3 months still having difficulties

[Yourbestfriend 0]

Hello all!

i got a gastric sleeve on 9/25 and seem to still be having a lot of difficulty eating. I can’t really eat any solid foods barely any veggies no boca burgers meats really besides ground turkey and even that gives me difficulty sometimes. I keep trying new things I eat slow small amounts but honestly I can barely eat anything. I’ve tried chicken, fish, steak and it all seems like it’s getting stuck at the bottom of my throat. I’m barely able to get any Protein in because every time I eat I feel sick. I try Protein Bars and a bunch of different things I was supposed to be eating months ago and still have difficulties. The most I’m comfortable with is mashed potatoes and Soups but I’m getting sick of that. I have tried a lot, and nothing really goes down and sits well with me. Do you think something is wrong?

[GradyCat 3,697]

No, I don't think anything is wrong. I'm two year post-op sleeve and I still can't eat anything dense like steak or pork chops. I can do grilled chicken in small amounts. If you're not getting enough Protein in, it's okay to still drink a Protein Shake. Try some scrambled eggs.

[Jaelzion 1,129]

11 hours ago, Yourbestfriend said:

Hello all!

i got a gastric sleeve on 9/25 and seem to still be having a lot of difficulty eating. I can’t really eat any solid foods barely any veggies no boca burgers meats really besides ground turkey and even that gives me difficulty sometimes. I keep trying new things I eat slow small amounts but honestly I can barely eat anything. I’ve tried chicken, fish, steak and it all seems like it’s getting stuck at the bottom of my throat. I’m barely able to get any Protein in because every time I eat I feel sick. I try Protein Bars and a bunch of different things I was supposed to be eating months ago and still have difficulties. The most I’m comfortable with is mashed potatoes and Soups but I’m getting sick of that. I have tried a lot, and nothing really goes down and sits well with me. Do you think something is wrong?

You're probably fine - there is a lot of variation in how quickly people recover and are able to eat more of a variety of food. But it would be good to mention this to your surgeon because there is a complication that can occur and results in the symptoms you describe. Here is a description of it:

Strictures are a problem unique to the Bypass and Sleeve patients. Basically, it is a narrowing preventing food to pass normally through your digestive system. With the Bypass, strictures occur at the gastro-jejunal anastomosis (the top connection where the small bowel is attached to the gastric pouch). Sleeve patients can have a stricture anywhere along the length of the stapled stomach. A stricture will almost always occur within the first three months after surgery. Generally, a patient will complain of not being able to advance their diet beyond liquids. They may have frequent vomiting episodes, or even night time regurgitation/reflux.

https://alohasurgery.com/strictures/

I doubt this is what's going on, but you are in that 3 month window when it's most likely to occur and it would be good to rule it out. Whatever is going on (even if it's just a normal slower recovery), your bariatric team can help you figure it out. Hope you feel better soon. Hugs. 🤗

Edited December 24, 2020 by Jaelzion

[Sandra Nuelken 419]

3 months out I was still on the last week of my post-surgery diet. Like with a baby you add new food slowly. The chicken should be shredded and I bought toddler stainless silverware to eat with. I don't eat at a table with friends as I tend to eat too fast and chew too little. I often have my computer or book to slow down eating. Dense meats are the hardest, I eat a lot of chicken and salmon. If the meat is dry I add cold-pressed olive oil with Italian seasonings or with salmon the lemon pepper seasonings. My meals are very boring as I don't want food to become exciting and entertaining. It is just nutrition. Start slow and don't think that 3 months out you need to eat everything just keep your Protein first. Veggies I might eat a spoonful every once in a while. Good luck.