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Will eating ever be enjoyable again?

Posted by lemonsong59 @lemonsong59, Jun 14 6:53pm

I had an esophagectomy over a year now. Mostly I have been able to get food down, but it is always uncomfortable and I find myself just wanting to live off Ensure. Food looks appetizing to me but after 1 bite I am almost done. It feels like there is something blocking my throat all the time. After 1 year post-surgery I finally asked for another dilation. But it did not help at all, which is a mystery.
So, is this the best it can get? I guess I can survive like this. Is it unreasonable to want to improve my swallowing? I'd like to hear others' experiences.

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naoshapiro1 | @naoshapiro1 | Jun 29 7:42am
In reply to @bill404 "I had an esophagectomy on 27 April this year. I don’t have any obstruction. I just..." + (show)
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I had an esophagectomy on 27 April this year. I don’t have any obstruction. I just have no appetite. Most foods make me nauseous just thinking about them. Yet my surgeon says I should get 60 grams of protein and 1500 calories a day. I’m trying to do that but it’s hard to do.

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@bill404 definitely get a nutritionist doctor to work with you and work out an exact right meal plan I eat four meals a day. The last one is at 4:30 and I go to sleep at nine and it's a very very small meal so I won't have reflux, but I am on omeprazole you need the exact right amount of salt, carbs, protein, fiber, grains, vegetables, fruit.

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lionsfan | @lionsfan | Jun 29 6:57pm
In reply to @bill404 "I had an esophagectomy on 27 April this year. I don’t have any obstruction. I just..." + (show)
Profile picture for bill404 @bill404

I had an esophagectomy on 27 April this year. I don’t have any obstruction. I just have no appetite. Most foods make me nauseous just thinking about them. Yet my surgeon says I should get 60 grams of protein and 1500 calories a day. I’m trying to do that but it’s hard to do.

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@bill404
Can you tolerate dairy? Are you drinking any protein shakes or smoothies? I supplement with Fairlife Core Power which has 42 grams of protein and 230 calories.

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russg8946 | @russg8946 | Jun 30 4:09pm

Eating will be normal. Instead of stuffing yourself in 1 sitting, you eat more, multiple times a day.
Also, I have found that you should eat more slowly.
From not being able to eat anything for a while, then having surgery, eating is enjoyable. Enjoy it, take your time eating, and don't be in a rush to finish. Also, drink only sips of whatever you like to drink during dinner.

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russg8946 | @russg8946 | Jun 30 4:19pm
In reply to @naoshapiro1 "@bill404 definitely get a nutritionist doctor to work with you and work out an exact right..." + (show)
Profile picture for naoshapiro1 @naoshapiro1

@bill404 definitely get a nutritionist doctor to work with you and work out an exact right meal plan I eat four meals a day. The last one is at 4:30 and I go to sleep at nine and it's a very very small meal so I won't have reflux, but I am on omeprazole you need the exact right amount of salt, carbs, protein, fiber, grains, vegetables, fruit.

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@naoshapiro1 Did you try elevating your bed about 10-12 inches at the head? On Amazon, they sell wedges for the bed, and you can still use your pillow. It helps a lot.
You should eat slowly also. I eat about 5-6 meals a day. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner, but in between I have snacks. I originally lost about 40 lbs after surgery (no complaints here). So far, I've gained about 6 back. It takes time. I enjoy my meals more. Also, don't drink too much during your meals.
Also, between bites, put your fork down, take your time, chew more, and just enjoy it.

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russg8946 | @russg8946 | Jun 30 4:22pm

@mrgvw is the Zoom call every Sunday? I'd love to hear how others are doing

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mrgvw | @mrgvw | Jun 30 8:04pm
In reply to @russg8946 "@mrgvw is the Zoom call every Sunday? I'd love to hear how others are doing" + (show)
Profile picture for russg8946 @russg8946

@mrgvw is the Zoom call every Sunday? I'd love to hear how others are doing

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@russg8946

Our twice-weekly EC and Esophagectomy Zoom calls NEVER change:

Wednesdays 6pm Eastern
Sundays 9am Eastern

Here's the one-touch Zoom link:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/4550284795

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