Question:
Is it common to be nauseous all the time 2 1/2 weeks after open gastric bypass?

I had open gastric bypass surgery 2 1/2 weeks ago and I have been nauseous all the time, is this common?    — Danielle11 (posted on January 16, 2007)

January 16, 2007
I had my surgery in June 2006, and was nauseous pretty much all the time for the first 30 days. Remember that you have had major surgery, and that you had anesthesia. It takes a while for the anesthesia to work out of your system. Also, any medications you are on can also cause nausea. The pain medication I was on had me queasy quite a lot. With my new pouch, many times food made me nauseous as well. Whether it was broth, jello, egg, or whatever it didn't matter. It made me nauseous, and I vomited often too. So, to answer your question, it is common. You should call your surgeon though and have it documented on your file so he is aware, just in case it continues. He may have some thoughts on how to make it better, or offer medications to control it.
   — oceanrayne

January 16, 2007
In addition to adjusting to the sensitivity of your pouch, your body could also be in ketosis; the ketones (which are resident in your saliva) will irritate the pouch. But, the good news is that if you are in ketosis, it means that you are getting in enough protein to boost your weight loss. As the prior poster alluded to, evaluate everything you are eating and drinking to see if one thing in particular might be causing your problem. It could be something as simple as not getting in enough fluids which is causing your nausea or something more medically complicated, so it is important to review those symptoms with your doctor.
   — SteveColarossi

January 16, 2007
I had RNY, and for about 2 months after I was nauseous almost constantly. It was horrible. I wouldn't feel like doing anything but laying in bed, but of course you can't. I would vomit sometimes. I couldn't get enough fluids in. I eneded up in the hospital to get a postassium drip because mine was so low they worried about my heart. My dr. said that some people are just more sensitive to the surgery, and that one day the sick feeling would just go away, and he was right. Hang in there, but be sure to let your dr. know what's going on.
   — Rebecca Johnson

January 17, 2007
my nutritionist told me to up my protein intake, so when I felt nauseous, I would drink a protein drink slowly. It seemed to help me. Hope this might help you as well.
   — Danita S.

January 17, 2007
Danielle, I work for a surgeon and he always gives the patients a percription of suppositories for Nausea. I know that when I had surgery, I used a couple of them. What happens is if you have nausea & voniting, it causes more swelling and irritates the pouch. It is a vicous circle. You have to get rid of the nausea to give your pouch a chance to heal. Check with your doctor to see about getting something for nausea. I know that a suppositoy isn't one of my favorite things to use, but it will make you feel a lot better. Good luck-
   — jk_harris

January 18, 2007
I was pretty much always nauseated for a year and a half after surgery, and I had the lap procedure! It takes time for your system to heal, especially if you have other health problems. Eat slowly, get your protein shakes down first, and take your vitamins! Also, I found that I had to wait an hour between eating and drinking, even after I was on solid foods. I still have trouble getting all my food/water in, and I am over two years out!
   — Novashannon