Gastroparesis diet - questions, suggestions, tips?

About the Tai Chi, try Tai Chi for Arthritis. It is much more simple forms, and, much less of them! Dr Arthur Lam (sp?) created it. I did it at my PT's, and, brought my mom, who had had a stroke, and, with some modifications (hold on to a chair, during difficult movements), she did great.

My teacher said that even if you only do the warm ups, or, the first few, easy movements, over and over, it can help with balance, etc...

I haven't been DX with Gastroparesis yet, have the stomach emptying test a week from Friday.

But, from researching it, it seems pretty probable.

I'm concerned for both constipation caused by my pain meds, for my chronic pain (haven't ever had an obstruction, thank goodness!!). Usually, 5 fiber capsules in AM and PM, are enough to keep me regular. But, if I have to stop the fiber capsules, I'm pretty sure added water (already drink a lot), and, walking won't help me. I have done this, when in hospital, during the delay for them to get my fiber capsules ordered.. I also ate as much fruit and veggies as I could. None of that worked, until I got my fiber back.

So, I'm very concerned, if I do have Gastroparesis (what else could it be...?!! Lower end/bottom of stomach is red, irritated, inflamed, along with first part of my duodenum.), about constipation.

But, I've also been DX again with prediabetes (had it before, then my A1c was in range several times), and, from what I've researched, how I'll have to eat, if it is Gastroparesis, is almost opposite how I should eat, for diabetes. Eating for Gastroparesis, seems like high carb food.

Also, as I said earlier, I have chronic pain, and, also, chronic health conditions. Shopping, putting it away, cooking, and cleaning up, wears me out, and, causes me to hurt (as does activity, such as walking daily... but, I'll give it a go...)

I mostly try to get easy to prepare, somewhat healthy foods (frozen, and can be nuked, are my go to).

I saw the broths when I was shopping for bland foods (don't know if it's psychological, but, after gastro PA told me about possibility of Gastroparesis, my stomach 'went'. Pain, can't tolerate any but very bland, 'vanilla' foods, etc...).

I didn't really look closely at the broths, as I remembered them being pretty salty. But, I'll look at, and get some, next time I'm at store.

I told my GP's PA, that I think I'll need another dietitian appt, to figure out how to eat for both Gastroparesis and diabetes, if I am DX with Gastroparesis.

For years, like, 20, gastro doc had me on proton pump Inhibitors, and, for the most part, they seemed to work, with my stomach 'going', every so often...

I had 'hot spots' in my stomach, in middle school, and was put on restrictive diet then. Also, had to take a muscle relaxer, and wait 20 minutes, before I ate. Having experienced that, is why I think, even the possibility of having it, is triggering me. Especially, with the other complications I'll have

If I am DX, I'm going to see my ND. I've found, that often, with chronic conditions, naturopathy can do more, especially, get at the cause, than western medicine, which can only treat the symptoms.

I eat a lot of trail mix that I make with Costco Trail Mix, unsalted mixed nuts, dried crasins, m&Ms, dried apricots, ...as a treat I eat a non-dairy avocado ice cream... As a Snack try celery or Napa cabbage with peanut butter on it..

I just got diagnosed with this as well. Actually just returned home from the Mayo Clinic today. Before I left for my flight today I had an appointment with the Dietician at the Mayo Clinic. I felt it was very informative. She gave me a lot of references and a few web pages. One even has a lot of daily food examples and recipes. I am not sure exactly what you would want but I would be happy to share. Thanks

If you want to give me your email or phone number I can have someone give you the information about it. They are not a salesperson they just give you info to decide for yourself. I started the gummies about 3 weeks ago so I can get the vegetables and fruit I need. Kathy

Hi @gegrafton, You have lost 30 lbs. with your gastroparesis, that is definitely a big change for one year. I am sorry you are battling with what and how to eat to maintain weight. You will notice that I moved your inquiry about suggestions that will help combat the weight loss to an ongoing discussion about how/why/ what to eat and other options for people living with gastroparesis. I highly recommend scrolling back through the multiple pages of advice, experiences and suggestions others have offered.

I also wanted to invite @rossjt back to the conversation, as well as @ken82 and @macombs who may have some helpful advice.

@gegrafton, have you considered any surgical options at this point?

@amandaa I would be very interested in joining that other group relating to diet and eating suggestions as well! My gastroparesis resulted from damaged vagus nerve post surgery. Maintaining weight and nutrition is most challenging to me since I now also have stage 4 COPD. Could you refer me to the other group as well, please.

@alphabeta - welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. Having a damaged vagus nerve post gastroparesis surgery plus stage 4 COPD sounds like an awful lot to deal with.

You may be interested in this discussion that's been ongoing in recent months in the Digestive Health support group on Connect:

- How do I eat after digestive tract surgery? https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/how-do-i-eat-after-digestive-tract-surgery/

You also may be interested, if you've not yet checked it out, in the Mayo Clinic Connect support group specifically for COPD. This is the home page for it where you will find a listing of all the discussions:

- COPD: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease Support Group https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/copd-chronic-obstructive-pulmonary-disease/