Thanks again kmeb!

A few more questions - I'm on a crash course here! Hehe!

How long does it take for a bezoar to form and how do you know if you have one?

What specialist looks after your Gastroparesis? You mentioned a gastric motility savvy doctor, is that someone related to Neurology or GI issues or another specialty altogether?

The doctor who ordered my gastric emptying study is an Upper Gastrointestinal surgeon who was going to operate on me on January 9th to do a fundoplication for the para-oesophageal hernia but then when a Barium meal came back and he couldn't see the hernia on that he suggested doing this test. So it was merciful that I didn't have the fundoplication done with undiagnosed Gastroparesis. This surgeon spends a lot of his time doing nutrition counselling as he removes stomach and oesophaguses in cancer patients and also does Lap Banding for morbid obesity so is very used to advising about various diets..... He immediately printed me off a very good article entitled "Diet Intervention for Gastroparesis" by Carol Rees Parrish. That is all I have really had time to read so far.

...however I think it could have some merit to consult with a dietitian soon - once I get my head around this a bit more!

I do understand about the need for all the food one consumes to be value-laden and not frivolous calories...but just occasionally????? Is it allowed? Like you my kitchen has Greek, Middle Eastern, Japanese, Chinese, Indian, Indonesian etc etc, cook books which have all been well used - such a pity!!!!

Do you have to cook for others in the house? I think that will be the hardest thing! Fortunate though that my husband likes cooking but one can only expect so much especially when he comes in from work tired and particularly in winter time!!! It's summer here now so it is easier!

Hi Megan,

Not sure how long bezoars takes to form – just know you don’t want to chance one!!!!!! Gastroenterologists handle GI motility issues, but the vast majority do not do this on a regular basis (usually just very short term following surgeries) so its very important to find one who understands the risks, causes, and treatments. I’ve heard so many horror stories of people misdiagnosed for so long – this is critical. Cant tell you how many times when I’ve met a new GI doc they want to do yet another colonoscopy – that’s not the answer and tells me very quickly they don’t understand the condition and keep looking! The neurologist may be in total agreement of what you have – but the GI will have the latest treatments….. (the surgeon is great that he discovered the condition, but will he treat you long term for the condition?)

Carol Parrish’s article is good – there is also a very complete diet out there – just google “gastroparesis diet” and will come right up – very comprehensive. I’ve seen a dietician, but they work with your doc – and the doc is the key here. I drink bullion broth for a savory taste – just small amounts cause don’t want to fill up stomach – but the more calories you can get in a small amount going in – the better! When I very first got sick I could tolerate very small amounts of ramen noodles (regular pasta too hard too tolerate) and it was wonderful to have a different taste and some calories at the same time. Before I checked the diets I ate tried foods that made sense to me might work – I was wrong!!!!!! (but the noodles were ok – my gut just got worse so had to stop)

I don’t have to cook for others in the house – but I would, we eat with sight, and smell too, and I’ve actually made dishes and given them away to others that I knew I couldn’t touch – just to smell and appreciate them…… not the same – but a small way to indulge….

Memorize those diets! And hoping you find a awesome doc to help you….

Take care,