Question:
Any one else have major aversion to food?

I am 14 weeks post op and have severe food aversions. The first 3 weeks after surgery I did fine with proteins, water, vitamins and exercise. Then I got extremely ill. After a couple of weeks fighting this I had an endoscopy and they found my stoma completely unlcerated. I have been on ulcer meds eating bland soup, yogurt and eggs, and only about 200 calories a day. My ulcer is feeling alot better, but I am still unable to put any meat, cheese, protien drinks, etc in my mouth. I start gaging even thinking about food. My doctor continous to run tests (another one on the 16th) and says he is not conerned about my protein intake until I reach 6 months. In the mean time, I am sick, unable to walk like I was for exercise and miserable. Anyone else had extream problems and found anything else that would go down. Even brushing my teeth is a chore, just opening my mouth starts the gag reflex (Dr, says this can be normal and will correct)???????? Confused --- need some support, please no lectures as I could not even possibly deal with them at this point!!    — J G. (posted on September 9, 2003)

September 9, 2003
I haven't had the problems you've had, but I'm 17 weeks out and I do have food adversions. Certain things make me literally sick to think about, like chilli. I don't know why, but even hearing someone say certain foods can cause me to feel nausea. I sure hope you do feel better soon. You'll be in my prayers.
   — Happy I.

September 9, 2003
I'm so sorry for all the suffering that you are going through. I did not have any issues like this but was wondering if perhaps a temporary anti-depressant might help. About 6 weeks post-op I was very depressed (without medical reason) and refused to eat which made me very sick. My Doc noticed this as depression(even though I didn't agree with him) and started me on an anti-depressant and within a few weeks I was feeling much better. I'm just wondering if with everything you have been through since this surgery if it isn't a little psychological why you don't want to eat. I didn't want to eat just because I couldn't eat the foods I wanted, I can only imagine if there was a real medical basis for your fear of eating. Please don't think I'm trying to shame you and I hope you don't take offense to this because there is definately nothing to be ashamed of in needing a little extra help during this traumatic time in our lives. I will say a prayer that you are able to get this resolved soon and feeling better. Take care.
   — denisel

September 9, 2003
Hello, I will be 8 weeks tomorrow and I am having problems with food too. Yours sounds worst, but mine might be in the early stages. Since my surgery I have had strictures and have had 2 scopes performed, one stuck me of chicken with more dialation to my stoma. Since Friday night I have not had a meal to stay down. I can keep down liquids and for some reason peanuts and pork rinds, but nothing else. Doctor has put me on a clear liquid diet for 24 hours, full liquid diet for 12 hours and soft food diet for 12 hours. This is to settle my stomach down and then on Thursday I will be able to try eating my normal diet again. So far so good, no throwing up etc. I am nervous able starting back on foods, but the doctor told me that if this does'nt work, he will re-scope be again, which will be my 4th in 8 weeks. I try to think of it as just being re-adjusted and trying to fine tune myself. I have great faith in my surgeon and I know that he will get this worked out. He also started me on ZANTAC which is over the counter and I take to tablets twice a day for 1 month. Don't know if this helps you, but I thought I might let you know that others are struggling with food. It's funny I use to love to eat and now I would rather not eat cause I would rather not be sick......Teresa Gash
   — TERESA G.