Gross question-but I want to know..

Okay.. I've been wondering about this. I know a lot of people mention that they "can't hold anything down" after surgery and they "throw up" a lot. Even months out...once back to work ..people say they will eat something and it won't stay down. Here's the question. If you throw up before surgery... usually..it's a large amount coming up. - it can be quite a production. With such a small pouch after surgery...how much is really coming back up..and how "urgent" is it when it does? I mean, would I be throwing up in my trash can at work because I wouldn't be able to make it to the bathroom..or what about at a friends house or out to eat? Okay..so I'm a nut for asking questions about but I really would like to know the difference between pre and post vomiting.

That's a very good question....I wondered the same thing myself! To me, it is sooooo much better now, than it was then. It's more like "spitting up" rather than vomiting now. I have rarely thrown up, but when I have had to, it is more just a "dry heave" once or twice. If something does come up, it's just a little chewed food (or not chewed good enough!) No bile, no gross taste, nothing. My mouth will water alot, but that's it. MUCH EASIER! Hope this helps! Theresa

And if you have a large front pocket nobody will ever notice it happened because you won't have to excuse yourself!! I can yack on demand now if something is in there that bothers me. I can even do it for effect like when I venture to the top of the stairs and ask my kids to clean their room- "This place is a pig stye!! It makes me sick!!!" If need be I'll drop a little SBD butt bomb and follow it up with, "My God, what is that smell?!?!??!?" Works every time! kp @ goal

You are a trip KP@goal. I've been reading your posts for a few months now and if I've not learned one other thing on this board I did learn that I can always count on you for an interesting (although demented and blunt) response!!!! Keep up the good work! Oh.. and great picture!!!

Yer making me blush,, kp @ goal

As only a recent loser - I can only comment on my current sized pouch. It's really more of an urp. You don't have the volume in there so it is generally not a huge disaster. But, at least so far - they can be pretty urgent. As a result, I'm just telling everyone I had the surgery and if they see me doing something odd - like exiting a meeting quickly - not to worry but not to slow me down either. Best, Michele P

Not a gross question at all! (This coming from the girl who also asked about farting and burping!!) I was curious about it as well. I'm 5 weeks out and haven't vomited anything yet, so I didnt' know what to expect. Thanks for asking, you helped me as well! Beth

When food gts stuck for me it is painful. I would rather yack it up than sit for hours in pain. I have read where people are so afraid of throwing up that thaey will sit with the pain. Not this girl. I am not a fan of pain. Sometimes it takes a bit for something to come up. The foamies are when you vomit and a foam like substance is the only thing to come up. The food is beyond the foam. I have gotten real good and getting right past the foamies to the food. I can now vomit at will. A few moments of throwing up to me is far better than being in pain. The thing is, some people do not get sick. My husband rarely gets sick. Just remember to chew well forever. It gets easier, but this is one of those things you will always have to do. Dry meat will be your enemy forever as well.

awesome new pic KP

I remember my first time was at work. Nearly projectile, it was the foamies. It was quite a substantial amount...about a cup(?). I barely made it to the wastebasket. There was someone in my cubicle and it was embarassing. Since then, I travel with a baggie in my purse...and one in the car. I have learned how to eat and chew, so it rarely happens anymore, but like others, I would rather it came up than writhe in pain. Chew, chew, chew...don't drink lots of liquid with the meal (if any). And be prepared. It may never happen to you. Good luck. Diane