How do I eat after digestive tract surgery?

Thank you @linda82 and (@hopeful33250 for your feedback. I will definitely try your suggestions. I had thought about a food journal and will definitely start doing that. It’s funny you talk about soups because that’s one thing I still make. As it makes a lot for just one person, I usually have single servings in my freezer. I try to use a lot of vegetables. I seem to be able to tolerate smaller salads and some fresh vegetables, but if I eat too much of that I spend the next day in the bathroom. So that’s one area I’m trying to figure out because I know I’m probably not getting enough fiber. The only way I can describe the tightness is that it feels like my gut has been pulled tight. And maybe that’s exactly what it is. I had 12 inches of bowel removed and then hooked back together. I started having this feeling around the 4 month mark.
The stomach discomfort is right in the middle of my gut and typically comes on suddenly and usually midday. I’m guessing something I ate brings it on but I don’t really know. And if it is I haven’t figured out what foods trigger it.
I have a follow up appointment with my surgeon this week and will talk to her about this stuff but I’m wondering if it’s time to make an appointment with my GI for additional help.
I guess I had high expectations that when I had the bad part of my bowel cut out I’d be normal again. And while my quality of life is way better than a year ago I still haven’t figured out my new normal. It helps so much to read what others who have had similar experiences are dealing with.

Hello @foxj,

I'm so glad that you joined this discussion group. I see that @linda82 has offered you some good ideas to deal with the feeling of tightness. I hope you find her suggestions helpful.

Regarding eating problems. I might suggest that you keep a written record of what you eat. Be especially careful to note in that record the type of fluids you consumer as well as stress and/or exercises that you do. As you keep this written record, you can then look at it to see how it affects your symptoms.

One thing I have found helpful is having soup on hand. Soup allows you to get protein as well as easy to digest fiber (vegetables). I can understand that you don't want to cook a lot. I have found a couple of restaurants in the area that have some great homemade soups. If I'm not feeling well, I'll order a quart of their soup and use that for my meals for a couple of days. You might consider this. Generally, a chicken-based soup with rice and veggies works well for me.

Also, keeping yogurt in your refrigerator is helpful. Greek yogurt is great for the digestive tract. It can be a great snack food, or you can add some easy to digest cooked or canned fruit. I personally avoid fresh fruits and veggies. They are tough to digest after surgery.

Finally, you might ask your doctor for a referral to a pelvic floor therapist. This is a therapist specially trained in bowel/bladder problems. I learned a lot of abdominal massage which helps with bloating and that "congested" feeling that often occurs with constipation following surgery.

I would enjoy hearing from you again. Will you post an update and let me know if any of these suggestions are helpful to you?

I did have the tightness for a while too. I swear I could feel my BM's in my belly closer to the skin. But, it did go away. I think everything was adjusting. I did a lot of belly rubs. It made it feel better, and I used a pillow for a while as a comfort. I did get a posture corrector and started wearing in the morning because I was slouching so much because of the tightness. It did help.
What does your stomach feel like when upset? My go to was Chamomile and peppermint tea.

Small meals are good and always walk after you eat to help with digestion.
Find out what kind of exercises you can do for the tightness. I started with a lot of stretching and swimming aerobics helped so much.
You really do not need to "cook" much. Making sure you get the proper amount of protein, fiber, veggies and fruit.
I feel better when I do.
I like to put fresh spinach in as much as possible. I use a lot of different olive oils for flavor.
Scrambled Eggs are great. You can make a batch and have portions for a couple days.
I like to put all kinds of thing in mine.
Spinach, artichoke hearts, bacon, eggplant (I peel and sauté in olive oil and add breadcrumbs) and of course CHEESE. LOL Sometimes I rotate and make pouched eggs with stone ground bread. I luv pasta but, it is way to filling. Hard to control the portion.
I enjoy eating salads too. Mainly romaine and spinach and you can add your vegies and just about anything else you like. I like to cut up chicken and fry up in olive oils and seasoning and put some in the salad or eat cold.
You need to learn to keep portions small.
Yogurt is a must. It can be a meal too. I add fruit, granola and I consider that a meal.
I choose my biggest meal either breakfast or lunch. I do not like to feel full at night.

I talked to all 3 of my Dr's (primary, GI and Colon) about my anxiety issues. Crazy over a year and I still have them. They all said it was normal and that in my own time I should be better.
Heck, I had so many years of this it is hard to think I am "normal" again.
Funny how we can isolate ourselves.
I have not had another diverticulitis episode. When I go out, I am not constantly looking for bathrooms.
Your BMs should get back to normal soon with you being at 6 mths. It took me 8 mths and you will be surprised and excited.

BUT, you must have proper diet and exercise to help with that. I was so worried I would have to take fiber supplements or laxatives. I have not had to take anything to help with that.