Question:
Do you ever stop having severe pain when eating certain foods, and how long after?

I am 6 weeks post op and can only tolerate liquids,cream cheese, deli thin sliced corned beef,crackers, and chili from one diner. I have tried chicken, fish, steak, pasta, bread,eggs, etc. and the pain is unbearable and lasts for at least an hr. Also does dumping ever stop and when?    — ellen L. (posted on August 22, 2003)

August 22, 2003
Just my opinion, but I think you need to call your surgeon. You may have a stricture. That can be handled very easily but I would not wait if I were you. Best wishes and take care.
   — Karen Renee

August 22, 2003
It is not unusual for some post-ops to have a rough few months where they cannot tolerate certain foods.You may just not be ready for those foods yet. In my support group, we have one woman who could not tolerate any meats/chicken/fish for over a year! Some of the things you mention, chicken/steak/bread/pasta are rough on most of us early on, but eggs are usually an early favorite. If a food causes pain, stay away from it for a good month and then try again. I used to have a similar pain the first few months post-op when I ate too fast or too much. I know the pain you describe. I just stayed away from those foods for a while (ground beef and salmon did it for me).As for dumping, for some it does go away. In my case, I wish it hadn't as I no longer dump on sugar. It usually eases for most of us after a while, and for some it never goes away.
   — Cindy R.

August 22, 2003
I'm 6 weeks post-op as well and it sounds like we're in the same boat! I was able to eat chicken up until 1 week ago and now it comes back everytime. So my diet has consisted of Cream of wheat, Cottage Cheese, Chilli, refried beans and soups. I haven't even tried the deli meats yet! So I know where you're coming from and all I can say is frustrating! I know the pain your talking about and usually mine doesn't leave until after I get sick! Which has been 4 times now. My doctor doesn't seemed to be concerned so we'll see how it goes. So far I haven't dumped, I have had some watermelon and nothing happened. I haven't had any refined sugars and don't plan on, as I don't want to know if I can eat it or not! Just a temptation I don't want to have. Good luck, I'd love to know how you're doing. Feel free to email!
   — Shelly R.

August 22, 2003
This does get better with time. You're still pretty new, and some foods won't agree with you for awhile. At nearly five months out I still can't eat peanut butter (too much fat) or pork (too dense), and sometimes have problems with chicken (can be dry and stringy). I agree with a previous poster: if something disagrees with you stay away from it for awhile, and then try again later. Some of the foods you mentioned can be difficult (pasta and bread can expand in your pouch, steak and chicken are dense and can be dry), so just hang in there. As you heal, and your new physical arrangement learns to work with the rest of your body, this will resolve itself. As far as dumping: I think many people get over dumping eventually, when the body has completely adjusted to the new plumbing. However, I, for one, do not wish to rush that day. Dumping, and the fear of it, helps keep me on the straight and narrow. I hope I dump forever.
   — Vespa R.

August 22, 2003
I am also 6 weeks out I am so glad to see your post i was really getting down. I read others post and see how great it is going and all i have is pain.i dont think it is my pouch for it is at least 1 hour after i eat i have painful bloating.some days i only get 8 oz milk-protien drink and 2 glasses of water just no room.I am happy to read i am not alone in my fear to add to my menu and solid food. i hate to hear you are in pain but i do have good days and painful days I just think some of us take longer to adjust hang in there.email me and let me know how you are!!PATTY
   — patty L.