Post surgery

Hi I had my op in October and I am still losing weight and struggling with the whole eating and drinking.  I am expecting to start chemo in January which I am dreading as the first round I found hard and this is meant to be harder! 

what issues are you having? 

Same I’m just over 4 weeks and lost 1stone 5lb can’t eat more than a couple of spoon fulls. Also acid and pain omg pain and iv been told I have a high threshold too 

I have lost about 2 and1/2 stone now all post op.  I hate not being able to eat much at a time it’s a lot to get used to and I can see why they say it takes up to a year to get used to it. The acid is bad I take Gaviscon and sit upright even in bed to ease it.  Pain wise yes I have had a lot but it is starting to ease now which is a relief. 

Hi JacPop

I passed my 5 year all clear back in September this year 

In that time my overall weight loss at time of diagnosis is approx. 4 stone - but I was a big lad then - circa 18 stone !

I am feeling fitter than I have in years and in the gym (just for 30-40 mins ) 5 days a week

In the early days I was encourage to go high fat (gives you energy) and eat whatever you fancy....we invested in a handblender so I could have Sunday lunch (blended) and odd Curries etc... for puddings, trifle and ice creams etc 

It really is trial and error and there's some stuff I cant just have together e.g. porridge and a cup of tea in the same sitting no way ....and even scrambled eggs on toast and a cup of tea together - absolutely no chance ...makes feel proper weird and funny ...

Failing that I can fortunately eat whatever I want (in moderation) but also dont drink too much when eating - before and after is fine but pace yourself - there's no race or prize for speeding this up 

I have copied a link to my blog I'd set up with my daughter to help anyone who may take the same/ similar journey 

myoesophagealcancerjourney.wordpress.com/

p.s. it;s a simple A-z - so click ' older posts' at the bottom to complete the full detail 

All the best 
Pete

Hiya I’m nearly 5 weeks in but also had an infection near my incision site which I ended up back in hospital for a week. I’m really getting fed up with the pain although it is getting better. I can lie in bed now. Eating is crap I must admit 

thanku shell

Hi

its excellent to hear you are 5 years all clear.  Thank you for letting us know there is not just light but enjoyable light at the end of the tunnel.  I have looked at your blog as well  

I had my surgery in 2020, I lost three stones and went from a size 14 to an 8, my weight has stabilized at 8st 5 now it usually fluctuates by a pound depending on how many times I have to go to the toilet. 

Hi, I’m two years post op and you do get used to not eating as much, it does put a damper on going out for meals though because in the past I would have a curry, rice and a bread but that’s just too much now. Also not feeling hungry anymore takes getting used to, eating is functional now. After my surgery I was put on an anti acid tablet that I was told I would be taking lifelong. I think you may need something better than Gaviscon. 

Hi kitty im also on lanzoprasole too, but it’s very difficult with eating bit. And the pain I wish it would ease abit. I have to go back in hospital with infection and build up of fluid on cut site.

wow this is def a life changing op 

Hi Shelltotts, you are right this is a life changing op, but it’s also a life saving op that’s how I like to think of it. I would rather be alive and have some problems than the alternative.