI prior to surgery and so lost a lot of weight on my own; but I've lost 16 more pounds since the 16th..12 last week alone. My Husband will say very similar things, but he does understand the pain and your husband probably has a good idea too.

Take care, hang around in here and we'll help to see each other through.

Janice
Posted 8/4/2008 1:48 PM (GMT 0)
I can't really give much advice yet because I haven't had the surgery but what I hear from both of you sounds totally normal at this stage and your healing sounds right on track. There are no huge red flags to worry about. Setbacks are even normal. I've read alot of posts from people who have had the surgery and all sounds normal for you both. You are both doing exactly what you should as far as chewing everything to mush and not taking chances with steak. It's just takes time and magically at 6 or 8 weeks, you will be 90% healed...the other 10% takes a year.

Rejoice...better days are ahead. LOL
Posted 8/5/2008 1:55 AM (GMT 0)
Well, it all sounds pretty familiar to me.  I had the surgery about 18 months ago and had to have open nissen so it took a bit longer to heal, but it really was worth it.  My life is so much better now.  It does take time to start eating "normal" again, but it will happen and you will put the weight back on.  I jsut started with soup and runny eggs.  They go down very easy.  I did get a lump in my chest if I didn't chew enough and that was very painful.  I cannot throw up since the surgery which is a blessing and a curse.  I do have alot of gas though.  Hang in there and take it easy, before you know it you will be eating just fine. It effects everyone differently.  I love the fact I can now have a glass of wine without that horrible burning sensation or laying in bed drinking tons of water sitting up so that the acid stayed down. Life is good and it will be for you as well.  Best of luck to you.  Hang in there.

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