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Post by deedee484 on Feb 21, 2014 20:18:13 GMT -5
I keep having issues after I eat. Unless it's liquids or puréed soups , after I eat my stomach gets swollen and hurts. It seems like it will stay this way for hours (sometimes days)....like the food just sits in my stomach and doesn't pass. Last night I ate taco meat with cheese and sour cream and it did the same thing. My stomach literally feels like my staples are going to pop! Today after getting up I could only get liquids down till this evening. Tonight I've managed to eat a SF pudding and two bites of cheese..and my stomach hurts sooo bad. Anyone else experience this?? Could I be eating too fast, too much or what?? I am 8 weeks out. I find myself avoiding eating until I'm so hungry I can't stand it!
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Post by Deleted on Feb 21, 2014 20:30:57 GMT -5
It doesn't sound like your food is passing through you stomach very quickly and it may not be digeting much in your stomach either. This may seem like an odd question but have you noticed your breath stinking?
I only ask and I don't want to scare you because it probably isn't the case, but before Cameron had his Nissen redo and hiatal hernia repair his Surgeon told us that one of the risks was damage to nerves in the stomach that could result in food just sitting in the stomach and not being "ground up". He said that resulted in what a young lade called Fart Breath because the food kind of rotted in her stomach before passing through.
You may want to talk to Dr K and see if you don't need a gastric emptying study done. Cameron is actually having one of these next week as he is having difficulty again and already has another sizable hiatal hernia. Pretty sure he had it before and it is a pretty short and easy test.
In any case, good luck and I hope this gets better.
By the way, how much are you eating at a time? When I feel really full like I ate too much or too fast, I find that if I can poop I feel much better. I also belch a lot while eating and after.
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Post by deedee484 on Feb 21, 2014 21:32:44 GMT -5
Thanks Scott for the info. It does seem like the food isn't passing properly. Sometimes 6..8...even 12 hours later I will be burping and belching from the food I ate that many hours ago. I've even had it back up in my throat many hours later. Seems to me like things should pass after several hours...but it doesn't! Maybe that's why my stomach is swelling (and hurting) so bad....things just keep accumulating in there??? This might explain why I am only able to only EAT 1x or maybe 2x ....a day.
I haven't noticed any really bad breath lately or anything like you described but I was told I do have a hiatal hernia.
Not eating too much at a time....maybe 1/4 to 1/3 cup of taco stuff (no lettuce and mostly sour cream and cheese with a little ground beef) or maybe 2-3 slices very thin bacon, or 1/2 cup creamed soup, or I boiled egg, or 1/2 scrambled egg. Lately because of all the nausea (I think from the antibiotics) I might get 2-3 saltines down. But like I said I am still only able to eat 1x or 2x in a whole day. Pooping helps me some but not a lot in helping to get things passed.
So sorry to hear Cameron is having difficulties again. Hoping his tests go well and the drs can get him all fixed up! Thanks Scott!
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Post by Deleted on Feb 21, 2014 21:42:23 GMT -5
Thanks Scott for the info. It does seem like the food isn't passing properly. Sometimes 6..8...even 12 hours later I will be burping and belching from the food I ate that many hours ago. I've even had it back up in my throat many hours later. Seems to me like things should pass after several hours...but it doesn't! Maybe that's why my stomach is swelling (and hurting) so bad....things just keep accumulating in there??? This might explain why I am only able to only EAT 1x or maybe 2x ....a day. I haven't noticed any really bad breath lately or anything like you described but I was told I do have a hiatal hernia. Not eating too much at a time....maybe 1/4 to 1/3 cup of taco stuff (no lettuce and mostly sour cream and cheese with a little ground beef) or maybe 2-3 slices very thin bacon, or 1/2 cup creamed soup, or I boiled egg, or 1/2 scrambled egg. Lately because of all the nausea (I think from the antibiotics) I might get 2-3 saltines down. But like I said I am still only able to eat 1x or 2x in a whole day. Pooping helps me some but not a lot in helping to get things passed. So sorry to hear Cameron is having difficulties again. Hoping his tests go well and the drs can get him all fixed up! Thanks Scott! Diane. I am surprised Dr K didn't fix your hiatal hernia during surgery. I think it is worth talking to a Doc about a gastric emptying study. It seems like maybe your stomach isn't moving things along as well as it needs to and maybe they can give you something to help with that, if that is what is going on. Thanks for the well wishes for Cameron and good luck sorting through your stomach issue.
