JCP

Went to the store and picked up some items from my Nut's suggested shopping list: eggs, yogurt, cottage cheese, tuna, some light soups for the blender, etc. Nervous about trying any of them. What was your first soft food and did you have any trouble? I am 2.5 weeks out. Been on shakes and bouillon.

You poor thing. I am worried about you. Glad you have your family to lean on and are not facing this alone. God bless.

I can't remember when I last saw parts of my body like my collar bone. Whoohoo! Way to go!

Actually, it's a month since my pre-op, two weeks since surgery. But regardless, for a month I've been on protein shakes, water, crystal light, and bouillon. Sort of afraid of eating. The thought of eating something and getting sick is freaking me out.

It sounds like the pulled internal stitch(es) I had although mine started on day 4/5 and lasted through day 14. And it hurt through to my back. Those stitches strengthen the abdominal wall and it takes weeks to heal. You may have pulled something. I just had to live with it and take pain meds until it improved. But I would emphasize to you doctor how much it hurts just in case.

My nut said I can make my own soups (with any soft blended vegs I want). I can get my protein from shakes twice a day. I am 2 weeks out.

SW 271 8/27/14 Surgery 9/10/14 CW 244 9/26/14 56 years old Doctor was very happy. Ok'd to go to scrambled eggs, blended foods. Pain is almost gone. Back to work Monday.

This sounds like me. I called the dr and was told my internal stitches are pulling and it would subside. Two days ago, I woke up with reduced pain. I have taken no pain meds today. Prior this this, I had to take meds every 4 hours it was so bad. Please call your doctor.

I had bad soreness for about a week in my left arm and shoulder. Apparently gas. My abdomen was swollen and discolored. I was on IVs for 3 days so am sure I gained weight but I have no scales. I am 2 weeks out now and that has all gone away. Just still incision soreness. As for sleeping, I have to sleep on my back which is no fun so I take a pain med at bed time to help me sleep. Hope I'll be able to sleep more comfortably soon.

Sleeved 9/10. Had a lot of pain from internal stitches but has finally subsided. Two week appt tomorrow. Should get clearance for puree foods.

Limbo, that was like me. It was so painful I would cry. Felt like a sword in me. I debated whether to try and push through the pain or take bed rest, getting up to shower, fix my drinks, etc. i decided bed was all I could do and it seems to have worked. I have gotten only minor walking in but it was the best I could do. Please tell your doc to refill that prescription and just take them and hang in there. I can't help but believe yours will dissipate soon as well. God bless.

Today I am 2 weeks out. I have been one of the patients who has experienced bad pain from internal stirches pulling. It's been so discouraging and I've cried at the drop of a hat, wishing I had not done this. My sweet husband, who has a broken foot, has been working all day then coming home and waiting on me. Well, what do you think? I went to bed hurting last night, woke up with no pain! I kept waiting for it to show up, it's not there! I took a shower, dressed, am sitting outside, no pain! It's a miracle! My stitches are not dissolvable per my physician so who knows! All I know is there is indeed light at the end of the tunnel, for those who are waiting! And guess what else.., I put on makeup and after exactly one month (pre and post-op), I can begin to see my former face emerge. It's been years since I saw that face. I am so happy. God bless us all!

I get the frustration. Tomorrow will be 28 days on clear liquids and protein shakes (pre and post op). I am having to gag them down. I see posts on here from vets who say they drink protein shakes and I think how can they even look at one? I want so much to get to the next step.

cfiesta, I have the same pain. From my pain incision to my back.

All I know after being on clear liquids for a month is I would love to have a spoonful of refried beans. But alas, my next phase will be full liquids. (Protein shakes! Gag!) However, I'm a little worried that my first taste of any food again is going to make me nauseous. I see food commercials and sometimes get head hunger but mostly I am a bit turned off by the idea of food and nervous about it...

All I know after being on clear liquids for a month is I would love to have a spoonful of refried beans. But alas, my next phase will be more liquids. (Protein shakes! Gag!) However, I'm a little worried that my first taste of any food again is going to make me nauseous. I see food commercials and sometimes get head hunger but mostly I am turned off by the idea of f

On day 11 I still have significant pain. It is the internal stitches used to close my abdominal wall. Nothing else hurts. You feel no pain in your stomach, at least I don''t. Surgeons don't all do this surgery the same way and we are all in different shape and ages.

Sleeved Sept 10. Still in a lot of damn pain! Sick to death of liquids! But I got a clothing catalog this weekend and looked at all the clothes I hope to buy in a large, or even a medium! Made me feel better.

Oh God, I've been here in bed knowing I have to go crush my meds and gag them down and keep putting it off. Hate it!!!

No way I could have. I day 11 and could not now. It depends on your situation and the particulars of your surgery. They are not all done the same way. Your surgeon or hus/her nurse should be able to give you guidance. But if this wedding is an absolute must, I would take no chances and reschedule.

Today is day 11. Even though my main incision is giving me knee buckling stabs of pain if I move the wrong way, I am having slight hunger pangs today which I am thinking means my stomach is healing. (?) I haven't felt hunger since day 4 of my pre-op. I'm still on clear liquids. Anyone else experience any hunger?

Hi, I should have asked my surgeon or nut this but never did. What is the reason for having us drink so many ounces of fluid per day? My surgery was 9/10 and I am really struggling to get them down. I am so sick of water. I thought if I knew the health reason for it, it might help me.

I am 11 days out and at this point - 25 days of liquids and a lot of pain - it's difficult to imagine ever eating again. Can some of you successful veterans tell me what an average day's meals consist of for you? All I hear is eat a few small bites, sip throughout the day.

My post-op was really painful, too, so caffeine withdrawal was the last thing I was worried about. I was too busy thinking about my abdomen that was screaming in pain! I guess that was kicking the habit the hard way...

I found out today that my pain is due to internal stitches placed by my surgeon to strengthen the area in the abdominal wall where the stomach was removed. Some have made reference to these stitches but I didn't realize that not all surgeons even place the internal stitches in order to ease recovery and some do minimal stitching. I think my surgeon did a stitching for an Amish quilt in there so hence the tugging and pain. While I hate the pain, it is temporary and for my benefit, so I feel better about it. Supposed it can be 3-6 weeks before it is relieved so I have a way to go. Thank you for the encouragement everyone. I feel better. Now, on with the never ending horrible fluids!