Jo Lord. 16 yrs post-op

successful surgery, malabsorption has always been a manageable issue, tertiary swallows are now out of synch, and over the past 45 days having problem in keeping some food or liquid down, liquids will pour out if I lean over to tie my shoes, vitamin tabs are not staying down, iron anemia (ferritin) and D3 are low often as is magnesium. I fear my inability to eat will make all vital nutrient levels fall. Could it be the flap in the esophagus is not doing its job?

I’ve learned to live with it, I don’t eat dense meats, that includes tender meat leftovers that are refrigerated. I have learned to cut everything into extra small bite sizes and to eat slowly. Broccoli is problematic. It is so common for me to ‘lose’ what I’ve eaten that I have to remember not to bend at the waist after any meal I hope to retain. Otherwise I’ve had no problems, maintaining my goal weight of 140 has been easy for me. I feel blessed.

not that I notice, I have become a serial swallower, and a very slow learner. I should be approaching each meal with the knowledge there could be a problem, instead I am surprised when something goes wrong.

Hi, it was explained to me the esophageal motor activity during swallowing is comprised of three contractions, first primary, then secondary and lastly tertiary. when we swallow these 3 muscles contract in a way that moves matter from our throat to our stomach. when they work in a natural way, food moves as it should through all 3 zones. In my case, the last muscle has lost it’s beat if you will. It no longer keeps food moving on. Food stops there and it takes more contractions than normal for that food to move on through, if it does at all. Thank heavens for protein liquid drinks.

thank you i will talk to my pcp.