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Post by Mariposa(Heather) on Feb 21, 2014 21:54:38 GMT -5
Diane, That just stinks! I hope you can figure out the issue so you feel better soon!
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Post by deedee484 on Feb 21, 2014 22:31:25 GMT -5
Thanks Scott...I will def be talking to Dr K next week. Hopefully I can get an emptying test scheduled! I really think that is at least some of what's going on.
Heather...thanks! I'm hoping they figure something out soon. Boy this has sure been a ride, huh? Hope you get better soon too!
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Post by Taterweight on Feb 21, 2014 22:50:48 GMT -5
Aww Diane, I am just right this moment experiencing what you describe - for my first time. I went out for crab and lobster, had 5 bites and bam! I'm done...it's been 2 hrs now and I'm still at full with no gurgling, no going to the bathroom for relief, nothin. Calm waters. Ugh! I am feeling for you! Scott has some good advice - I hope that is the source of all your problems and an easy fix. (Crossing my fingers!)
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Post by deedee484 on Feb 21, 2014 23:38:07 GMT -5
Thanks areas! Yes that is how I feel at times. I will go to bed and get up the next morning and still feel that way!! Ugghh....hoping answers come soon. Sorry your dinner didn't go so well! That stinks to get all ready and excited to go out and have that happen. But I totally understand how it feels. Ps...I love your profile pic!! Is that your hubby?? Very nice pic!
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Post by Taterweight on Feb 22, 2014 0:04:37 GMT -5
Thank you, it is my dear hubby. I figured I needed to update and give him some airtime since he's just as much a part of my journey, and my rock of Gibraltar that I have to lean on! Note the tan he's sporting from California...the brat. Mine is all bronzer. As for our new inerds...I'm surfing my cupboards for sugar alcohols...wish I had some of those darn gummy bears! All I've found so far is a Popsicle and sf chewing gum. Praying that crab won't give me trouble tonight.....the cold towel on my stomach did keep the bloat away, thankfully. I'm bound and determined to get past this early recuperative nonsense!
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Post by PrettyGirlBounce on Feb 22, 2014 2:30:49 GMT -5
Try sipping realllllly hot tea until you get some answers. It may help pass some of the food through if it is indeed stuck. At the very least it will sooth your tummy big time and relax you. Awwww...my poor sweet friend. All of this stuff sucks arse!!! I just want you to have a decent day. Hope things turn around soon.
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Post by bboop on Feb 22, 2014 3:33:04 GMT -5
Peppermint tea will work wonders..try it and see how you do. I think a call to Dr. K to get the test done before you see him would be in order. You don't need to be miserable...not after all you have been through.
Hugs, feel better soon.
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Post by deedee484 on Feb 22, 2014 23:47:08 GMT -5
Thanks Lisa and bboop! You two are so sweet!I will try some hot tea and see how that goes. Just wanting things to turn around.
Resa....kudos to your hubby for being your rock! Sounds like an awesome hubby! And yeah....that tan...so typical! My hubby rolls the car window down and gets tan! Me...I so neeeed my bronzer! LOL
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Post by Girlrocker on Feb 23, 2014 10:03:23 GMT -5
Diane I'm so so sorry this has been so hard for you. I agree about the soothing value of peppermint tea; and I know you can't eat much right now, but maybe just be careful with dairy and cheese, keep it low fat for now. Is your hernia a result of your revision, because otherwise Im pretty sure he would have fixed it while he was in there. I do think you need to loop Dr. K in and have some tests done, considering the amount of scar tissue you had, too. And yes, I can attest that Mr. Resa is a stellar husband and support system, but then, Mr. Diane is pretty fabulous too, you ladies both got husband lotto!
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Post by Deleted on Feb 23, 2014 10:08:02 GMT -5
Try sipping realllllly hot tea until you get some answers. It may help pass some of the food through if it is indeed stuck. At the very least it will sooth your tummy big time and relax you. Awwww...my poor sweet friend. All of this stuff sucks arse!!! I just want you to have a decent day. Hope things turn around soon. Good advice Lisa. I find that drinking helps to push things through. I don't necessarily drink much when eating at meal (well I didn't but am getting down at least a mug of hot tea now) but drinking in general keeps things moving through my system.
