Gastric Sleeve Swelling

[aztecmaverick 1]

I have searched through the forums and could not find an easier answer to this, so sorry if this is a re-post...

I am just over one week post-op and the doc moved me to the mashed potatoes and soft fish and scrambled eggs stage. I feel very minor pain or a pressure pushing back when I eat. Also, while the acid reflux isn't a major pain, it is an annoyance. I would imagine this is from the stomach still being swollen.

So, when does the swelling subside?

When will I "normalize"?

THANKS!

[FishingNurse 1,211]

I was very swollen too. My leak test showed the contrast just sitting in my esophagus for a few mins before it would leak down slowly into my stomach. I knew it stayed this way for a least 2 weeks. I didn't feel 100% normal with eating and drinking until at least 4-6 weeks out. But all I can say it has been so worth it! I feel great now and I can gulp Water like before!

[clk 3,519]

I'd say that despite being given the go ahead to move onto soft foods you might want to consider stepping back and letting your body heal a little bit more if you can. Or at least maybe make *most* of your meals liquid/puree and only eat a small portion once a day of the soft food until you're more comfortable.

If you're not able/willing to do that, make sure you're eating very slowly. At the beginning it only took a few spoonfuls to fill me up. Give yourself time to get the full signal before you eat too much.

The feeling you're describing sounds to me like my "you've gone too far" feeling. I only get this when I try to eat bread, rice or Pasta. It's an uncomfortable, almost stretched feeling. I feel an actual ache along the sleeve if I overdo it.

As for normalizing I was able to take the PPI every other day somewhere between 3 and 4 months and to drop it completely around 6 months. I was able to eat what I considered a decent amount of food around 2 to 3 months. I still have trouble eating enough food, though it no longer feels uncomfortable...I just can't eat much! I still supplement with Protein shakes even though I'm more than a year out, just to be sure I get the nutrition I need.

You're still early out! Before you know it you'll be able to eat what you want, just in tiny little portions.

~Cheri

[ShellBear 26]

Im a little surprised they have moved you to soft foods already. I was on full liquids for the first two weeks and then slowly moved to puree/mushy and then two weeks after that I tried some soft foods such as moist fish and mashed potatoes. If you feel you need to move things a little slower then wait another week to try these foods again.

Good luck and happy journey.

[Sleevie WonderLand 41]

Acid reflux is driving me batty too. i've started taking Tums, which helps ease the discomfort. Im also taking Nexium, but it doesn't handle my acid enough and I don't want to end up with an ulcer in my esophagus.

Ease up on the solid foods, I had to slow down as well. Try drinking Soups (blended) you may find that they are easier to tolerate.

[elise 5]

I agree with the other responders. You may be going to fast to soft food. I was sleeved 7 days ago and I believe another week of liquids is needed for me. Listen to your body, allow to it heal. Take it slow. As for the acid reflux, I was told to take acid inhibitor for 30 days post surgery. So far no problems with reflux. Perhaps and acid inhibitor is needed for you. Ask your Doctor. Good luck!

[NikiS 31]

Swelling or reflux could be a result of the intake of heavier foods so soon. It seems like each doctor says something different. My surgeon told me a week of Clear Liquids and a week of full iquids (cream soups). I didn't move to mushy or potatos until I was 3 weeks out.

Be careful and watch your intake. As you know the swelling and/or refulx is extrememly uncomfortable.

Take it easy and congrats on your surgery.

[ann_franc 2]

That seems super early to be on those types of foods. I don't start those kinds of foods until I'm at 5-6 weeks post op. Currently I'm 2 1/2 weeks out and I'm taking clear to full liquids and creamy Soups that have been strained.

I would suggest you discuss how you feel with your doctor and if you still feel like that, I would probably scale back on the types of foods you are eating. You will be swollen for a while and those foods have to go down a swollen little funnel (and you don't want to be streching that new pouch out so soon).

Best regards!

[aztecmaverick 1]

At the advice from this board, i will be slowing down a bit...

Fish seem to be a problem food, so I will try again down the road...

Mashed potatoes are fine and some cheeses are fine...

I have never really had acid reflux before this so it is a new feeling.

What do you guys like for instant acid reflux relief (not time released)?

THANKS!