Question:
Stopped Up Ears?

Greetings everyone! I am 8 years post op and I have put on 40 lbs that I desparately want/need to lose. I am trying to re-train my pouch and one of the things I have given up is diet soda. I know, never should have picked it back up again, but I did. I am drinking water now and iced tea (decaffinated). Anyway, I am having a side effect I haven't had since in the early days post-surgery which is my ears are feeling stopped up all of the time, like when you fly and change altitude. Has anyone experienced this? What is it caused by? Any ideas, any solutions?    — SDmovergal (posted on February 4, 2010)

February 4, 2010
Does not seem like the surgery could cause this but I do get it with my allergies. Have your ears checked by a ears nose and throat specialist and they maybe able to put in micro tubes. It really ttakes care of the pressure and you can hear better. It doesn't hurt.
   — trible

February 7, 2010
Wow - I'm five weeks out andhave horrible ear problems - never had them before. Assume it was from the weather - but maybe not. Have no idea why - but thanks for posting this question. Maybe someone will have an answer. Good luck getting back on track.
   — pjs20011

February 10, 2010
I have had this problem off and on since surgery 14 mos. ago too. It's terrible and makes me feel like I'm in a tunnel! I find it sworse if I am dehydrated. Not usually there if I am fully hydrated with about 100oz daily. I know we have orders for at least 64oz but for many of us we physically need more and will benefit from more. Give it a shot and increase your fluids (caffeine free/sugar free). For every coffe I drink, I drink a water and call it a wash. In other words, I don't count either one of them against my daily requirement. I'm far from perfect and in reality I frequently fall short of my goal, then my ears get real bad, I drink more, I get cleared up and around and around. BUT definately have your ears checked if drinking extra doesn't seem to help. Good luck!
   — jamabowers