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Post by Deleted on Feb 23, 2014 10:11:51 GMT -5
Diane I'm so so sorry this has been so hard for you. I agree about the soothing value of peppermint tea; and I know you can't eat much right now, but maybe just be careful with dairy and cheese, keep it low fat for now. Is your hernia a result of your revision, because otherwise Im pretty sure he would have fixed it while he was in there. I do think you need to loop Dr. K in and have some tests done, considering the amount of scar tissue you had, too. And yes, I can attest that Mr. Resa is a stellar husband and support system, but then, Mr. Diane is pretty fabulous too, you ladies both got husband lotto! I just wanted to say that although some people may find mint tea soothing, it is horrible for those of us who suffer from GERD. www.webmd.com/heartburn-gerd/features/top-10-heartburn-foods?page=2I know YMMV, but mint is hard on the system of those who have reflux issues. NOTE: I love the flavor of mint.
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Post by Girlrocker on Feb 23, 2014 10:20:32 GMT -5
I don't know that Diane has GERD? But chamomile is an option too for soothing properties.
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Post by Deleted on Feb 23, 2014 10:28:12 GMT -5
I don't know that Diane has GERD? But chamomile is an option too for soothing properties. I think Dianne does have reflux but I was making a more general statement. Regarding Chamomile I drank a good amount of Starbuck's Chamomile earlier on. To me it wasn't really tea (some different herbs) but I liked it because it tasted good and was easy on my system. My GERD was horrible the first month to 6 weeks and this was one of my go to drinks.
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Post by Deleted on Feb 23, 2014 11:59:55 GMT -5
Hi Diane, I had sever reflux prior and still do post revision surgery. I was on a PPI for the first 6 months and now Liquid Antacid is my daily friend. Sometimes I have to take a swig before I eat or take vit's.
I still have a very small stomach. It look me months to realize this was not going to change anytime soon. Until recently dinner was not something I could really do with any regularity. I would get most food in prior to 3pm. After was a liquid affair. It still is sometimes.
What helped me get more food in was basically eating a bite at a time then resting. I dish up my meal and just eat on it till its done. Sometimes it takes me a couple of hours sometimes I just can't do it.
I still get frustrated, angry, and more then a few tears have fallen. I read all of the posts of people able to eat massive quantities of food and I think with more then a little jealousy why not me? But We revision people are different- from the rest and each other. You will find your grove and what works for you. Remember you are very early out. Keep up the fluids and if you have drink your protein to keep your levels up then do it. It will change. It does get better.
Best,
Whit
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Post by deedee484 on Feb 23, 2014 19:36:59 GMT -5
Yep guys I do have GERD. Had it for years before surgery. I take 40mg Prilosec every evening. About the hiatal hernia.....I was told (last July) by my GI Dr that I had one. He just ca usually mentioned it after an endoscopy. Dr K never mentioned it at all to me so who knows!
Sharyl.....thanks! Mr Diane (I like that! Lol) is def a keeper. He's worried about me still and is sooo supportive! He keeps telling me I am still healing and wants to believe everything is ok. Praying he is right!
Scott....yes the drinking is the one thing I try to do constantly. I can get about 20-30 ounces down during the day but once I eat....it's only sips the rest of the day. I have to say I can't tolerate anything mint since surgery! I've never been huge on mint but it's way worse now. Even the smell nauseates me now. But I may try the Starbux Chamomile tea. Thanks!
