Meat Tenderizers

Wow! Thanks for posting those studies. That's very interesting, and has definitely scared me off of using meat tenderizer if I ever experience this problem.

-Jenna

Holy moly! I had nooooo idea. Thanks for posting all of that. I could have sworn I even read this remedy in WLS for dummies, but I am operating from memory here. I've heard of doctors suggesting that before though.  To erode the esophagus, it would have ot sitting there in the pouch for quite a long time. Not worth the risk....but wow! 

I'm SO glad someone heard me!  If I can help anyone I will feel so good.  I work on these cases all the time, and especially since I've been a patient myself, I worry so. At one time, many years ago, this was an "old time remedy."  As recently as 15 years ago, residents were told they could do this - and if they haven't read any of the information over the last 5 years, it may have stuck in their minds as being okay.  However, it's severe enough that doctors have been sued over it, and lost.  And people have been hurt.  Not all doctors are up on the newest studies, although I think it's been about 10 years now from my research (at least) that they've been warning people heavily not to go this route. Much better to chew, chew, chew, or steer clear of dense meats like chicken than take a chance.  In any case, if you do have a full blockage, try water (warmed) over a period of time.  If that doesn't work, take the safe route and give your doctor a call.  Endoscopy's not the end of the world and is much safer than "tenderizing" your esophagus.   Roux-en-Y and banding both can be rough on a person's esophagus because of both reflux and because of vomiting and dumping.  It predisposes people if they have ongoing problems with either to Barrett's Disease which can be a precursor to cancer of the esophagus.  No sense throwing meat tenderizer down there and causing an ulceration, tear or perforation where surgery might be needed. I'm SO GLAD you were here! Kit

My dietician says never use meat tenderizers! Pineapple juice or papaya juice is what she recommends. I had chicken get stuck just recently, and I tried the pineapple juice - it worked great.

Artlady, from what people are saying though, meat tenderizer is made from the enzyme in papaya, so I'd think the papaya would be unsafe too. I'm definately going to ask my surgeon about this one!

Marney - you are 100% correct.,  The enzyme is Papain.  It is the same.  Not recommended in any kind of dose other than a rare papaya.  I actually wouldn't eat one at all after everything I've read about the enzyme - just no sense taking a chance.