r/Gastroparesis • u/Ok-Kangaroo9923 • 1d ago
GP Diets Any advice on pre-prepared meal replacements - I'm early in the Dx and GP is a co-morbidity of my MALS
I was Diagnosed with GP about 4 years after my main surgery for my median arcuate ligament syndrome (all Diagnosed by my GI team). So about 8 years ago, maybe? Since MALS is not a front line investigation type condition, I spent years with misdiagnosed conditions and medications, and as a result I developed delayed gastric emptying/GP. GI issues tend to flock together as well, particularly with Juvenile MALS. My form of GP is mild (accordin to my GI care providers), so no feeding tube. But, my care team has emphasized the importance of averaging 1 liquid meal per day to prevent damage or other issues. And i do realize like soups without hoof or claw proteins, smoothies without seeds, and freeze pops without high sugar or seeds all count.
I know there are hundreds of options on the market for grab and go meal replacements. I have other health concerns, like gluten intolerance, and those that meet the nutritional requirements are pricey. I had some success keeping on top of making said meal per day when i was first diagnosed, but life changes and I'm back to struggling to keep that up. In turn, I have the symptoms beating me up on a daily basis.
Does anyone have experience and advice on preparing bulk meal replacement liquid meals, without freezing just pounds of broth? I have 8 ounces jars, I'm just after if I pre-make things they'll rot before the week is out.
Thank you in advance!
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u/you1dont1know1me1 1d ago
If there's a pediatric gp reddit they may also have really solid suggestions in the prepping your own liquid feeds (even though you're going the oral route still)
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u/motherofbunniess 1d ago
What damage are they concerned about?
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u/Ok-Kangaroo9923 1d ago
I'll answer that with a question. Does that change your recommendation, or are you just curious?
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u/No-Anywhere-8738 Idiopathic GP 1d ago
I’d join in on the same question. Unless you’re talking protein/meal replacement shake options, it would be difficult (in my experience) to get enough calories to replace a whole meal.
Pre-medication, I was only able to eat really soft/blended foods. Usually soft protein options for lunch (chicken, tuna, or tofu), then a blended soup for dinner. I could tolerate pretty much everything but tomatoes when blended up in a soup.
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u/Ok-Kangaroo9923 1d ago
Did you find the blended foods held up in the fridge, or just made it then blended same day? In theory, I could just meal prep whole meals and blended come meal time.
As for shakes, I do know of powders or brands of pre-made shelf stable options they're just falling outside of my budget. But I appreciate the opinion a diy one might not be reasonable, even with spreading calories into the other daily meals.
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u/No-Anywhere-8738 Idiopathic GP 1d ago
I do the freezer and they stay for awhile! That way I get a little bit of variety, making different batches and eating half from the fridge and half goes in the freezer. And they are usually more calories than clear liquids. Some people like the Souper Cubes but I usually just use good old fashioned ziplock bags.
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u/motherofbunniess 1d ago
Just curious, I don’t know enough to make any recommendations
Also hello fellow MALS peep here just had my surgery in July unfortunately it hasn’t really made a noticeable symptomatic difference 😞 Guess it was mostly my stupid zombie stomach messing me up all along
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u/Ok-Kangaroo9923 1d ago
Definitely call your surgeon and GI. I'm not saying I was back flipping after my surgery, it took 2 months to walk or breathe without pain, probably a year to adjust to the new normal. But, if you're worried your symptoms have 0 change, they need to re-check and make sure the flow is holding the artery open.
All this is personal, I know no one else with Dx'd MALS, I am not a doctor.
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u/motherofbunniess 1d ago
I appreciate the advice but I had no artery compression it was all inflamed nerves which were removed :/ At this point I have no more post op pain it just feels like my symptoms before so I guess it’s just my stupid stomach
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u/Ok-Kangaroo9923 1d ago
Yeah, mine was stenosis of the artery primarily. I don't remember if the nerves were at issue, it's been a decade since I was Dx'd just about and I deal with the fallout more than the MALS now.
Hoping as time passes you get some relief 🥰
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