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Post by deedee484 on Feb 23, 2014 20:26:59 GMT -5
Hi Diane, I had sever reflux prior and still do post revision surgery. I was on a PPI for the first 6 months and now Liquid Antacid is my daily friend. Sometimes I have to take a swig before I eat or take vit's. I still have a very small stomach. It look me months to realize this was not going to change anytime soon. Until recently dinner was not something I could really do with any regularity. I would get most food in prior to 3pm. After was a liquid affair. It still is sometimes. What helped me get more food in was basically eating a bite at a time then resting. I dish up my meal and just eat on it till its done. Sometimes it takes me a couple of hours sometimes I just can't do it. I still get frustrated, angry, and more then a few tears have fallen. I read all of the posts of people able to eat massive quantities of food and I think with more then a little jealousy why not me? But We revision people are different- from the rest and each other. You will find your grove and what works for you. Remember you are very early out. Keep up the fluids and if you have drink your protein to keep your levels up then do it. It will change. It does get better. Best, Whit Thanks Whit for your help! I feel so bad for you! But glad to know it has gotten better. I feel I can so relate. Every day I have frustration, anger and even tears. It is hard reading how well everyone is eating when I feel like it's a struggle to eat once a day...maybe 2x. The worst part is....I WAANA EAT! Then I get the comments from people that I am probably losing weight like crazy and melting away....then I look at my stats and get even more frustrated. I have been trying to drink a protein shake in the morning...but lately that's not happening (maybe 1/3 - 1/2). So my protein is really decreasing. I know that's not good. I too will fix me a serving of whatever, slice and dice it into very small bits....and eat it slowly. I usually take 30 minutes to an hour and a half to eat. Problem is it seems to stay in my stomach for 12-24 hours. I can force down a bite or two later...but that's about it. Drinking is also hard during those hours. After eating I have PAIN and swelling. Do you experience this?? I think that's what worries me so much. My belly actually gets so tender I can't stand anything touching it. Also lots of nausea (but no vomiting). Did Dr K ever say WHY your stomach is so small?? I was told my stomach is larger than a normal DSer and I should eventually be able to eat close to a normal-sized meal. So that's another reason I'm worried? I do realize with revisions that we are all so different....esp from first timers. But was just hoping for things to get better as the weeks go...not worse. Praying things get better for us both.
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Post by Girlrocker on Feb 23, 2014 21:16:52 GMT -5
Oh Diane, I'm so sorry I know you are going through a terrible time. I can't impress enough, revisions really do suck. So you do have GERD, I couldn't remember, have a laugh at me and my many senior moments these days, thanks to menopause.
You have to step back a little, breathe, and understand you are going to work with your surgery to the best of your ability, find solutions that are going to fit you because you have a lot going on inside, big surgery, GERD, all that scar tissue. So you need to take steps that will work just for you.You can't measure by other people, or compare yourself, I'd say that anyway; and kick those 'you must be melting away' comments to the curb (in your head), all these things do is hurt you and you don't need to feel any worse than you already do. Frank is the best, and we will be here to hold your hand, provide a shoulder, ears, suggestions every step of the way. You are never alone, and others have struggled too. I wish so much you were having a more traditional healing, but the most important thing is to keep doing what it will take to keep you feeling ok.
Maybe try an elimination for a 2-3 days and see how you do, instead of trying to eat more solid, denser foods like meats, even if they are chopped small, made very soft. I know it's hard, but I think you're going to really have to baby your insides, stay with really soft, liquid type options, stay away from dairy. You can bolster your protein intake with liquid protein supplements like protein shots/bullets, you can get them at GNC, and just make sure they are a whey/animal protein. I can get you a link. You can puree tofu into your soups; and you can add eggs into things too, like cream of wheat, oatmeal. Try soy based products like Garden Burgers and Boca chikn patties for protein, it's gentler. It's temporary and it will scratch your flavor itch.
Hugs to you!
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Post by Taterweight on Feb 23, 2014 21:36:46 GMT -5
I so agree with Sharyl! Don't compare yourself too much with everyone else - I know that's almost impossible to do but this is your journey --and you will get there in your time. You're going to be in the healing phase longer than a virgin surgery like me. (Just remember I have a helluva lot more weight to lose!) You need to get creative and think of proteins you can eat. That's what I've been doing...as we've been discussing with the shakes. I'm trying to find alternatives that don't cause me anguish or pain. I know I'm early out, so I'm not going too crazy, but the tuna and mayo, for example, is working pretty easy for me...2oz - 16 grams of protein - and it only takes me about 10 minutes. Think about somethings simple to make that you like...figure out which one can be your go to that doesn't cause bloat and pain and use that sucker to get your protein in.
It'll get better for us...I know it will! I am jumping on Heather's back with the POWER OF POSITIVE THINKING!! Lol. There's just no freaking way I'm gonna let this stuff get the better of me!
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Post by deedee484 on Feb 23, 2014 21:52:41 GMT -5
Thank you Sharyl and Resa!!!! I can't tell you how much I needed this tonight!! I've been in tears all evening and feeling like giving up! I'm sad, angry, feeling defeated.....and scared! Wishing I could go back in time........but I know I can't! Thanks for being a special part of my support system!!
