Early last week I was given the green light to move onto the "general" phase of the post-op diet. I've been extremely cautious and still mostly eating softish foods, but introducing more things slowly. The problem is that even though I'm over 6 weeks out, I still get pain every single time I eat or drink anything. It doesn't matter if it's plain water or a small piece of beef tenderloin - it hurts. I'm feeling under the weather today (allergies, achy, headache, etc.) so I wanted some chicken noodle soup. I removed most of the noodles and the dogs had a nice treat with their dinner, LOL! Even just the broth and soft veggies (VERY well-cooked carrots, celery, and onions) were wreaking havoc on me within seconds of swallowing. The chicken was super tender and juicy but was super painful when it hit my stomach. Yes, I'm taking small bites and chewing A LOT. I could only eat a few spoonfuls, then had to put it away. Any idea why I'm still experiencing so much pain this far out? I also burp terribly, and my stomach sounds like a one-man marching band the second I eat or drink. Lots of noise for hours. I just don't get it. Is this normal?

Edited October 3, 20205 yr by LAJ23

What did your Doc say it was?

Tek

Edited October 3, 20205 yr by The Greater Fool

1 minute ago, The Greater Fool said:

What did your Doc say it was?

Tek

I haven't heard from my doctor (or anyone at his office) in close to three weeks. When I mentioned it back then, I was told it was still early and things were still healing. I just sent them an email, but won't hear back until Monday.

I'm 4 months out. I stay away beef or any tough meat due to pain. We are still pretty early in recovery. Especially 6 weeks, weigh your food. Eat and drink smaller portions. When I was 3 months. I though I was never going to be able to drink or eat with out pain. Was thinking I made a huge mistake. As time is moving on I find it less painful. Still not able to eat salads in which im craving badly. Just take it slowly. Things get better with time.

5 hours ago, sweetsmith78 said:

I'm 4 months out. I stay away beef or any tough meat due to pain. We are still pretty early in recovery. Especially 6 weeks, weigh your food. Eat and drink smaller portions. When I was 3 months. I though I was never going to be able to drink or eat with out pain. Was thinking I made a huge mistake. As time is moving on I find it less painful. Still not able to eat salads in which im craving badly. Just take it slowly. Things get better with time.

The funny thing is that there have been a few times (very few) where I ate beef - very tender filet - and didn't have a problem. The pain I have now is caused by almost anything - even plain water - so I'm not sure that beef is the problem. Yesterday I ate chicken broth with super tender vegetables and that hurt too. I guess my other question is, why are we cleared to be on a general diet (meaning just about anything goes, as long as it's a healthy choice) if the risk of pain is still so great due to the recovery process? I eat super small portions and constantly take small sips of drink throughout the day. It doesn't seem to matter...almost always hurts when it hits my pouch.

Edited October 4, 20205 yr by LAJ23

Are you on anything for GERD? That may be the issue if not? If I forget to take my protonix I get similar symptoms. Hope you feel better soon, best of luck!

7 hours ago, sweetsmith78 said:

I'm 4 months out. I stay away beef or any tough meat due to pain. We are still pretty early in recovery. Especially 6 weeks, weigh your food. Eat and drink smaller portions. When I was 3 months. I though I was never going to be able to drink or eat with out pain. Was thinking I made a huge mistake. As time is moving on I find it less painful. Still not able to eat salads in which im craving badly. Just take it slowly. Things get better with time.

you should be able to eat salads again at some point. I think it was six or seven months out for me...

3 hours ago, breavsg said:

Are you on anything for GERD? That may be the issue if not? If I forget to take my protonix I get similar symptoms. Hope you feel better soon, best of luck!

Not on anything for GERD. No one has ever mentioned that, and it's never been an issue in the past. I'll be sure to ask my doctor or his PA about it. Thanks.

On 10/3/2020 at 12:58 PM, LAJ23 said:

Early last week I was given the green light to move onto the "general" phase of the post-op diet. I've been extremely cautious and still mostly eating softish foods, but introducing more things slowly. The problem is that even though I'm over 6 weeks out, I still get pain every single time I eat or drink anything. It doesn't matter if it's plain Water or a small piece of beef tenderloin - it hurts. I'm feeling under the weather today (allergies, achy, headache, etc.) so I wanted some chicken noodle Soup. I removed most of the noodles and the dogs had a nice treat with their dinner, LOL! Even just the broth and soft veggies (VERY well-cooked carrots, celery, and onions) were wreaking havoc on me within seconds of swallowing. The chicken was super tender and juicy but was super painful when it hit my stomach. Yes, I'm taking small bites and chewing A LOT. I could only eat a few spoonfuls, then had to put it away. Any idea why I'm still experiencing so much pain this far out? I also burp terribly, and my stomach sounds like a one-man marching band the second I eat or drink. Lots of noise for hours. I just don't get it. Is this normal?

Im past a month post op as well and i had all that going on until i preportioned the food and drink. I use 2 oz cups prior to eating. I use a 1 cup measure for liquid. These work for me. I dont just eyeball anything i measure it before even trying and that has significantly decreased my discomfort as well as increased my protein uptake

You could start with a one ounce to see if that caused pain if not go to two. Im glad you are checking back with surgeon about anything i always do