When did the eating pains/esophagal spasms(?) stop for you?

[Penguin733 7]

So, this coming Tuesday I'll be 6wks post-op and I still feel like I'm suffering when I try to eat. I've been having my popsicles and shakes fine, but every once in a while I feel clogged up in my chest when trying my soft foods. I tried having a quesadilla earlier this week that was alright, but today I tried doing a poke bowl since it was soft foods via fresh fish, soft veggies, etc, but it felt uncomfortable going down that it took me 30min to digest it and have it be comfortable in me; does that ever get easier? I can totally be fine with the full filling, but eating is still unenjoyable for me because of this. I was told I should be able to eat normally by now (or at least by this Tuesday), and I can understand that everyone heals different and I might need longer, so I was wondering how long it took you guys to get over this hump? And any suggestions to help subside the pain in the mean time?

[hills&valleys 91]

Sleeve patients need to adjust their eating "technique". We need to take smaller bites, chew to "mush" consistency and take longer pauses between bites. Making those adjustments should help the food go down easier. Keep in mind that our new smaller stomach pouches can be finicky, especially in the early post-op months....foods that we have never found disagreeable now could cause issues.

I have only had pain and spasms when I have eaten one bite too much. Rather than fighting the urge to throw up, I give in and hug the porcelain alter ridding myself of the "foamies" and the one bite too much......instant relief! You will soon learn your food volume limits.

[Arabesque 5,674]

@hills&valleys hit the nail on the proverbial head about adjusting eating techniques. Eating slowly, taking small bites, watching portion sizes, avoiding food that is too dry or coarse, etc. is very important. otherwise discomfort or the foamies may occur. And yes your tummy may not tolerate certain foods, textures or flavours for a little while longer so food choices can be a little more challenging in the beginning. Difficulty with eggs, chicken breast, steak, etc, in these early weeks aren’t unusual.

Six weeks is still pretty early out really. While able to eat soft foods then too, I could only manage my recommended 1/4 - 1/3 cup portion. Often that would be the Protein only & it would usually take at least 20 - 30 minutes to eat.

It does get easier & eating does become enjoyable again but you do have to learn the eating strategies that work best for you & your tummy. My tummy is a bit quirky & fussy but it was before surgery too. I still eat slowly taking 30 - 45+ minutes to eat what of course is a much larger portion size now, and take smaller bites. If I don’t because I’m distracted or not focussed on my eating behaviours, yep, discomfort & the foamies will occur.

[ChunkCat 87]

Did you eat rice with the poke bowl? I've read on the forums that bread, tortilla, rice, etc...can all sit heavy early on and tend to clump together when you eat them which causes that lump feeling in your belly. I bet even certain veggies can do that. They are all on my "wait a while" food list.

[Penguin733 7]

2 hours ago, ChunkCat said:

Did you eat rice with the poke bowl? I've read on the forums that bread, tortilla, rice, etc...can all sit heavy early on and tend to clump together when you eat them which causes that lump feeling in your belly. I bet even certain veggies can do that. They are all on my "wait a while" food list.

I did not, I opt'd out for more cooked veggies like Beans and corn.

[ChunkCat 87]

1 hour ago, Penguin733 said:

I did not, I opt'd out for more cooked veggies like Beans and corn.

Oh good choice!! Maybe it really is just a combo of chewing, your tummy getting used to food, and maybe a little too much roughage in the veggies for so early on? It seems like a lot of people have issues getting used to food again, those new tummies have strong opinions! LOL

[QnSheba 1]

I’m 10 weeks post surgery and still have this problem. For me, it’s eating one bite too many. The foamies happen and it feels better to just to get rid of that bite. I’m still learning what I can and can’t eat. Things I heard were tough to eat, like chicken are not hard for me. I can’t eat any kind of Pasta, bread, or cracker. It’s very painful, I sweat profusely when I eat a food my new stomach doesn’t like, and I literally have to lie down until that feeling subsides. I struggle with getting my Water and Protein in daily. It has gotten easier since I was six weeks post-op, and I feel like it will get better with time.
I did learn my trigger when I’m full, my sinuses get stuffy and I sneeze over and over. Just eat slow. My trigger doesn’t happen until about five minutes after my last bite. I always put my food to the side and re-visit it in an hour or two. I’ve lost 35lbs so far! Patience and learning your new tummy is key.

[Tomo 1,062]

So, this coming Tuesday I'll be 6wks post-op and I still feel like I'm suffering when I try to eat. I've been having my popsicles and shakes fine, but every once in a while I feel clogged up in my chest when trying my soft foods. I tried having a quesadilla earlier this week that was alright, but today I tried doing a poke bowl since it was soft foods via fresh fish, soft veggies, etc, but it felt uncomfortable going down that it took me 30min to digest it and have it be comfortable in me; does that ever get easier? I can totally be fine with the full filling, but eating is still unenjoyable for me because of this. I was told I should be able to eat normally by now (or at least by this Tuesday), and I can understand that everyone heals different and I might need longer, so I was wondering how long it took you guys to get over this hump? And any suggestions to help subside the pain in the mean time?

I think by eating normally, they really meant that you can now introduce new foods without restrictions. From now on, you'll always have to take it slow, chew well, don't drink food until at least 30 minutes after... Etc.

[Trisha95650 2]

Glad to know I’m not alone in this feeling. I am 3 weeks post-op tomorrow and honestly wish I would have taken more time off from work. I don’t like the sick, foamy, feeling while trying to work. I don’t tolerate chicken breast very well. eggs are usually ok but I can only eat one. Currently, deli sliced lunch meat is the best I can do for food.

My doctor sent the portion of stomach that was removed off to pathology, and it turns out I have H. Pylori. On top of all the foamies, I have to take two nasty antibiotics, pepto, and omeprazole for two weeks which further adds to the foamies.

I do not enjoy eating either at this point. I’m sure that will change with time. I’m down 18 lbs. in three weeks so that is a plus.

[Penguin733 7]

On 8/31/2023 at 1:15 PM, Tomo said:

I think by eating normally, they really meant that you can now introduce new foods without restrictions. From now on, you'll always have to take it slow, chew well, don't drink food until at least 30 minutes after... Etc.

I really did misunderstand what they meant, I'm doing best with food I've been having and even though I'm 6-7 weeks post op I thought I'd have no issues with anything, but it is what you said it's that I'll have no restrictions in now allowing to *reintroduce* everything else I hadn't before. 😕

Still a bit of a hurdle, but I'm definitely out of the painful part lately as it's a very full feeling (which I'm grateful for as I used to never feel full pre-op) and an uncomfortable bubbling feeling at worst with stuff I haven't tried.