Struggling 6 Months Out

[Myonlybattle 65]

Hi, I'm wondering if anyone else is having a hard time eating Protein several months after surgery. I can still eat only a few small bites of chicken, steak, ground meat, or fish. And after those few bites, I feel uncomfortable, bloated and full - almost sick. And sometimes I do get sick. I dread dinner time. I'm so sick of feeling sick!

I am fine drinking a Protein shake, eating greek yogurt, cheese, nuts, etc. But meats and fish are just so hard to get down. Vegetables too.

If I didn't eat the stuff that's bad for me (cookies, chips, etc) I would barely be able to eat 500 calories a day. And this makes me very worried - because I know when I don't have as tight a restriction, eating the bad stuff will become a real problem. I have NO problems eating Cookies - just ate an entire sleeve of Girl Scout cookies - and it feels so good to be able to eat something without feeling sick. Same with popcorn and most Snacks. So I gravitate towards them to get calories in and just to be able to eat something without being in pain 5 minutes later.

Has anyone experienced this? I'm just so frustrated - I want to eat good, real food but am so done with the way it makes me feel!

TIA . . .

[Babbs 14,681]

I'm sorry that must be so hard! I can tolerate most Protein quite well, and can eat about 3-6 oz depending what it is. I am also 6 months out. You should give your surgeon a call and see what they say. You shouldn't be having such a hard time with all protein at this point. It doesn't sound right to me so give them a call!

[IcanMakeit 1,318]

I agree with @Babbs. Your experience is unusual and worrisome. Please check in with your surgeon.

Also, you are correct, the coping mechanism that you are using (eating slider foods) is setting you up for problems in the future. One alternative to slider foods that you probably might be able to tolerate is Greek yogurt fortified with Protein powder. I ate a lot of this early out and it kept my Protein numbers respectable and it kept me from feeling hungry all the time. I also ate protein pudding (MHP Power Pak). The taste wasn't so great, but it went down pretty well. I sometimes added sugar-free flavoring to the vanilla, since I found it bland. Check out the blog called "The World According to Eggface". She has a bunch of recipes for the different stages. You should concentrate on the pureed stage.

I know it's frustrating to still be eating mushy food this far out, but until your doctor figures out what's wrong, you need healthy sustenance. Good luck.

[blondebomb 580]

have you called an got an app to see your surgeon or talked to your nurse about this? when is your next follow up? I agree with the above I would go back to puree stage an ge Protein instead of grabbing the simple sugars however I totally understand why you are. but I would replace this behavior quickly before it really becomes a difficult habit to rebreak again. I am 7 months PO an I only get about 5 bites in at 1 given time. I eat mainly chicken, salmon turkey protein is my first go to. I had some feelings of an upset stomach here an there but it went away. Did you have GERD before surgery? are you on nexium or similar? if you havnt called your dr I would call fri before the wknd an get you back to the softer or puree stage before this goes any further. thats just my input..keep us posted..

[Myonlybattle 65]

Thanks so much, I will make an appt. with my surgeon -- and you're all right, I should be just eating the mushy stage food to get my Protein in. I have a Premier Protein shake most mornings and between that and greek yogurt I could get by - so part of this is my own fault because I am making the wrong choices - out of frustration. Thanks for your feedback, in a strange way it feels good to know this isn't typical - hopefully my surgeon can get to the bottom of it.