concerned

Saw the surgeon on Thursday, and I'm doing pretty well overall. I've lost a total of 62 pounds, and I'm feeling pretty good. However, I still am on only liquids for the most part. About anything more solid than yogurt or pudding comes back up. I thought perhaps I was just eating too fast, and he says we will keep an eye on things. THen he asked me if I had tried any sugar yet (which I hadn't) he was wondering if I "dumped." Well about 3 hours ago I tried some sugar....I ate a dilly bar, not the sugar free kind. 21 g. of sugar it said on the label. And nothing, no dumping, nothing at all. What can this mean, does anyone know?

I can do about 18g before I dump. I don't usually push that far I just know when enough is enogh my mouth startrs too water. weird I know.

I also can't type well

I"m just concerned that this is my first sugar in MONTHS ( I was insulin dependent diabetic for 2 years before surgery) and NO dumping syndrome whatsoever......for some reason this distresses me, as though my surgery isn't going to work for much longer. I guess I was counting on the dumping syndrome to help keep me in line.....What's wierd is that my blood sugar hardly raised at all either...just to about 118. and you type ok

Sharon, I don't know what the dumping or not dumping has to do with you not keeping any solids down. With those who have had RNY, we can get strictures at the stoma...the location that the intestines is attached to the pouch. The surgeon takes a look via endoscopy (good drugs..in la-la land) and dialates the stoma back open if needed. With those who have lap-band, they can also get strictures..but more commonly, the ring may need emptied a little bit. Who is your surgeon? Stay in touch with his office. It is not normal for you to continuously not be able to keep solids down. Ask about an endoscopy if it is not suggested by them. Sherri

I thought perhaps that if I didn't dump, that was some indicator that food wasn't passing through as it should. I do vomit alot, but again I thought it had to do with eating too fast or not chewing well enough.....

Sharon, A Dilly Bar is basically solid liquids. As soon as the body heat gets to it, it melts. If you have a stricture, a Dilly Bar won't tell you anything. My rule of thumb (I had 15 endo's/strictures) if I go 3 meals out of 4 of eating solids and I throw up (my breakfast cottage cheese is usually no problem), I call the surgeon's office. I may eat too fast once or not chew it up enough, but not 3 times in a row. If you wait much longer than that, liquids can start to give you a problem and then you can become dehydrated. If we're talking about 2-3 times a week though, take your time and chew, chew, chew. If you know you are chewing well and solids don't stay down, call your surgeon. Also..try a variety of solids. It may be something in particular that is giving you grief. For me, it's carrots. I cannot do them to this day I don't care how well cooked they are. Also, is your meat too dry? I had to have ketup on about all meats in order for them to slide down ok. If this has been contuously going on, please contact your surgeon's office in the morning. Also, I would avoid doing another dump test if you can help it. Most of the time, dumping makes you sick and you do end up in the bathroom...but from the other end. Why risk it? Assume that you will dump. Assume you lucked out with that Dilly Bar and assume you may not be so lucky next time. You may not ever get where you don't vomit at all (I still do now & then) but it shouldn't be routine. Let us know what you find out. Sherri

Thanks. I'll call again in the morning. I can't eat meat at all, Sherri. Of course, I am just 11 weeks out so maybe it is too soon. I cannot eat crackers either, however, and just usually stick to my soups, protein shakes, and yogurt. I can eat my morning oatmeal as long as it is very runny. I still have to take 4-6 pills a day, some capsules, and those do not give me a problem. Thank you for the time you've taken to tell me about your history and what to look for. I really appreciate it. Sharon

Are you measureing??? Don't trust yourself to eyeball 3 or 4 ounces.. Measure. I dont dump on sugar but I have thrown up by not measureing. or drinking while I eat.. a I can not eat icecream.. It isnt the milk.. because I can drink milk it is the richness sugar or whatever that just makes me so ill... Meat gave me fits I had to wrap mashed potatos or gravy or ketsup around all meat.. for at leat 6 months.. could only eat eggs with mashed potatos.. I still cant eat an egg plain.. I couldnt eat steak or roast for a year!! Measure watch what you chew and like Sherri said assume you will dump.. because when the right combination comes along... you will. Linda

Thanks everybody, all input is appreciated.