Question:
How to deal with extreme nausea following surgery.

Husband of surgery patient writing ... My wife had gastric bypass surgery on Monday. We came home from hospital last night. This morning, she was so nauseous upon awakening that she was unable to ingest any of the 50 gms of protein or any clear liquids except for about 10 0z. of water all day. She was in and out of nausea so some of the water did not even stay down. She was unable to take her medicines either. I am especially concerned that she will become dehydrated since the quantity of water she should be consuming is 64 oz. per day. Any suggestions to deal with the nausea and ability to ingest the recommended protein and clear liquids following surgery are welcome. Thanks.    — Laurietoanewbeginning (posted on February 11, 2009)


February 11, 2009
Hi, I am so sorry that your wife is nauseous when she gets up and is unable to keep anything down. Does she get better as the day goes on? I put 25gms of protein powder (half vanilla and half chocolate. in a cup. I then add a small amount of water and blend it until it is smooth. I then add coffee and it is like a chocolate mocha. If she is not better in a couple of days, please contact your Dr. She may need to be seen right away. Susaan
   — susangielda06

February 11, 2009
nausea really early post op is a tough nut to crack because we are asked to do so much, and each of us had to find our own solutions. The water is the most important right now. It can be taken in as SF popsicles, many find a warm green tea helps with nausea. Try to get her to take in 1 oz every 5 minutes. She will soon memorize just how much 1 oz is in her mouth. Fat free chix, beef broths, warm rather than hot is best. A RX for nausea meds is easily gotten, but you have to tell the surgeon. Reglan is a RX that worked for many post ops. Protein is important too, 1 oz every 5 min like the water. Good luck, call the surgeon in the am, and do not become dehydrated, no one wants to sit in the ER with IV's running. Cindi -230#
   — DollyDoodles

February 11, 2009
Doctor should have written a script for her to get filled. Pills for nausea. Call the doctor and see if she can get something for that. Best Wishes for speedy recovery. Everyday gets better and better. God Bless.
   — [Deactivated Member]

February 11, 2009
I agree with the other posters; warm green tea, warm unjelled jello, popsicles. If she is not better in two or three days make sure she sees the Doc again right away. Let us know how your wife is doing. Good Luck and God Bless, vinnigirl, retired RN
   — vinnigirl

February 11, 2009
sorry to hear this. Call the Dr and get the meds to stop the nausea and that will take away the dehydration because she will be able to tolerate liquids and they will stay. I used Sugar Free Popcycles and get the Popcycle brand as they have a easier flavor to tolerate. It was worth the extra money over the store brand. Also, try to get her to sip some G2 by Gatoraide. I like grape. It has electrolites in it. Works well and is lower in sugar than some sports drinks which help ward off dehydration. GET THE MEDS. Good luck
   — ceecee127

February 11, 2009
Call the doctor and ask for ZOFRAN sublingual tabs. They go under her tongue and work within a couple of minutes. Also, warm liquids might feel better than cold, so try warm decaf tea. Celestial Seasonings makes fruit teas that are very good and soothing. Tell her we hope she feels better soon and to post when she can.
   — Shirley D.

February 11, 2009
If she remains nauseous and is unable to keep any fluids down today, you may have to take a trip to the ER for some IV fluids. A good way to monitor this is to have her keep an eye on her urine; if it gets dark, like the color of tea, it is time to go get some IV fluids. I totally agree with the other posters as far as the warm teas; after the bypass sometimes warm liquids are more soothing to the new pouch and stay down easier. We wish you the best! Remember, you can ALWAYS call you doc's office- that is what they are there for and what you are paying them for! Melanie g. R.N.
   — MAG

February 11, 2009
Dear Husband, You definately need to call her doctor. Since she can't keep anything down, she may need a Phenergan suppository. You will need the doctor to write an Rx, though. As the other posters said, dehydration IS a big problem. She very well may need a trip to the ER for IV fluids. They can give the Phenergan through her IV as well. You've got to get the nausea under control or she will become dehydrated. Whatever clear liquid she can handle, try it. Propel water worked well for me right after surgery. Also, you could try sugar free jello water. Anothing thing that worked well for my nausea, was essential oils. I used Bath and Body Works' Lavender and Vanilla. It helped me relax and breathe deeply. Mostly, though, the Phenergan was a big relief. I would call her doctor for the Rx first.
   — [Deactivated Member]

February 12, 2009
OMG ZOFRAN IS AMAZING!!I had the worst nausea EVER!! I couldn't eat or drink anything!!! I works in mins. It was the only think that help and then I could eat anything. And hot liquids til she get the med. Good Luck!!
   — IamMrsMcDole

February 12, 2009
I wanted to share thatthe nasuea pills help alot and how showers I took a regular folding share 3x day in the shower and sat under neith the hit water helped w/pain and nasuea, do get the pills. also frozen popsicles sugar free, frozen icecubes protein juice and lots of ice, I hope your wife is feeling better today Bless u 4 helping and being supportive, I had gastric bypass july o8 I have lost 125 pounds since life is a blessingneed something feel free to email me here or [email protected]
   — Tammi Sandoval

February 12, 2009
I just want to send out my kudos to you. I think that it is great that you cared enough to ask all of us for assistance. Your wife is very lucky to have you. I had a good bit of nausea after as many people do. In the beginning, I got very dehydrated too. Popcicles are the best for helping with that..not only for hydration, but for taste too!! Good luck and keep us updated on your wifes condition. God Bless.
   — gonnaB1hotmama

February 13, 2009
Hello --- try vitamin B1 but make sure it is either sublingual or crushed very well.... Was talking with my surgeon and he was talking about a conference he had gone to when a new bypass patient was throwing up and he said that the B1 would have solved the problem... hope this helps and if it doesn't then get hold of your surgeon... gk
   — GangaK

February 13, 2009
Ask her doctor for the phenergen gel. You rub it on the inside of your wrist & for me it worked great. They also have the suppositories. Not pretty but they work without the sleepiness or drowsiness. Hope you both feel better & everything goes well for you both.
   — donnapusser




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