Question:
Will we have dental issues if we dump like bulemic people do?

   — Ann B. (posted on February 20, 2003)

February 19, 2003
you can 'dump' and not vomit,you can vomit and not be dumping, however no i do not believe the dental problems would be the same because the acidic bile is what destroys the enamal on the teeth with bulimea, the new pouch does not contain such huge quanities, some but not like the old stomach.
   — janetc00

February 19, 2003
I believe bulemics vomit very frequently. WLS patients should NOT be dumping/vomiting on a daily basis. It should be a very rare occurance. other wise they would be abusing themself, their pouch and defeating the new tool for weight loss.
   — **willow**

February 20, 2003
Ann, I have been trying to get some answers on this. I am 6 mos post op, I don't dump. I have also thrown up like 2X. However, due to all the nutrion defecines, my teeth have lost their whiteness and also the enamel! My teeth used to be beautiful, now they look like crap. I also think alot of it is due to the tea I drink. I was a heavy ice tea (decaf) drinker before surgery and now I drink double. SO, I am not sure if I believe that either. I am at a loss. I may end of paying to get my teeth cosmetically whitened later. Ps. I have tried the whitening strips, that doesn't help if you lose your enamel! Heather (Post Op 8/15. 305/210/150)
   — heathercross

February 20, 2003
If you are referring to vomiting and the fact that bulemics often destroy their teeth/enamel due to excessive vomiting, I don't think the same thing occurs to post-ops that vomit alot. I believe the part of vomiting that destroys the teeth is the acid from the stomach and we don't have that acid anymore. Also bulemics vomit for long periods of time, like several times a day for several years. I think it takes a while for them to destroy the teeth. Some post-ops who have a rough time might vomit for months, but usually not several times a day for years!
   — Cindy R.