Having a little trouble with food

Well, things were going pretty well in the recovery and food phase for me, that is, until the last few days.  I suspect I am learning what agrees with me and what doesn't, but it is a little discouraging.

I think the way I "dump" is to feel really tired, nauseated, some dry heaves, a little bit of heart thumping fast, and this passes within 30 minutes.  I have had two episodes in the last 4 days, both with things I had had before with no trouble.  I am able to eat some amount of sugar with no problems - yesterday my kids and I made pb cookies and I had one - no dumping.  Last night I ate some mini carmel rice cakes 1 T creamy pb - dumped.  

Today we went out for dinner at Applebees - they have the WW friendly foods so I thought I would be ok.  I got the tilapia, thinking it is nice and soft - I got about 4 bites in and then felt like it was stuck.  Finally I had to run to the bathroom and throw up.  First time that has happened and I was really surprised.

So, anyway, I have been having more and more trouble with food feeling "stuck", dumping, etc.  Is this the normal trial and error or should I be worried since it has gotten so much more difficult recently?  I don't think it is a stricture, since I am able to drink, eat yogurt, etc. with no trouble.

Any advice?  Should I take a couple steps back to "safe" foods for a while?

TIA
Amelia

The only thing I can share about dumping is that what triggers it will change randomly.  One day?  You're fine with a banana.  Another day?  Major dumpage.  It's an on-going learning thing.

For getting stuck, that's where being mindful of chewing the dickens out of everything comes into play.  But I believe that once you DO get stuck, your poor little stoma gets irritated, and perhaps a bit swollen from its fight with the offending bit of food.  So whenever I've gotten stuck (and FYI, the further out you get, the less common it is), I've taken it easy for a day or so - sticking with slider foods so the stoma can relax.  Yogurt, tuna, whatever slips through easily for you.  Protein shakes, if it's really bad.  Once you've given it time to relax, if you still have troubles getting down food that you've chewed TO APPLESAUCE CONSISTANCY, then you might want to get checked...

WELCOME TO THE "EASY WAY OUT", BABY!

From what I've read on these boards over the past couple years, I'd offer up to yes, move back to softer foods that are protein first - even though the cookie had PB in it, it is not the best choice at this stage for getting your protein in.

Secondly, if you're having issues with feeling stuck (especially after the tilapia, that is a soft fish from Applebee's, you're right), definitely call your surgeon & get it checked out. It could be an easy fix such as stretching your stoma back open a little.

Keep us posted, but definitely give your surgeon a call!

Rice cakes with caramel and pb has LOTS of sugar in them. Be very careful. You're only 6 weeks out - be careful to make GOOD choices now, otherwise you're screwed as you get further out.

If things are getting stuck, be sure to ask your PNC nurse, you may have a stricture.