LAN2k

Yes Stacy that was my first route of action BEFORE I even knew I had this "Silent" acid reflux since early out I was hoping to find alternative non pharma...ways to protect myself from any form of acid reflux. I also bought a bottle of deglycerized Licorice capsules. I only tried 2 brands both were extraordinarily distasteful, very sour and/or bitter. I returned each. I bought a bottle of Aloe Vera Capsules (huge) instead at GNC and they have 25mg. Aloe per capsule. I started taking them since this recent diagnosis...I probably would be much better off drinking aloe vera juice though so I will keep looking until I find a brand that I can tolerate. Thanks.

Being "present" is key! I'm right there with you and any others that have this sort of self understanding. I find it so much better when I am conscious of my food and the manner in which I must eat it now post surgery. I love threads like this, they help me to not feel so isolated in my thinking.

I'ts true, some people are up and about in only a few days post surgery. Much of this depends upon how your surgery goes for you individually. I hope you will be able to make the show....that would be great!

Your opinion is affirming. I intend to get that second opinion from a gastroenterologist. It would be so much easier if I could find a doctor who was certain and confident in a treatment. I intend on making phone calls tomorrow. In the meanwhile I stopped taking the PPI Aciphex and switched to Protonix (generic version). It's only day 3 and I still feel that lump with slight throat soreness, so it's too early to tell but I don't think the Aciphex was effective enough. I am now taking the Protonix 2x per day 40mg per pill. Tomorrow I have an appointment with my PCP and I'll fill her in and she what she thinks as well. Thanks Mary!!

Congrats to wedding, sleeve and honeymoon!!!

Well sunnyinaz. I wish you success in your endeavor. I have continued to go to an OA meeting on Saturday mornings close by to where I live and this meeting is a packed house. It's a 2 hour meeting that flies by. There is a guest speaker each week and throughout 3 minute "pitches" for anyone who wishes to get up and share. It is helping me. I have a sponsor who is available only 2x per week and for now I'm fine with that. I'm working on step 4...not easy and I find myself avoiding it. Keep me posted on your progress I'd be very interested in knowing how you do with it. You may PM me anytime. Best wishes. -Lis

Bravo to you and your aility to stay on track yet have a sense of humor.

Well I'm 8.5 months out and tonight I was only able to eat about 3oz of tuna, maybe 3 brocolli florets and done! Up from sitting position to usual routine of tapping on my esophagus, (to help it move down!) and pacing the floor. The only time I feel semi comfortable eating is when it's mushie. I am definately the odd ball out here and I'm beginning to think that this is the way it's gonna be. I don't get how some people can eat so much more than I can especially when they're months earlier out from surgery and my bougie size was a 40. I don't get it.

So I was diagnosed by an ENT as having LPR Laryngopharyngeal Reflux, otherwise known as "silent" acid reflux... so the stomach acid is not in the amount that causes GERD but just enough to creep up into my throat which triggers this whole sinus/mucus/fluid accumulation that causes my throat to have a lump feeling and irritation. I find it affects my voice and ability to talk. Swallowing is sometimes a bit of an effort. It's a perpetual pool of fluid and my stomach is growling like crazy. I just chewed 2 Gaviscon and I'm already taking a daily PPI. The ENT said to come back in 6 weeks. It's only maybe week 2 and this addition of OTC chewables isn't helping. When I called this doctor and asked him just how much acid, (or lack thereof) did he presume my stomach was producing, he said "I don't know the answer to that." He hadn't anything further to offer. I feel like I've hit a wall and I've been told to avoid spicy, citrus, chocolate...foods. Anyone have any suggestions? Should I go to a gastroenterologist who will hear me out and have another upper endo with an emphasis on my throat? I know that something is not right here and I only want a remedy that will work. Does anyone here know about this type of acid reflux? Does anyone know if and/or when our sleeved stomachs behave normally in relation to acid production or if this will be a life long struggle?

