|
|
Post by thewife on Nov 2, 2014 18:08:16 GMT -5
Question that maybe someone can answer: my husband had the DS exactly 16 days ago and eating has become very difficult suddenly. He can hardly get 3 tablespoons down without "topping off" and getting sick. Therefore getting enough protein down is impossible! Same goes with fluids, he says it feels like pouch is too small. He is getting very tired and depressed thinking this isn't right. Is there anyone who has had this problem? Any suggestions?
|
|
|
|
Post by newyorkbitch on Nov 2, 2014 18:18:41 GMT -5
First of all he doesn't have a pouch. He has a normal stomach, just very small (for now).
He could have a stricture, but first why does he need to "top off?"
Have him sip sip sip for a half day and then eat a tiny bit at one time. What is he eating?
|
|
|
|
Post by thewife on Nov 2, 2014 18:37:59 GMT -5
First of all he doesn't have a pouch. He has a normal stomach, just very small (for now). He could have a stricture, but first why does he need to "top off?" Have him sip sip sip for a half day and then eat a tiny bit at one time. What is he eating? |
|
|
|
Post by thewife on Nov 2, 2014 18:38:40 GMT -5
First of all he doesn't have a pouch. He has a normal stomach, just very small (for now). He could have a stricture, but first why does he need to "top off?" Have him sip sip sip for a half day and then eat a tiny bit at one time. What is he eating? |
|
|
|
Post by west4thavenue on Nov 2, 2014 19:04:05 GMT -5
This is a really tough surgery. Your husband has been sliced and diced inside, and the tiny little stomach he now has is still in the healing phase. Will be for some time. Typically, recovery takes weeks, not days. I am glad you tuned in to us and hope your husband will do so, too.
He should not expect to be able to "get in enough" protein for some time. The guideline is 30 grams of protein in 30 days, 60 grams in 60 days, 90 grams in 90 days. I tried my best to stick with that, and it was truly hard. I don't think it is good for him to try to eat until he is full. Most of his protein will come from protein shakes right now, and only just a couple of ounces at a time. It's a tiny little baby stomach.
The most important thing at this stage is to get in as much fluid as possible.
I encourage both of you to continue to ask questions. The information we get from the surgeons and their nutrionists is not very good.
|
|
|
|
Post by bboop on Nov 2, 2014 22:42:01 GMT -5
Your husband should only be eating a bite or two and then waiting for a while. Of course that's not counting the protein shakes...he can sip on those all day. He must get up and walk, sip and walk. Not necessarily outside just around the house.
If he continues to have pain, then call the doc. At this point it sounds like he's just having a DS experience..."What have I done to myself?" It's very normal. Tell him to hang in there but if he's afraid he's got a stricture then by all means call the doc. He can ask the right questions and determine if there's anything wrong.
|
|
|
|
Post by thewife on Nov 2, 2014 23:32:31 GMT -5
Thank you! I'll pass this on!
|
|
derinoe
Junior Member
Posts: 75 
Surgery Type: DS
Surgery Date: 06/04/2014
Surgeon: Dr. Marek L.
|
Post by derinoe on Nov 3, 2014 10:09:46 GMT -5
People giving excellent advice here. You are in the right place to get help and answer all your questions. When I was 2 weeks out I could not eat more then 1oz at a time, I never tried to get full. Eating often and food that agree with him is the key this early on. Having plenty of fluids is very important. It is amazing that you are supporting and helping him. He will do well, good luck to both of you and speedy recovery to your husband.
|
|
|
|
Post by goodkel on Nov 3, 2014 13:00:09 GMT -5
He shouldn't be able to eat more than 2 or 3 spoonfuls at a time. His stomach capacity is very small right now as he is still healing (and will be for a long time) and his stomach is inflamed and swollen.
It is like a baby. They can't hold much, so they have to eat small amounts frequently throughout the day.
Say goodbye to the notion of three meals a day.
Same with the liquids, constant tiny sips all day long.
This is not a problem, just normal healing.
|
|
PeteA
Full Member
Posts: 221
Surgery Date: 4/15/13
Surgeon: Dr. Phillip Schauer
|
Post by PeteA on Nov 3, 2014 15:54:45 GMT -5
If this is a sudden difference then I think you should give the surgeon a call. I wouldn't be
concerned if he has been like that all along though.
How much protein do you think is "enough"? If he is having trouble with solids it might help to back
off to soft foods and/or pureed meats for a little while.
Has he been taking any protein in liquid form like protein shakes?
It's good to be watchful early out but it is probably just the healing process taking it's time.
Pete
|
|
