Does anyone have gastroparesis? With heart failure and diabetes?

dowill1966

I have been a diabetic for about 14 years. I had it under control at one point, but the more health issues I had, the worse the diabetes became. In 2011, I had a heart attack and had to have stents placed, in 2012 I had another heart attack (just 4 months later), in 2014 I was diagnosed with diastolic heart failure, and last year I was diagnosed with systolic heart failure. That just means the entire heart now, instead of just one side.

So, lots of veggies and chicken, and I admit, I cheated at least one day a week. I had been having tummy issues for a few years, and they were getting worse, so I added a new Dr to the mix of many, a Gastro. He did a tummy emptying test, and I failed that miserably, it takes my tummy 8.5 hours to empty. So, how does one take insulin and keep sugars in check? Its been very hard the past few years. So now I cannot eat raw veggies, no lettuce or oranges or broccoli at all. If there is fiber in it, its not good for my tummy.

So, basically, the diet I have been trying so hard to follow goes out the window. I am hoping someone in this group is as lucky with the draw as I have been and can help me or at least guide me along changing this diet again. I have had a very difficult time getting even 1200 calories because I am never hungry, and when I eat, its a few bites here and there. Therefore my body is in starvation mode all the time, so it keeps everything I eat. All of my Dr's say it because I am a Cherokee, really?

Any way, if there is any one who can help me, I would appreciate the help and guidance. My diet right now is supposed to be a soft foods diet. Did you know it is almost impossible for me to get 1200 calories and keep the carbs, sodium, and fat down? I have figure out I can have meat and a potato. I can have cooked veggies, but as long as its not to many. LOL Have a super day and good luck to all of you on this journey.

middlehaitch

I am so sorry you have so many health issues.
I think the best thing you could do is ask your medical team to refer you to a registered dietitian who can work with you to plan a reasonable diet within your calorie goal and dietary restrictions.

MFP will be a great place for keeping track of your calories, and macros, and giving you general support, but you really have such specific dietary health needs that I feel I would be foolish to even try to advise you.

Cheers, h.

soniaf

ask your doctor about prokinetic medications like metoclopramide or domperidone

RodaRose

Call your doctor so you can work closely with Registered Dietician.
Do you have a slow cooker /crock pot? A blender?
Focus on protein.

This links might help with soft foods:

https://www.drugs.com/cg/soft-diet.html

Poached, scrambled, or cooked eggs
Moist, tender meat, fish, or poultry that is ground or chopped into small pieces
Soups with small soft pieces of vegetables and meat
Tofu or well-cooked, slightly mashed, moist legumes, such as baked beans

Cut food into small pieces that are ½ inch or smaller in size because they are easier to swallow.
Use chicken broth, beef broth, gravy, or sauces to cook or moisten meats and vegetables. Cook vegetables until they are soft enough to be mashed with a fork.
Use a food processor to grind or puree foods to make them easier to chew and swallow.

Also this:http://diet.lovetoknow.com/wiki/Soft_Food_Diet

Do not worry about "starvation mode." It is not a thing.

LKArgh

Are you very thin? If not, you are not in starvation mode, you are simply eating double or triple what you think you are eating. Perhaps since this is urgent for your health at this point, it is time to seek professional help when it comes to diet? The hospital might have a nutrition department or the dr should be able to recommend a dietitian.

dowill1966

I have been to a registered dietitian, and all she did was talk to me about the amount of fat to eat and gave me a sample menu for a completely liquid diet. That part I knew. I was not sure what a "soft food" diet contained, is pasta ok? is rice ok? I am supposed to keep away from grains, but is bread ok? You see, most of the foods listed are those things, and they are not ok to eat in a diabetic world, nor a heart patient world.

NO, I am not thin, and my Drs say I am in starvation more because I don't get 1200 calories, therefore, my body hold every thing, which is why I am unable to lose weight. I am a big girl. what I wanted from this question was a little guidance from people that have the same issues. I appreciate all of the replies. I had looked on line for a diabetic gastroparesis diet and have found many, and they are all pretty much the same. I would also like some recipes that some one has that I could eat.

Thank you fro the link to the soft foods. I never thought of looking up just soft foods. I can get a lot of use out of that!

Again, thank you all for your replies, I appreciate them all.

helenjeanettesd

Ok here goes I am diabetic the gastroparesis is a direct result of the diabetes damaging your stomach muscle. Keeping the sugar in y o ur blood between 70 and 110 should be your goal. Leave anything white alone, white rice, white bread, pasta all of that should be avoided like the plague. Eggs are your best friend. Steam or poach vegetables in a little water til they are very soft.
Fish is great no fat high protein can be baked in a foil pouch on a cookie sheet season with onion powder pepper garlic powder lemon juice.blenderize a small amount of greens like kale or spinach use the poaching water from the vegetables with low fat low sodium broth to make soup. Small frequent high protein meals. Check your sugar 4 times per day and document in a composition book. Write down everything you eat and how you tolerate it. Bring your journal with you to every doctor appointment. They cannot help you if they don't know what your doing. I have Crohns disease, diabetes, gout, gerd, morbid obesity, but using MFP I've dropped 11 lbs since April 3rd I eat 1200 cal daily I keep the hand written journal and MFP. I show my drs my primary md gastro, dietician, endocrinologist, cardiologist, and soon I will be getting gastric sleeve as long as I show I can stick to my plan. Chronic illness is horrible I take it one day at a time. I am finally on my way. Remember leave all the white stuff alone. Your body needs nutrients, meat fish eggs, low fat milk, Vegetables every color, blend them steam them roast them Veggies a r e your best friend low in calories measure and weigh what your eating. Praying for you.

BlueSkyShoal

I don't have any helpful advice, but I wanted to vocalize my support and wish you the best of luck. That sounds really tough, having so many medical limitations on your food.

RuNaRoUnDaFiEld

You need a new Doctor. That is not starvation mode.

dowill1966

Thank you Helen. That is what I was seeking. Help. I was unaware of everything white. I had rice tonight and I am so miserable! I have a hard time making 1200 calories, but I think I can do it with protein drinks and fruit mixed in my ninja. I never thought of blending kale and spinach to use with veggie broth to make a soup. That's a terrific idea. I do make a lot of soup, and its all from scratch. I usually use a chicken or beef stock. Almost all of the meals I make for myself are from scratch, that way I control the fat and sodium. Thank you so much for your input, I appreciate it so much! Good luck on your sleeve. I am unable to get the bypass, or have any surgery, because of my heart. I will pray for you as well. Again, thank you so much.

Thank you to everyone, for your replies and support. It's very much appreciated. I definitely appreciate you taking the time to share with me. God Bless all of you!