Gastric Bypass Surgery Support Group

Gastric bypass (GBP) is any of a group of similar operative procedures used to treat morbid obesity, a condition which arises from severe accumulation of excess weight in the form of fatty tissue, and the health problems ("co-morbidities") which result. If you are considering gastric bypass or have had it, join the community where we share our experiences and find support.

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Michele1961 07/18/2011

Hi guys,

Today I started the second stage of post op 'the soft food stage' and was very excited to be moving on. However, I think I have just experienced 'the iron fist' because after eating a few mouthfuls I got a severe pain in my chest and back and could hardly breathe. It passed after about 5 mins or so and I am assuming that it was that. Am I right in thinking it is caused by eating too fast? I thought that I was eating slowly and chewing twenty times which is hard when it is sloppy food.

Thanks

From Michele
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deleted_user 07/18/2011

Eating too fast, not chewing enough, something too high in fat or sugar or something the pouch just doesn't like are all reasons for this. A lot of things at this stage is trial and error. If something doesn't work then try again in a couple weeks. Remember your pouch is still healing and needs you to be gentle with it.

MNMama 07/18/2011

If it happens often, try "loosening" up your food with sauce, gravy, broth.... Not purees, but a little softer, until you get used to it again.
Take care.

deleted_user 07/18/2011

yes try cottage cheese. I found as soon as a started eating soft foods that it does not matter what the book says, it matters what the pouch says. Under eat a little. Don't assume you can eat as much as they say an just eat a little and let it sit.

I think I am almost 6 weeks out and already doing much better. If you pouch gets nauseous and foamy try hot fluids only for a little while. I will have hot herbal tea and it helps things a lot. The hospital told me this.

deleted_user 07/18/2011

I am 3-1/2 weeks post-op and have had only one problem thus far. And it was from eating too fast. I was so severely nauseous that I had a cold cloth to my forehead and ended up taking nausea medication my doc sent me home with. Since then, I take tiny spoonfuls of everything and take my time in between. Anything new, I take a few bites and wait several minutes. Then another spoonful, wait, repeat. I try to take at least 30 min to eat the 1/2 c of whatever I'm eating. So far everything sits well in my pouch. Just eating too fast is what has dine me in.

--Joanne

deleted_user 07/18/2011

Couldn't agree more with everyone's responses!

Take your time. Chew, chew, chew. Eat VERY SLOWLY, seriously. It should still be taking a long time to eat only a few bites. Keep everything on the softer side.

: )

Colleen

Michele1961 07/19/2011

Thanks for all your advice is is very much appreciated.
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farmgirl392 07/19/2011

Get yourself a baby spoon and use it for awhile. If found it really helpful in training myself to take smaller, pouch-sized bites!

deleted_user 07/19/2011

its a bad feeling but everyone here is right. Slowing down and chewing more are the key. I have a shrimp fork and a baby spoon I used. Depending on what I am eating I will at times still use them.

deleted_user 07/20/2011

Definately stick with smooth, soft foods. I started with greek yogurt, refried beans and cottage cheese. And please swallow slowly and wait like 3 minutes before each bite. I remember the pain in my chest....I feel ya. It gets better. hang in there!

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