Gastroparesis

I just got a letter from my Gastroenterologist saying that my biopsies done during my endoscopy a few weeks ago were clear (yay!), but I likely have gastroparesis. I knew that I had motility issues after my barium swallow test that was done with my surgeon in August, but this diagnosis sounds like it's going to open a big ol' can of worms. As I'm now reading up on gastroparesis literature and the letter that my GE sent me, it looks like he wants me to start eating a TON of starchy, carb-laden foods that are NOTTTTTT VSG-friendly. I'm also supposed to avoid beef and pork. This makes eating kind of difficult, considering that chicken has been my frienemy since surgery. So that leaves seafood, which I'm fine with, but get bored with easily. I can handle the meat, but the list of starches that he wants me to incorporate? DEAL. BREAKER. I did NOT have surgery just to turn around and start eating rice (WHITE), pasta (WHITE), and potatoes. Oh, and my calorie suggestion for this fancy, schmancy, gastroparesis diet? 1,500 a day... HECK. NO. Not until maintenance, and even then, maybe not. I'm going to take this packet from my GE to my surgeon when I see him in 2 weeks.

Has anyone else experienced issyes with gastroparesis post op?

Oh that bites!!!!! I heard rice,pasta, and breads swell up in our sleeve quick too. I would for sure tell my surgeon. Good luck!!

Actually, the opposite has been my experience. When I do eat something with rice/pasta/potatoes I am able to way MORE because it lacks the density that meat has that activates the pyloric valve (and causes fullness). It compacts easier and moves on through my sleeve much quicker. I get how that would be GOOD for gastroparesis, but it is SCARY easy to over-eat when it comes to things like that. That's why rule no. 1 for WLS patients is MEAT FIRST so that we experience fullness before having a chance to load up on carbs. Carbs are what got me to just shy of 300 pounds. I'm down just over 80. I am NOT going back. 

I was told that too but have experienced quite the opposite...they go down way, way too easy.  I make sure that if I have them, I have very, very small amounts and that I eat all the protein on my plate first, then non-starchy veggies before trying to eat any starches.

I'm sorry Chrissy, that makes me sad to hear!  Did the surgeon damage your vagus nerve during the weight loss procedure surgery?

Don't know. And now that I reread my GE's letter, I'm not entirely sure if he thinks that I actually HAVE gastroparesis, or if he just wants me to follow the diet because the motility issues mimic the symptoms. I think I'm going to call Monday and request a copy of my records so that I can actually read what he said (I have a bit of a medical background and I can decipher medical notes). I want to talk to my surgeon about all of this anyway, so this may be best. 

Good luck, and please let us know what you find out.

I have a call put into my doctor's office for Monday too, because I'm absolutely tired of not being able to eat ANYTHING 6.5 weeks post-op.  This is (not) normal.

I had that once after a bad bout with a GI bug, there is a fairly cheap medication they can give that will prompt your stomach to "mobilize". You take it with your meal. Mine went away after a few months, don'l know how it would be with a sleeve.

There is thought out there that Gastric Bypass and sleeve surgeries can help with motility issues.  You may want to look at different WLS with your surgeon and motility specialists.  You and your team will figure out a plan for yourself.  You may have to resolve to get a lot of protein in through protein powders or drinks and still get in solids so your stomach is still being used for motility.  I think there are good starches...like spaghetti squash instead of white pasta...or whole grains...etc.  This is just a hurdle to work around and what you learn out of the experience will be important for others on this site so keep us updated!  Good Luck!

I have a thought about the gastroparesis....I am a former diabetic and gastroparesis is mentioned in their literature.  I just had a barium swallow test too to see if that is my problem or what is going on. Hopefully, results come in Monday.

I would think maybe seeing an endocrinologist who deals with diabetics not that you may have diabetes but they are so informed that perhaps he can help you with the diet.  

I wish you alot of luck.

alese