Problems w/ solid foods

[litlady]

I am 6-1/2 weeks out from surgery and scheduled for a fill in 2-1/2 more weeks. Every time I try to eat solid food I get a horrible pain in my chest between my breasts. Frequently this is accompanied by nausea, and on several occasions I have vomited. I am chewing my food VERY carefully. If I stick to full solids, I do not have these problems.

Does anyone have a suggestion?

Thanks,

sue

[tnm75]

I am 6-1/2 weeks out from surgery and scheduled for a fill in 2-1/2 more weeks. Every time I try to eat solid food I get a horrible pain in my chest between my breasts. Frequently this is accompanied by nausea, and on several occasions I have vomited. I am chewing my food VERY carefully. If I stick to full solids, I do not have these problems.

Does anyone have a suggestion?

Thanks,

sue

Sue,

I would call the OCC. The nausea and vomiting isn't normal. I've gotten the pain in my chest... but, I know for a fact it is because I have gotten something stuck. I've done this twice, but it goes through my band in a minute or two. I'm trying to chew better. Are you able to keep fluids down?

Kristy

[Clynn]

Does this happen with all solid foods or just a few? Do you notice a pattern with what you are eating when this happens? Some foods are just off the menu for bandsters but which foods cause problems will vary from person to person and the only real way to learn is through trial and error. The most common foods which cause problems are breads and pasta. Maybe a pattern with a time of day? Some people are more restricted in the morning after they wake up. If that's the case try stopping eating for an hour or two before you go to bed. Once you fall asleep your digestive system shuts down so anything in your stomach at the time will just sit there and cause irritation. It's also possible that your stomach is having continued irritation from vomiting and has not been allowed to heal before the next episode. Try going on liquids for a couple of days and see if this helps.

It's very important to note that if you can't get fluids down you need to contact a doctor asap as you can easily get dehydrated and become very sick very quickly. Also, do not get a fill until this has been resolved. A fill will only make the situation worse and there's few things in life more miserable than an overfilled band.

Also, you said when you stick to full solids you don't have that problem, which doesn't make sense. Do you mean full liquids?

[litlady]

Sue,

I would call the OCC. The nausea and vomiting isn't normal. I've gotten the pain in my chest... but, I know for a fact it is because I have gotten something stuck. I've done this twice, but it goes through my band in a minute or two. I'm trying to chew better. Are you able to keep fluids down?

Kristy

Thanks, Kristy. I will call tomorrow. I am having no problem with full liquids -- creamy soups are my best friend! I sure hope I haven't dislodged my band or something equally horrible.

sue

[litlady]

Does this happen with all solid foods or just a few? Do you notice a pattern with what you are eating when this happens? Some foods are just off the menu for bandsters but which foods cause problems will vary from person to person and the only real way to learn is through trial and error. The most common foods which cause problems are breads and pasta. Maybe a pattern with a time of day? Some people are more restricted in the morning after they wake up. If that's the case try stopping eating for an hour or two before you go to bed. Once you fall asleep your digestive system shuts down so anything in your stomach at the time will just sit there and cause irritation. It's also possible that your stomach is having continued irritation from vomiting and has not been allowed to heal before the next episode. Try going on liquids for a couple of days and see if this helps.

It's very important to note that if you can't get fluids down you need to contact a doctor asap as you can easily get dehydrated and become very sick very quickly. Also, do not get a fill until this has been resolved. A fill will only make the situation worse and there's few things in life more miserable than an overfilled band.

Also, you said when you stick to full solids you don't have that problem, which doesn't make sense. Do you mean full liquids?

This has happened only in the evening at dinner time. The food doesn't seem to matter. My friend has suggested that I might be eating too fast which is possible. I put myself back on full liquids until I can reach the OCC. Full liquids are working just fine -- I may just drink soup for the rest of my life!!

I will definitely try to keep a journal of problems.

I really appreciate your advice and help. I sort of feel like I am feeling my way in the dark. Where does everyone find the diet/eating plan that they use? I was not given anything except a picture of a protein, a veggie, and a carb at each meal

Thanks,

Sue