Did I dump???

Last night was the worst! I got home from work feeling miserable (headache, really bad cramps & backache). I didn't have any regular tylenol to take but I did have some of the tylenol with codene left. I took 1/2 a shot (1/2 of what they gave me in the hospital) thinking I could get comfortable and nap a little before dinner was ready. I sat down and started to feel funny almost immediately. I thought, maybe I shouldn't have taken that on an empty stomach, so I got up and put a tablespoon full of baked beans (which I'd been eating all week with no problem) to heat & eat. I ate maybe 2 bites (chewing really well) and the pain started. The pain felt like when I had the really bad gallbladder attacks before they took it out. I never vomited but the pain lasted for about an hour and was really bad. After it eased up and I didn't feel like vomiting anymore I laid down. About an hour later, I felt fine and was hungry so I took a tiny piece of chicken (about the size of a almond) and tried it to see if my pouch was ok. The pain started again almost immediately (although not a bad as before and didn't last as long). So I said OK no more food for me tonight. I waited another hour and took a sip of water, same thing again, immediate pain. By that time it was almost 10 so I just went to bed. I got up early this morning and started sipping water right away to see if I was OK. I seem to be now. I'm at work and slowly eating some scrambled eggbeaters. So far no pain. So is that what dumping feels like? I never want to go thru that again!!!!! Dee

Dee, I had a similar problem at about 6 weeks out and Dr. Peters thought that I had let my pouch get too empty. Water even hurt so bad that I didn't feel like drinking. I had to take small sips and bites of food every few minutes for two days to get back on track and then it went away and so far has never returned. Hope the same thing happens to you. Good luck. Ellen

Thanks Ellen, I finished the scrambled eggs and my protein drink this morning and was fine. I stopped at home for lunch and heated up some chicken. No pain, just felt iky eating it. Only took about 3 bites. I'll just stick to SF jello and scrambled eggs for a day or 2. Now that I can eat regular food I'll have to find some protein bars that I like and make sure I have one in my desk and purse so I don't let myself get like this again. I have my 1 month check-up next week and a meeting with my dietition, I will be sure to mention this episode. Dee

I had that happen to me about 2 weeks ago, I didn't eat much during the day at work, because of the heat, then I got a really bad headache. I took tylenol and got sicker. We went to friendlys for dinner I took 2 bites of chicken and had to run to the bathroom, of course I didn't do any but I broke out in cold sweats, and I felt light headed. It finally got better after I went home and got in bed and slept it off. But, boy I don't want to do that I again. I am glad you are doing better. Take care, Dana

Thanks Dana, Even though I would wish that on anyone, I'm glad I'm not alone. It's so comforting to know I can just pop on here and find out what the heck is going on with my body and how to take care of myself. Dee

OOPS I meant that I wouldn't wish that on anyone!!!! I'm really tired today. I'm so glad it's friday! Dee

Dee, That is what 1/4 of dumping feels like. With me true dumpings lasts about 5 hours and you are right on target describing it as a gall bladder attack. I got sick on peanutbutter and have not eaten it since. I was sick for about 5 hours. I also took some tylenol with codeine which didn't really help matters much. I just had to wait it out. I did liquids the whole next day for fear of it happening again. Makes you kind of gun shy!!

Dee, I think what you were experiencing was a reaction to the Tylenol with codeine. You should not take that on an empty stomach - even for those that have not had gastric bypass surgery. The codeine is very harsh on your stomach. I can't take it at all because I get nauseous. So, I think your problem started with the Tylenol with codeine. That irritated your stomach and it took several hours for it to calm down. Dumping is not a fun thing. I've had it happen several times after eating meat. The pain starts about 20-30 minutes after eating, then the nausea and finally vomiting. After that, I would get light headed, dizzy, and have to lay down for a while. It would subside after about 2 hours. Meat is not my friend, so I'm trying to get my protein from other sources - fish, seafood, cheese, dairy, etc. If you have to take the Tylenol with codeine again, try a little bit of milk or yogurt before you take it so you don't run the risk of hurting your pouch! Good luck! Jean