Help??? Vomiting...

Dear Friends, I'm 4 1/2 weeks post op and earlier this week I went to my regular doctor for a bladder/kidney infection. The next day I started vomiting. I thought it was just the antibiotic because nausea and vomiting are one of the side effects but then yesterday it stopped. So I assumed it might have been the infection. My next check up is next Monday and the doctor said a few days before my appointment to try eating some of the foods on the next list (soft) and meatloaf is listed there. So yesterday afternoon I had about 3 small bites of meatloaf and 2 small bites of whipped potatoes. I chewed probably 40 times (no exaggeration) before I swallowed. Granted, I felt like I had a rock in my stomach but I kept them down. Then today around noon when I went to take some of my regular meds, I lost everything again, pretty forcefully. I don't mean to be gross but I recognized a little meatloaf. It had been almost 21 hours since I ate that...should it still have been in my digestive system? I'm a little scared because the volume I lose each time is about a cup or so. I can only take in around 3 oz per meal. I do try to sip water regularly, but very slowly. Any ideas or has anyone else had this problem? I'm truly at a loss! Thanks for reading and God Bless! Hugs, Kathy

Hi Kathy. I am 3 months out now and I just started to feel much better. I threw up almost everyday. I had a stretch done last month. Its very common to be sick. Thank God it does get better. Its almost like a morning sickness but up in your throat. I think you should call your Dr, if you are real worried. Keep eating popsicles. They really helped me. Good luck.Cindy

Thanks so much for the advice Cindy. You said you had a stretch done last month? What does that entail? I'm almost afraid that might be my problem...How did you know? thanks for your feedback!!! Hugs, Kathy

Kathy, Sounds like you probably have a stricture. It is common at about where you are at in recovery. Basically where the small intestine joins the pouch, it "overheals" and either the opening is narrowed or in some cases a small thin film of skin heals over it. I would be concerned with the undigested food that came from your pouch after that many hours. You really do need to call your surgeon. To have it opened is not a big procedure. You go in, the give you some meds to make you sleepy, then put a scope down your throat to your pouch, and take a look around, if you do have a stricture they just use a scope with balloon and "stretch" the opening back up. My husband and I both had Lap RNY, he had a stricture, I didn't. I do know that he had IMMEDIATE relief after it was opened. There are a small percentage of folks who have strictures, that may need to have it done a second time, however that amount is small, and typically the second time is the last. But you really do need to call your surgeon and tell them what is going on! Good luck, I hope you get to feeling better! Valerie

Valerie, Thanks so much for your response. I decided to go back on liquids after I got sick Sat morning and so far I've been ok. Went to see the surgeon yesterday and he's ordering an upper GI. Unfortunatly, the nurse said she probably won't have time to order it until Thurs! Ugh! Will keep you posted. Thanks again! Hugs, Kathy

I am glad you called and the liquids is the best thing to do. It's better to get liquids in than try to keep eating food and vomiting. Keep us posted and hopefully you will get this all straightened out! Just keep checking with the nurse to see if it's been ordered. The squeaky wheel gets oiled you know! I've worked in offices and I work at a huge hospital now, and I never could understand why it takes 4 days to get a procedure ordered!! It took a week for our primary care doc to get my husband an appt with a dermatologist...do they only have phone service one day a week? Val

Val, You are so right, isn't it ridiculous! I called and bugged them again today... I know all about the squeaky wheel, I tell my husband that all the time... Anyway, really appreciate your concern and will keep you posted. God Bless! hugs, Kathy

Kathy, I just wanted to add my voice. Don't wait. Call the surgeon and ask for his/her advice. I also agree this is just a stumble in the road. It does get better. Call the surgeon. Best wishes. Deb

Hi Debbie, I also want to thank you for your reply. As I told Valerie, the doc is ordering an Upper GI. The surgeon told me yesterday he'd much rather I call him then wait 4 days when there is a problem! Thanks again! Hugs, Kathy