Need Feedback Please!

**dfreekey** · 10-21-2012 08:37 AM

Hi everyone. I am 31 days post-op and have lost 29.8 pounds which I am very happy with. However, I do have a few concerns. Although I've not tried a whole lot of solid foods, most of what I have had does not seem to settle well. I usually throw up anywhere from 15 mins. to 3 hours later. It feels like I have a "lump" in my throat and seems to feel "lodged". Most of what I throw up is like foam. Is this normal? I have no problem with very soft foods like pudding, soup etc. but anything much more solid than that (even though its mashed up) seems to be a problem. Sometimes I think it may be because I ate it too fast. Any feedback would be greatly appreciated. I feel fine, just curious.

**krissyfor** · 10-21-2012 08:54 AM

I honestly have NEVER thrown up, and I'm almost two months post op. I can eat pretty much anything, the only thing I had a problem with was when I was in my full liquids phase and DH made me some bean with bacon soup (pureed, of course). That was way too thick and seemed to be "stuck". You may want to call your surgeon and ask for an upper GI to make sure there are no leisions or scar tissue around the opening of your sleeve. I've lost 37lbs so far, and looking forward to losing more.

Best of luck!

**niamh** · 10-21-2012 09:11 AM

I've not had any problems either, eating mashed up/pureed food, and including mashed up meat (chicken, pork ribs, sausage). I have heard other people having some problems, including what they call 'foamies' so hope that someone else will come back to you with information about that.

I do try and eat extremely slowly tho. I probably put about 1/5 - 1/4 on my fork or spoon compared to how I used to eat, and chew probably 20-30 times swallowing a little bit at a time toward the end. I don't know if this has made the difference, or if I'm just lucky.

**pack89** · 10-21-2012 09:30 AM

I've never had problems, but from what I can remember from previous posts... SLOW DOWN - all of us have the habit of eating way too fast. TINY BITES - make your bites about the size of a nickle. CHEW - chew, chew, and chew!! Set your fork down in between bites and chew at least 30 times before you swallow. Make it the consistency of baby food.

I can tell you that if I forget and don't follow these rules, it does hurt. My bites aren't as small now, almost 3 mo out, but I still chew the crap out of my food! Try these and I hope it helps!

**oompaloompa** · 10-21-2012 09:43 AM

I have had exactly the same experience! I'm seven weeks post-op and still on a soft/liquid diet because every time I eat something "solid" (despite the fact that I chew 30 times and eat slowly) gets "stuck". That stuck turns into acid reflux and the refux (that burns)and then turns into vomiting. It's very frustrating. It has been getting a little better however. I'm thinking it's part of the healing process for me. I'm just taking it slow and I'm meeting with my doc next week.

**reddogs4us** · 10-21-2012 10:12 AM

You MUST eat small soft portions! You are eating too much if you get to that lump in your throat feeling! There are definitely certain foods that I get that stuck feeling. Learn what those are. Eat a little, let it digest , then try a little more. It's a new way of living, thinking, eating! It's worth it but you've got to change how you've ever eaten..
100 lbs down & 1 yr! A new me!!! Never felt better!!!

**tmclenn** · 10-21-2012 10:22 AM

Yes, I'm 3 weeks out too and get those same symptoms. It happens when I eat something too fast and don't chew it enough, or that my body is just not ready for yet. Just go slow, semi-puree all your food and keep it soft for now. Sounds like your body is telling you to keep it easy. But I also like the advice of getting checked for a stricture, I've only thrown up twice.

**mila** · 10-21-2012 11:39 AM

Strictures are pretty rare and what you have described is pretty normal at your stage. Call and talk to the nurse in your surgeon's office. If it is concerning to them, they will let you know. Stick with the thigh meat of chicken (moister), fish or shrimp, crab etc and maybe have a sauce or gravy with your meat to help it stay down. What have you eaten when this happens?

**mellymel** · 10-21-2012 03:30 PM

Hang in there .. I can totally relate.. I notice it when I do take too big of bites or eating too fast.. I have learned sometimes I get so busy at work and miss a couple hours where I really should eat - so instead of eating (because I eat too fast) I opt for the protien drink .. that way I avoid possible issues with eating too fast , big bites..,. I agree with the others it is a new way of eating and learning about what works for you! Good luck on your journey!

**evaleri** · 10-21-2012 04:14 PM

I had the same symptoms and I did throw up (a lot). Then I learned to slow down, eat smaller portions, and chew chew chew. I am still on soft foods and I am 3 months out. I am starting to add solid foods into my diet very slowly. Good luck....you will get it!

**dfreekey** · 10-21-2012 08:04 PM

Thanks guys for all your feedback. It is really helpful for me to hear from all of you and to see how things are going for you.

**Desert Angel** · 10-22-2012 12:06 PM

I have thrown up about a few times since the surgery, once after I tried eating bread, once after I tried eating hamburger meat, once after I tried eating rice and the other time I think I ate too fast or too much. I can now eat pretty much anything except for bread unless it is toasted, but I am 9 weeks out. This is definitely a trial and error kind of thing, you will know what you can and cannot eat as time goes on. Also, as soon as you feel full stop eating because when you think you can have just one more bite, you will regret it!