Well, maybe I'll try to get john to try the little cups of pudding; he has a similar problem with constant bad heartburn, nausea, bloating, esp after 'eating' even a can of the liquid food, or when he tries to eat something by mouth. This is even with his meds. Some days are worse than others; and he ate an In-N-Out hamburger once without too much trouble, though very slowly, but then other times even a cpl bites of some innocuous seeming food causes dry heaves, severe heartburn, etc. He almost dreads doing the cans b/c he almost always feels bloated and nauseated afterward. Have tried otc Boost and Ensure Plus as well. I haven't seen the Carnation VHC in stores but it doesn't sound like a prescription; is it hidden behind the pharmacy counters or does one have to order it on-line or something? J is continually to very gradually lose weight which is no good!