Diet post op.

Hi Shaz,

I had a similar struggle after my op too. Trying to fit in eating, drinking enough and taking medication at right times was a challenge. Everytime I felt I could eat something I did but I could only get small volumes in and relied on the tube feeding to make up the calories for a little while (although I was able to taper that down as I could eat more). I'm also lactose intolerant too so I couldn't use most of the meal replacements. One that was available in a lactose/dairy free version were the Ensure drinks. I was having 1-2 of those a day just after my op. They are still quite sweet though if that's not something you like

Kind regards,

Chris

Hi Shaz.

I'm 7 weeks post op for MI Ivor Lewis (St Thomas') I have had all the same issues as you mentioned. I made the decision to step back to simple fluids and start the introduction of solids very slowly. I have now started on anti-nausea meds and PPI which have helped and now on solids and gained 1 Kilo. My challenges were self imposed and I decided to step back use fluids - hot peppermint tea, Bovril and then lactose free helped relive the symptoms. Milk products do make this tricky, though some sound advise by one of the team at St Thomas' was that an ice cream can be 3 of the 6 small meals a day :-) I, like you have not used the fortisips etc as they were too sweet and made me feel nauseous. I now have managed to start eating small meals and enjoying food, though potion size needs to be very small - you will get there. 

I have started 18 weeks of Chemo today and just wanted to say it does get better and you will get past this stage. 

Take care.

Michael 

Hi Shaz, sorry to hear that you are finding eating difficult post surgery. I don't know what treatment you had or what medication you are on. I had surgery only in the Royal Edinburgh infirmary, my choice. I had Lost about 5 stones in weight prior to the surgery, so I don't know if that's why they put a jejunostomy feeding tube in at the same time as the surgery. I was in for 12 days because I developed a chest infection. I can't remember exactly how many days it was before I was allowed food, about 6 I think. I had porridge oats in the morning and generally the same food as the others in the ward, I didn't get a special menu.  They started me on the nutritional supplements pump about 4 days before I was discharged and I continued with the nutritional supplements overnight for a couple of months. I was about  8 1/2 stones when I left hospital. I continued having porridge oats for breakfast and had several mugs of coffee made with hot milk during the day. I had soups with a knob of butter thrown in to add calories. Meals like spaghetti Bolognese or chilli things the were easy to swallow. I didn't have a problem with the milk intake but I found sugary foods and drinks caused early food dumping syndrome. I also had to avoid simple carbohydrates like potatoes. It's not about eating healthy food it's about gaining weight to help you heal and build up your strength. I am now 3 years and 6 months post surgery and have gained all the weight I had lost. I'll need to go on a diet. Good luck and kind regards Frank.

Hi Shaz2019, 

I had my laparoscopic assisted left thoracoabdominal oesophagectomy at St Thomas' hospital in August 2018. I'm now in remission. I do remember being offered Fortisip drinks to take home with me after 12 days in hospital which I refused because I didn't like them. At home I just ate what I liked in soft mashable or liquid form. I did loose 2 1/2 stone during treatment, but I've put on 1 1/2 stone since treatment. I found the FLOT made me loose my seance of smell and taste so I ate by the clock (small amounts at regular intervals). It worked for me. 

Ok quick update,thankyou all for the advice,I'm still having trouble with nausea but the complan is much better & not as sweet. Only managing 1 a day though,which is better than none I guess. The eating is still hard,especially as I never feel hungry & I find I've gone off of a lot of food that I enjoyed before. Mentally it's very draining,I'm just so frustrated that I can't eat properly,being a chef by trade & not being able to have "normal"food is soo hard. The current covid situation doesn't help either,I just want to go out & be normal!! Sorry for the rant guys,just needed to vent. Hope everyone is well & staying safe :-)

Hi there your blog is just how I was I felt so nauseous post op and just couldn’t eat it would take me 3 hrs to get a fortisip down but then made myself eat a dry biscuit every 2 hrs , I have required multiple dilatations as the join kept closing up but it really does get better , just keep trying I promise there is a light at the end of a very challenging journeys I can now eat anything and have appetite back x