Ouch sorry I know what it feels like-I awoke with one this morn but thank God it was gone in an hour (must have been sinus related). I had a headache that lasted 3 days last wee,(more likely migraine!) Let me know what Dr. Aceves recommends. Hope you feel better soon.

Yep that's what I got out of reading the article. Thanks for further clarification.

I would love to have that kind of passion for exercise. I predict that you are going to be fit very soon. You are doing great!

Congratulations Elly! I'm glad your surgery went smoothly. Three cheers to a smooth recovery and steady weight loss!!!

Thank God Champ! And thank you for reaching out to the rest of us...hugs to your wife, still keeping her in prayer.

I'm glad your staying connected and have better news--keep the faith Champ and know that your prayers are delivered to a faithful and mighty God. Out of this pain will come greater strength and love and pure love heals.

I know you are devastated. From what I have read a leak takes time to heal. I am so sorry for the suffering you all must endure. Hang in there Champ, your wife will recover, be reassured and reassure your kids. Stacy's idea may be beneficial if you connect with someone in your area maybe they can meet up with you and give you some practical support. I will pray for her healing and for both of you to be strong and have faith that at some point soon she will be on the mend.

I took home the left overs of a burrito "bowl" (minus the tortilla) from a Mexican fast food chain restaurant, (forget the name of the place at the moment). It had black Beans, pinto beans, diced seasoned chicken, guacamole, sour cream, tomato, lettuce, etc...etc..I was able to get 3 more meals out of it over the course of 3 days and it held up better than I did each sitting.

You gotta love this guy Tiff...cuz he loves you so!

Ditto here Angel, when I eat with family they know what to expect. My mother usually says "Oh what did they do to you...??" She is stil very concerned over my distress and how little I am able to eat and I think if I were in her seat I'd feel the same way. I'm not hoping for a big stretch! ...just enough so that it doesn't fill up so fast and feel so uncomfortable afterwards...time will tell.

Thanks Bill for posting that story. When I start to freak out... I need to remind myself of the fact that many people have had other reasons for having stomach surgery such as the sleeve.

It's all so perplexing, I consume a mere 600-800 calories daily (and that's because I just find eating unpleasant!), and yet I get stuck at the same weight for a couple weeks at a time). I am grateful for the weight lost, yet it's ironic that since this surgery losing weight has not been the giant reward I thought it would be. Never the less, thank you very much.

Well I hadn't thought I'd ever feel this way but I am HOPING that my stomach DOES stretch out without any damage since at 8.5 months I am still unable to eat more than 6 oz. and unless it's a soupy like consistency 95% of the time I experience discomfort for at least 20 minutes after eating. Sitting down and enjoying a meal however small has not been my reality since being sleeved, sorry to say.

Another thing to consider is that Splenda/sucralose can cause severe GI problems. I did not use it at all after my surgery because I learned several years ago that it caused me to have nausea and stomach cramps. Do an internet search on "sucralose toxicity" and this will give you more information. I'm with you Katt. I too did research only a couple of months after "Splenda" hit the market. After researching, I threw out the multiple box stock I had..and never touched the stuff or any product that contains sucralose, again. Ditto for aspartame! http://articles.mercola.com/sites/directory/Aspartame/default.aspx Jillianmarie, It's rough going the first few weeks out for many of us. Take it slow and be patient. From the responses I've read here, you have some very sound advise. Stay connected for support and best wishes.

My surgeon told me I could drink thin protein drinks so maybe you can make extra thin soupy like pudding? I would give your surgeon a call first and ask. Best wishes to you on your WL journey.

Hey there, I'm 8 months out and still struggling with the loss of food as a coping mechanism for troubles. Therapy can be a helpful tool as well as a support group. I found a local OA support group that is full of insightful people and it helps me. I'm realizing that having this surgery did not undue a lifetime of using food for comfort. I am not sure what the communication is like between you and your BF but if it is at all possible perhaps you can gain his understanding by being honest with him about what you are going through and his empathy and patience would be helpful to you while you are adjusting physically and psychologically, etc. I hope you try that before abruptly kicking him out. Feel free to PM me and vent anytime. Best wishes.