Gastroparesis diet?

Posted by sfagan74 @sfagan74, Mar 2 4:02pm

Went to Mayo last week had 3 tests done. I'm in the normal ranges but right at the top end for each Gastric emptying study stomach and small intestin. Told to use a puree diet. I bought protein shakes, mashed potatoes and cream of wheat. What else is there to eat?

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Profile picture for shaylyn4 @shaylyn4

When you are having a flare up your diet should be liquid. Once that has passed introduce thick liquids. There is a book ‘Living ( well!) with Gastroparesis by Crystal Zaborowski CHC. My book was published in 2011 so I’m sure there are later ones.
You should eat 6 small meals/day. When eating chew well until food is mashed potato consistency. Avoid a lot of fiber,spicey foods, foods that can cause ‘gas’ and many fresh vegetables.Once in the chronic stage you can try different foods to find the ones you can tolerate. No two people are alike. Carbs. are my best friend but I still have to watch the fiber. Oatmeal is good for you but it has a lot of fiber.
I was diagnosed after many emergency room visits and stays in the hospital with many tests in 2014. I still have ups and downs.
I hope I have helped you.

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Carbs too are my best friend. Like English muffins and some white breads. Meat eggs and ice cream are a few of my triggers right now

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Profile picture for sfagan74 @sfagan74

Carbs too are my best friend. Like English muffins and some white breads. Meat eggs and ice cream are a few of my triggers right now

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Hi, thanks for a quick response. Luckily I’m not a fan of pork or beef. When I did try it I knew I should stick with chicken. I have added sweet potatoes and so far no issues.Have you seen any nutritionalists.Finding a good one took awhile but the now she is very helpful.
I would like to ask you something but it’s sort of personal and I don’t know if you are a female.

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Profile picture for anitannapa @anitannapa

Regarding your medication not being covered by insurance, I would suggest you find out the manufacturer and see if they offer the medication at a lower price and/or sometimes for free depending on your financial status. Most, if not all companies have what they call an assistance program. Don't automatically think you would not qualify because you may be surprised. Of course, there is paperwork involved.
The psych appt is likely to help with any stress, poor sleep, etc due to gastroparesis (GP). Stress, lack of sleep can cause GP symptoms to worsen or flare up. Several studies have shown that "cognitive behavioral therapy" helped people suffering from IBS or Functional Dyspepsia so a lot of places are trying it with GP patients now.

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Yes, stress can be a gigantic trigger. I thought when I retired that would end stress but it hasn’t.
Have any of you been prescribed Amitriptyline? I was started on it six months ago. It is classified as an antidepressant but is also being used for ‘nerve pain’ ?

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Profile picture for shaylyn4 @shaylyn4

Yes, stress can be a gigantic trigger. I thought when I retired that would end stress but it hasn’t.
Have any of you been prescribed Amitriptyline? I was started on it six months ago. It is classified as an antidepressant but is also being used for ‘nerve pain’ ?

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I was on that for migraines but haven't been given it for this yet

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Profile picture for shaylyn4 @shaylyn4

Hi, thanks for a quick response. Luckily I’m not a fan of pork or beef. When I did try it I knew I should stick with chicken. I have added sweet potatoes and so far no issues.Have you seen any nutritionalists.Finding a good one took awhile but the now she is very helpful.
I would like to ask you something but it’s sort of personal and I don’t know if you are a female.

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Sure yes I'm female

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Profile picture for sfagan74 @sfagan74

Anyone ever have to do a GI psychology appointment?

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From Shaylyn4
What is a GI psychology appointment?
Never heard of it and I’ve had a GI doc for over 45 yrs.!!

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Profile picture for sfagan74 @sfagan74

Sure yes I'm female

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I not only have gastroparesis but EPI and CIC. I have needed to wear adult underwear since 2017. Up until then I was working but ended up in a nursing home for a month on TPI because I had lost so much weight. They wanted to put in a stomach feeding tube at Mass. General but I refused.
I have no control of my bowels which I’ve heard other GPers also have.

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Profile picture for shaylyn4 @shaylyn4

From Shaylyn4
What is a GI psychology appointment?
Never heard of it and I’ve had a GI doc for over 45 yrs.!!

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I guess to prove this isn't in my head and how to deal with it

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Profile picture for sfagan74 @sfagan74

I guess to prove this isn't in my head and how to deal with it

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That sounds about right! If women complain of pain most docs think you’re depressed
Many docs,especially in the ER think women complaining of pain are drug seeking. That happened to me for 2 years before I was diagnosed with gastroparesis and even then Inwould call the ER before going to see if a certain doc was there. If he was I’d get back in bed and try to sleep.

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I have had gastroparesis (GP) for years and am prediabetic.

I recently learned that you can take cooked carbs (rice, pasta) and put them in the fridge for 24 hours, then reheat to eat. This apparently makes them much more diabetic friendly.

My concern is that these starches now take longer to digest.

Is this something I should avoid, as someone with GP?

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