ulcer-what to eat/drink???

I had RNY on 7-8-10 and was diagnosed (by scope) with an ulcer on 8-20-10. I had not had anything to eat the week before the diagnosis because of the pain...now I barely eat. It wasn't like I was eating that much before this happened. I am lactose intolerant (since surgery...how FUN) and am on nexium 40 mg 2x a day and carafate 4x a day...still uncomfortable to eat. My question is...any ideas of what I can eat or drink that are easy on the stomach or is it just a grin and bear it, everything is going to hurt or be uncomfortable until I heal?

The only GOOD thing about all this...5 week stall ended and have lost oodles of weight since this ordeal started...I would rather eat.

And, before anyone says anything (because, for some reason, someone always does)...I am being cared for by my surgeon and a gastroenterologist...they are aware and are keeping close tabs on my condition. If I develop 'pain" I am to call and go in again...that isn't the issue. Also, NOT the issue is how much or how fast I eat--I have an ULCER, that is the issue (and yes, hurting and not eating/drinking much have me in a VERY bad mood so I apologize) Just wondering if someone who has gone through this found something that was easy to eat during this healing process.

I've had the exact same problems!  I've eaten a lot of plain hummus and low fat cottage cheese with canned pears (may not work for you if you're lactose intolerant).  Also, I've had a lot of G2 Gatorade - for some reason water hurts the pouch.  And, believe it or not, Wendy's chili has been great.  I know - doesn't make sense.

Hope you feel better soon!!

This may seem like a BS answer, but it’s actually not. Based on your surgery date- you’re probably already in an optimal eating routine for someone with an ulcer. It’s mainly foods that are easy to digest and very mild in flavor.

 

In general, its best to avoid alcohol, caffeinated foods, chocolate, hot peppers, pepper, cabbage, onions, full fat milk, fried foods, acidic juices, pickled vegetables, greasy or high fat meats, spicy foods, nuts and tomato based soups.

There are huge lists that encompass everything, but truthfully, the blander and less acidic your diet is, the better you’ll feel. Even though ulcers are not necessarily caused by acid, they are exasperated by it.

 

Hope this helps!

Got my ulcer diagnosis 2 weeks ago.  I actually had to get a blood transfusion because of how bad it was/is.  My GI put me on pureed foods until I get my next EGD  which was supposed to be this week but thanks to scheduling is the 20th of next month.  I eat a lot of hummus, giving your lactose issues I won't list the cheeses, refried beans, added deviled eggs this past weekend, fried eggs, mashed or baked potato and soups.

The thought of meat ina blender turns my stomach so I don't go there.  I am very picky in pureed foods since the texture is for the most part non-existant it has to be about m ability to get it down willingly and keep it down.

Then I do 3 protien shakes a day. which feel like lead when I drink them.

I think the ulcer is harder to deal with than the surgery itself.

I am sipping on warm powerade zero and wishing I could just sleep off the hurt from 2T of plain fat free refried beans...ugh. I had not thought of plain hummus...that is why I asked! Every few days I am actually able to eat a whole 'meal'. Right now I have chicken with veggies in the crockpot for tonight (have to feed my dad and my twins). I will try to eat some of the chicken and maybe a piece or 2 of veggie--figure they will be moist and soft. I will just guzzle carafate before I attempt it.

I knew i wasn't alone with this ulcer mess, but thanks for letting me know y'all's experiences and giving me ideas. It really does help! Thank you again!!!

ok, another question for the people in the know...can this ulcer get worse even when i am on the meds? because i feel worse today...and getting worse as the day goes on. It is actually so bad right now, that if I am not better tomorrow I will be calling the surgeon (and I just saw her on Friday). Wondering if there are any reputable online sources you know relating to post-wls ulcers, etc.

this really is worse than the surgery itself..I didn't even take the pain pills I was sent home with after surgery...no horrible pain, no problems, until NOW...and it is really getting to me. I used to think I had a high pain tolerance, but I want to curl in a ball and cry like a baby.

thanks in advance for any suggestions on websites, etc.

Hi Shelly. I'm just following up on you.
I had a scope yesterday and found that I have 2 ulcers. One in my pouch and one right outside.
I'd had the same symptoms you described... even water was making me queasy.
I was so relieved yesterday when I found out what was wrong with me. Nice to get an answer.
Looks like I'm also on the same meds.
I had some mashed potatos last night. First food that I've had for about a couple of weeks! Felt okay for awhile. Then got that same queasy feeling and stopped right away. But at least I got quite a bit of it down.

How are you feeling now? Your last post didn't sound very well. Left me feeling concerned. Hope you are doing much better!

I am getting better now...FINALLY within the last 6 days. I was having a HORRIBLE reaction to the Nexium. They had me on 40mg 2x a day. I was in excruciating pain...I spent one whole week doubled up on the couch crying. I only got up to get food for my kids and make sure their basic needs were met. I had calls in to the GI and surgeon...neither were any help. They just said to give the meds time to work (it had been 3 weeks)....my mom got online and researched and found out that one of the side effects of Nexium is SEVERE stomach pain....trust me, it was SEVERE. I was wanting to go to the hospital. I have dislocated my shoulder and torn 2 of the 3 ligaments...this stomach pain ranked right up there with that pain. As soon as I stopped the Nexium I got MUCH, MUCH better. Now I am trying some OTC stuff and still taking the Carafate. Only things I am really eating are pasta and baked cheetos...no-no's, but they are the only things that don't hurt or make me vomit! I am still not able to drink water...I have to dilute apple juice or drink diet cranberry. I am cooking a big birthday dinner for my mom tonight and praying I am able to eat some of it!!!

The surgeon said the ulcer would take 6-12 weeks to heal...it is sure taking its sweet time about it.

Hope yours treats you better!

 Hi I know you had ulcers a while back but I just had a scope and they found 2 ulcers, and I was wondering how long it took you to get back to normal?

a few months (3 or so) to find my new version of normal...i still have a lot of problems with straight up proteins so I have to have it ground or chopped up in carbs. During my bouts with the ulcer I ate a lot of mac n cheese,  velveeta shells n cheese, or baked cheetos (and by a lot i mean very little at one time but that was all i had for almost 3 months) and drank watered down apple juice or diet cranberry juice. that was all that wouldnt hurt. good luck!!!