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Post by Taterweight on Feb 23, 2014 22:10:55 GMT -5
Thank you Sharyl and Resa!!!! I can't tell you how much I needed this tonight!! I've been in tears all evening and feeling like giving up! I'm sad, angry, feeling defeated.....and scared! Wishing I could go back in time........but I know I can't! Thanks for being a special part of my support system!! I totally understand! ((((Hugs)))) don't despair, Hun! By August we'll be pros eating 8 ounce steaks like Scott! ok....maybe a 4 oz prime rib, but you know what I mean! If all else fails and I'm having a down day I have my secret weapon waiting... A can of Ready Whip! A good mouthful of pure cream and a delivery from nitrous oxide is a cure all!
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Post by Deleted on Feb 23, 2014 22:13:13 GMT -5
Thank you Sharyl and Resa!!!! I can't tell you how much I needed this tonight!! I've been in tears all evening and feeling like giving up! I'm sad, angry, feeling defeated.....and scared! Wishing I could go back in time........but I know I can't! Thanks for being a special part of my support system!! Diane, just keep telling yourself two things: 1. Things get better 2. It is early on and almost all of us had similar feelings that you are having. You will get through this and forget about it before you know it.
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Post by Deleted on Feb 23, 2014 22:15:48 GMT -5
Thank you Sharyl and Resa!!!! I can't tell you how much I needed this tonight!! I've been in tears all evening and feeling like giving up! I'm sad, angry, feeling defeated.....and scared! Wishing I could go back in time........but I know I can't! Thanks for being a special part of my support system!![/quote ]I totally understand! ((((Hugs)))) don't despair, Hun! By August we'll be pros eating 8 ounce steaks like Scott! ok....maybe a 4 oz prime rib, but you know what I mean! If all else fails and I'm having a down day I have my secret weapon waiting... A can of Ready Whip! A good mouthful of pure cream and a delivery from nitrous oxide is a cure all! I have no doubts that you both will! It really does get better every week and eventually you will feel like you turned a huge corner.
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Post by Girlrocker on Feb 23, 2014 22:26:30 GMT -5
I remember these kinds of days beause I had many of them after my RNY, I landed in the hospital 12 days after my surgery and stayed there nearly 6 weeks, 4 of them nothing by mouth, more surgery, off another 2 months from work, nauseous, had so much trouble getting in fluids; and I was scared, felt ashamed, guilty and wondered what in the hell I had done to myself. I actually spent some time last night reading my journal from that time. And was reminded again of the power of my support community and how many people on my board at the time stepped up, which included a local surgery angel, 2 mentors (one in Texas, one in northern California) who reassured me, answered my questions, held my hand. And they never left my side.
You had so much scar tissue and adhesions from your VGB, I can't help but think even if you didn't have a revision, it's very possible you would have had problems that required surgery to fix. So the good news is you are cleaned up inside, fixed. Breathe, re-read the suggestions here, and take proactive steps to do what is going to work best for Diane, you deserve it and to be healthy!
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Post by kennyk on Feb 23, 2014 22:33:42 GMT -5
A good mouthful of pure cream and a delivery from nitrous oxide is a cure all!
I like the way you think! K
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Post by Leonie on Feb 24, 2014 0:52:26 GMT -5
Hi Dee dee. I was just thinking that most other Dr K revisionistas start out with a feeding tube. Difficulties are expected. I am just concerned that Dr K is not hearing your desperation. Us cheerful fatties sometimes automatically put on that brave smile. Have you been sending him email updates? Like in a brief paragraph that he can read and respond to on his phone?
You have been keeping a good journal here. Make a compilation of the salient parts on a timeline and take it along when you go see him. Then he can spend five minutes getting the full picture of your journey. What you are experiencing is kind of expected in some form with some revisions, but that does not mean it can be left untreated. For example, Have thei eliminated the possibility of a stricture?
Remember, YOU are not the failiure. You are still suffering the consequences of the VGB. You are busy being fixed, and there is no giving up. Soon you will also be able to eat a steak.
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Post by Deleted on Feb 24, 2014 1:31:56 GMT -5
Hi Diane, I did not read the posts above. So my stomach is small because Dr. K started with a micro pouch-original RNY .... My advise is if you feel like whatever is going on is life threatening call Dr. K. If he is worried he will call you back. Even if you jut want to talk to him call and leave a message. Nobody knows what you are going through but you. So call the Doc.
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