On 2/3/2008
lauraf wrote:
Hello,
My father had an esophagectomy 3 weeks ago. I am looking for suggestions for eating. He does have a j-tube but does not tolerated feedings through it...too much cramping. He is tolerating some soft foods, but afraid to try too much. Cream of wheat, mashed veggies, soup ect he has done well with so far. Has only had 1 episode of "dumping" and is so afraid to have that happen again. The hospital staff sort of scared him into not eating any meat, but did tolerated some white fish.
Just looking for any ideas or things that have worked for other people. I have tried looking on the web for diets specific for after esophagectomy, but there isn't much out there!!
Thanks!!
Laura
I found that the J-tube feedings and Ensure/Boost didn't go over so well with me (surgery January 2006, age 33, female) - dumping was a huge issue - eating was such a chore and I hated it (still do to be honest with you) - but, one must eat to survive! I had the philosophy that if all else failed, I had a Cup of Soup - Chicken Noodle Supreme - it's not much in terms of calories but it was warm and soothing and seemed to get me back on track! I had nibbles and bites of anything that looked good - chocolate is now my best friend (empty calories but calories just the same) - any kind of potato cooked any way - I have discovered sweet potato fries, baked in the oven are great - Yams, turnips - haven't had any type of problems from any of these "potato-like" veggies - I try to top them with butter, sour cream, shredded cheese, gravy, etc. I haven't had any dumping issues from potatoes - gradually just added anything that looked good, trying to get good nutrition at the same time. The thing seems to be eat little & often - if I wait too long I get nauseous - I even have to get up in the night to eat which is really irritating (I keep Animal Crackers by the bed!!)
Hope this helps,