Eating problems post op.

Hi Peg, 2 months is still soon after the surgery, could you clarify what the eating issues you are having are? I didn't attempt to eat toast and bread or any foods that required a lot of chewing. Sloppy foods and soups were my main source of nutrition. So as I say if you can let us know what the eating problems are we might be able to give you some advice. Stay positive and you will get back to some sort of normal, it does take time. Good luck and kind regards Frank.

Hi Frank 

I am still eating soft foods, lots of soup, but it's the amount that's the problem.

I dont seem to be able to eat more than a few spoonfuls at any one time. Is this normal?  Also after eating I seem to cough a lot and sometimes this makes me sick.

Hi peg502

I'm now just 6 months post operation and eating fairly normally. When I first came home I was the same as you, soup and mince steak and onion were my staple diet. It's a very slow process to build up to eating larger portions, my eyes wanted to eat but my body rejected it. It's as everyone says eat little and often even if you don't feel like it. I had a brilliant nutritionalist who kick started me into eating regularly to get my weight up. I also found I was coughing  a lot after eating, I figured out it was how I was sitting, if I lean to my right  I cough if I lean to my left I don't, it's  still happening now although not as much. I did ask and it seems to be a bit of bile getting back up and irritating my throat causing the coughing. It was worse at night when trying to sleep, I spent a lot of time downstairs having a cup of tea at 1 o'clock in the morning waiting for it to go. It could be you have to lean the opposite way to me but it's worth a try. It does get easier and the time it takes is different for everybody but stay positive. Hope this has helped.

Mick

As everyone will tell you to eat small and often, but it's how much is too much? And I'm afraid to say that we are all different, we all heal differently. I could eat a tin of soup ok and wasn't bothered with coughing. I still sit quite upright after eating and don't do anything physical for at least half an hour after eating. About 2 months after the surgery I had to get my gullet dilated. That's quite normal as the wound in the gullet heals it shrinks. Hopefully eating will improve soon. Kind regards Frank.

My hubby is in same situation as you. Almost two months post op and he is still suffering from eating. Drinking is very painful for him. He has been losing weight and we are concerned if the eating will improve or this is the new norm. 

Thank you Mick that is very helpful 

Peg

Hi there! I hope everyone is well. 

I don't normally reply to posts but I was compelled to as there is not much precise information out there.

I had a problem eating post op. I tried googling what would constitute a small meal. I didn't find anything that would give me a definitive answer. I was worried as I could only eat very small amounts ie couple of spoonfuls or sometimes even 1/4 of toast would be classed as a small meal for me. I also had a problem of nausea which didn't help me either.

My weight continued to fall for 2 years plus and just stabilised in Dec 2019. I can now eat a full toast but each day is different. I still eat tablets for nausea too but I am trying to manage life without eating too many of these tablets. 

It is just such an effort trying to eat, trying to manage the effects of food sometimes ie the dumping syndrome and also try to ensure that I don't get constipated.

The hard work is worth it 100%. 

I wouldn't worry because you will end up getting stressed and that doesn't really help either.

As Zappaman and others have stated that everyone is unique and everyone is different. We will all progress at different levels. 

2 months post op is still very very early.  It will take time for you to find a new norm for yourself. Try and enjoy yourself through the process.  Don't stress - it's very easy to say but the tide will eventually turn.

Everyone will get there.

I manage each day as it comes. Some days better than others. 

I hope this helps

Hi Peg502, 

I had surgery in August 2018. I was on a masable diet until February 2019. I found the post op second cycle of FLOT very hard. 

Now nearly 2 years on i'm putting on a lot of weight (too much, but I am on steroids) , can eat most things in moderation, and one of the major differences for me is I can't drink with a meal. I drink a little afterwards. My sense of taste and smell and feeling ( I had a lot of Chemo Induced Neuropathy) have all returned to some extent. 

I haven't been sick for over 18 months, and have learned to listen to my body more and chew my food more. 

I'm still in remission although my checkup scans, blood tests etc have been cancelled. 

Things do get better! 

Wishing you all the best

Hi I am 7 months post op 2 of which were nil by mouth waiting for a small leak to heal.Jeg tube fed for 4 months then gradual return to soft foods. Great day to loose the feed pump. Now I am eating normally and gaining weight just had baked potato sweet corn and a gammon steak for dinner, drinking small glass of white wine ( red is a problem don’t know what why). Sometimes have a post food cough but nearly gone. Sleeping is good bought a wedge to put under my pillow so not so much reflux.

Gaviscon shot at bedtime makes a big difference