Feeling sick all the time (years post-op)

Hello everyone, I had RNY in 2012. I actually had an OH account at the time but I don't remember the login info so I created a new account. It's been a few years since I've visited this site. At first it was me being too confident and thinking I didn't need the forums and that was dumb. As awesome as my family and husband are, they don't actually understand what I'm going through. Another part of my absence was embarrassment. I gained some weight back--50 pounds to be exact. I was doing great until I met my husband. He eats whatever he wants to and that is dangerous for someone like me. Even before surgery I had a lot of anxiety when it came to eating around others and being judged. Before surgery it was people judging me for eating too much. After surgery people were judging me for eating too little.

Sorry for the long intro...my current problem is that almost everything makes me feel sick like I'm dying. I also have IBS. It has only gotten worse since I had my gallbladder removed in 2017. I had huge gallstones and an inflamed gallbladder.

I just want to feel normal. I want to be able to eat without nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, etc. Sorry if that is TMI.

Does anyone have advice? Does anyone here have the same issues? I feel like you guys are the only ones I can turn to for support.

-Sara

Hi Sara-

I'm still a newbie having had my RNY on 8/20/18. I have had nausea anytime I try to eat solid foods since the first day I was allowed to eat soft foods about 1 week post-op.

Initially, my surgeon found a stricture on EGD and dilated it, but the nausea never resolved. I had a repeat EGD about 2 weeks ago and everything was OK -- except I still have nausea for unknown reasons

For someone who always enjoyed eating, I find it so stressful everytime it's time to have a meal. Each meal, I go in with an optimistic attitude thinking that this meal will go well. Unfortunately, 95% of the time I end up with nausea and stomach pain. I have come to dread mealtimes.

On Christmas, I am going to have dinner at this excellent steakhouse. Before WLS, I would have been so excited. Now, I'm dreading it because I have to look like I'm eating something and be out with people and act pleasant while I'm sick to my stomach.

I feel for you Sara since feeling sick has gone on so long for you. For me, it's been only months -- very long months, though. I'm just taking it one meal at a time and hoping that things improve over time.

---Joyce

Hello Lucky, congratulations on your surgery. It is rough at first but it can get better. I was fine for the first couple of years but it got harder when I started dating. My husband is very supportive and even holds my hair or rubs my back when I get sick. I am going to have to return to basics: measuring my portions, limiting carbs, etc. Lucky, everyone takes to solids at a different pace postop. Don't force yourself. I remember how frustrating it was when I could eat chicken but my favorite turkey dishes made me sick to my stomach during the first year. An issue I remember a lot of people telling me is that it can be easy to forget your limitations after time has passed. I find myself doing it all the time. I eat something I shouldn't and then act surprised. Sometimes our brains don't catch up and we don't think before we eat. Good luck with your progress. Happy Holidays!

I feel for both of you as feeling nauseated is miserable. For most people as you progress out from surgery and your pouch matures it goes away. For me as long as I stay away from carbs like bread,rice,pasta and sweets I feel much better. I'm glad to see you back here,Sara. I had my surgery back in 2012 too and am dealing with regain for the first time too. It's coming off but oh so SLOWLY. What types of foods are you eating,Sara? How much do you eat at a time? We should only eat one cup of food per meal--I still measure mine when I'm at home--and eating more than that will cause vomiting because the food has nowhere to go. Start measuring your meals and join us on the menu post to see what others are eating at different stages. Welcome back and don't be a stranger!

Hi. I can relate. Lucky for me, I am a researcher, and I tried to understand what was going on after I had severe reaction to food. Then was finding a good doc, who is current on new things coming up, and can actually listen and help me. I was lucky, and persistent. You may need to find a great gastro doctor. I was suspecting I had SIBO that is causing my IBS symptoms, plus it could be also causing good sllealler and even other body pains.

Google and read on SIBO, IBS due to SIBO, and low FODMAP diet. Plus systematic Candida.

WLS surgery can create a perfect ground to get SIBO (small intestine bacterial overgrowth). Also - systematic Candida. One if the role of a stomach acid is to kill pathogens, that can cause food poisoning, sibo, etc. RNY or other WLS, are low acid environment. That can cause more frequent, even mild , good poisoning, with posibility of long term SiBO. From what I researched, the are 2 most common types of IBS: IBS--D (with diarrhea) or IBS- C (with constipation).

My IBS is IBS-C (IBS with constipation). Having a detailed journal of what you eat, and how much, even small bites of some foods, may help you find what foods cause the episodes. And it can be many. Mostly - foods high on FODMAP list. Elimination of the triggers can help quiet the gut area. When I started my journey, I noticed that even dry onion or garlic (like in Montreal steak seasoning ) could cause cramps, had and pain. So I had to use primarily salt and pepper for my seasoning. Nothing more.

How to treat SIBO? There is the very specific diet, natural supplements, or another approach - antibiotics to kill sibo and Rx for Candida. Unfortunately, from what I read, it is close to imposible to completely kill SIBO and Candida. I can keep it under control.

I take antibiotics every few months. I know my body, and I know when a list of foods I can eat without severe pain gets shorter and shorter. I hate taking antibiotics, but after a 2 weeks treatment, then reintroducing "good," bacteria in the gut.

There are tests that can be run for SIBO, but they are not very reliable. Treatment of smtiantibio - is a functional test. Because of my Candida, I often take Rx for that together with my antibiotics.

We need bacteria in our system, just not in a small intestine. Small intestine needs to be almost sterile.

Good luck finding a good doc who can help you with your condition. BTW: the first gastro I saw had no clue of SIBO or how to treat that. I fired him after one visit, and found my current, great doc.

Hi SaraF,

Welcome Back

I can help you find your old account. Contact me at [email protected] and let's get it done.

Regards,

Kathy

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