I am 16 days post op and im struggling. I was cruising along with clear and full liquids and then just before puree, i hit a wall. I went back to clears and now am progressing back to fulls. Somedays its so easy to get in fluids, but this morning i woke up and am really struggling to get in an 8 oz protein shake. I really just dont get it. I have had thrush which i know can cause esophagus swelling and pain. I also have had some bad heartburn but somedays its so easy. Tues and wed i got down 60 oz all day and yesterday and applesauce. Today i feel like crap and can barely get this protein shake in. What gives!?? Im scared ill never progress to real food. Any insights would be great.....

That's good you reverted back to clears. You are minding your body and that is important. Rushing things can really cause problems.

That being said, first of all check with your doctor, but it is very likely a mucus issue. Not like you are sick or coughing or the like, but we all have mucus in our esophagus...some more than others, and definitely more at different times than others. It is very common to have more difficulty eating in the first half of the day, then be able to eat/drink just fine in the latter half.

Many things can affect mucus production: weather, sleeping habits (i.e. with your mouth open), current health/allergies...numerous things. You now have a much more narrow passage to work with. If you are dealing with mucus, it is only serving to make that passage even MORE narrow.

Also, if you are dealing with Thrush, then the membranes are likely producing even more mucus to protect itself. If your Thrush is chronic, working with your doctor to manage the symptoms will help. Otherwise, I'm sure you've gotten medication to correct the imbalance and you should be on your way to having some relief.

Stick with your Protein, slow and steady and try not to get frustrated. I know it can be difficult. As you heal, it should improve. Just remember the body needs lots of protein to aid in the healing process.

Good luck and keep checking in!

Edited December 5, 201312 yr by TexasFire

Wow, that was a very comprehensive answer, thank you. How did u know I was frustrated??? The real question is how do i get rid of the mucous so i can eat?? The thrush was from all the antibiotics in the hospital and i am done with the meds after today. I am also in such a brain fog, is this normal??? Sorry, im a mess.....obviously!

The brain fog is totally normal. Not only did you just have major surgery a couple of weeks ago, but your body is still in the process of adjusting to the changes. Add the thrush to that, and who knows!?

My worst case of illness-related brain fog was after a kidney infection a while back. It simply took me weeks to get my brain fully back in the game. I think anything systemic like that (or like our surgery) will do that in the worst case scenario.

Thank you!

I managed to eat 3 bites of a scrambled egg for dinner. But, how do u know when ur full? Since i always have this midchest fullness, what else would indicate ive reached my limits??