I'm an odd bird. I have been diagnosed with gastroparesis, which is an overly slow digestion. My case has accompanying stomach pain and pressure that can cause acid leakage to esophagus. This is probably the result of gastro surgery eight months ago to reposition the stomach, which had become a hiatal hernia and migrated into the chest. This procedure probably damaged the vagus nerve which controls digestive motility. (Apparently I'm lucky compared to other gastroparesis sufferers who have problems so severe that they are anorexic, due to vomiting and nausea and pain.)

Gastroparesis is aggravated by fats and fiber. I realize that I must be aware and keep track of my foods. I am to eat no more than 40-50 g. fat daily. I've had the diagnosis for a week and by limiting my intake of fresh veg (sigh), many foods, and most fats, I have slept better and had less discomfort than I've had for months.

Throughout years of gastro adventures I've maintained the same overweight 175-180 poundage, which apparently is unusual, especially after that surgery. I am 5'5" because I've lost 2 inches of height to osteoporosis. I know that I'd be better off with less weight but I also do not want to lose too much. My goal is to be 150 pounds for the rest of my life; I am 68 yrs old. My mother at age 92 is in a wheel chair and needs aides to help her with all her life activities--I don't want to ever be in that position so I have to get serious about weight.

Update three years later: I am now below my target weight but it's probably due to stress and diarrhea more than any attention to dietary issues. My caregiver days are over, for now. Mom died last winter and my fellow caregiver, my dear sister, died shortly after that. She had neglected her own health and died of influenza, compounded by diabetes.