Question:
Can anyone tell me why when eating my heart pounds so hard?

My heart pounds for about an hour after eating. I also have a rash on my chest, I think from the sp k protein powder or drinks. I am having hard time getting down the water, which I used to love to drink, but now, almost turns my stomach! I'm lucky to get in 32 oz a day. Cant seem to eat enough protein. Any suggestions? I had vgs on 11/19/08 in Mexico & have lost approx 32 lbs. Is this on target? Also, does anyone feel the need to burp whether I'm eating or drinking?? Thanks for your help. Linda    — Linda C. (posted on January 10, 2009)

January 10, 2009
When that happens to me it's usually because I've either eaten too much or have eaten the wrong thing. I consider it another form of dumping. You might want to turn your water into Crystal Light -- you gotta get that water in. The rash on your chest -- it could be from anything so you might want to keep a log of what you are eating and what vitamins you are taking that might have that effect. I can't answer your question as to whether or not your weight loss is on track because I had WLS and I'd lost about 30 lbs three weeks after WLS. Irregardless of what wls procedure one has the speed of your weight loss is going to be different from others who've had the same or similar procedure. Don't try keeping up or comparing your weight loss to others -- it might frustrate you. Just continue to work your plan. Congrats on the loss and keep up the good work.
   — the7thdean

January 10, 2009
Hi Linda, congrats on your surgery. I'm not sure why, but I seem to have a rush of heart palp after I eat too. I just had some shredded wheat (I am 5 years out) and milk, and my heart is pumping. Not sure why, but I don't think it is abnormal anyway. I think you are on par with your weight loss. Everyone is different, and just keep up the water, diet AND exercise, and you will do well. If you choose to not exercise, don't whine when your weight loss suddenly stops and won't restart. Please exercise every day. Burping. I did feel that way early on. I had trouble burping. Now that I am 5 years out, I do burb, just not all the time. Again, I think this is normal, if there is pain involved though that does not pass, please call your surgeon or doctor right away. Thanks. Patricia P
   — Patricia P

January 10, 2009
for me it happenens when my metabolism kicks on takes enery to burn the food i consume.Do u need to burp or is this the signal to stop u r full. Maybe try eating a little slower and tale smaller bites and chew well
   — Bette Drecktrah

January 10, 2009
Hi! I am 6 months out and burp while and after eating too. I just thought it was a part of the process. i have always done it. Especially after eating. As far as the drinking. I got dehydrated rather quickly, so please try to get it all in. It took 3 days to get there and 3 weeks to recover. No losing while dehydrated! If you drink artifially flavored stuff, try switching to a different sweetener. I could not drink things with one sweetener like fruit 2 O water or protein drinks, but found that nestles flavored water was ok with me. and after some time i can now do any. Just keep trying stuff. things change so quickly. And as far as foods go..Ihated bell peppers and cheese before surgery, and now cheese is a must have and peppers are tolerated. I haven't had the palpitations, so can't help there. Good luck to you. Hugs, Kim
   — gpcmist

January 10, 2009
Hi, Linda - I had VGS on 9/5/08, and not sure about the poundng heart or rash. I would think the rash is related to something you are eating or drinking, but I would ask your surgeon. I also have a hard time getting my water in - only get about 32 oz of water in on its own - but I do get 12 oz of water in with my protein powder every morning, plus 1-2 cups of herbal tea a day. Since my urine is pretty clear, the doctor says I am getting enough in. I just can't get any more in - I am so full. How much protein is in your protein shake? Mine as 30 grams. You might try Isopure - I don't like it the way it comes, but I will pour one in a 32 oz water bottle, add additional water to make a full 32 oz, and then add 1-2 t of Splenda - that way I am getting water and protein in - one bottle of Isopure is 30-40 grams depending on which one you buy. Also, Costco has some protein bars that are 30 grams of protein each - 24 bars for around $18, I think. You can get them online also, but they cost about twice as much. They are called Premiere Nutrition Protein Bars and are really good. I keep one in my purse in case I get stuck away from home or the office during lunch so that I don't end up stopping somewhere to grab something that isn't good for me. I do find that I can only eat 1/2 cup at a meal - and if I eat it in less than 15-20 minutes, I hurt and feel like the food it sitting in my chest and ready to come back up. It is really hard for me to learn to wait a little while between each bite to give it time to get down - it can take me up to an hour for the feeling to go away. I do feel like I need to burp, but I have a hard time doing this - although it seems to be getting a little easier over time. The way it was explained to me is that whenever you swallow, you are swallowing a little air as well - when your stomach was normal size, there was room for the food and air to get to your stomach and then for the air to come back up in a burp. However, with the much smaller stomach, it is hard for that air to get past the food and come back up. Makes sense! Feel free to e-mail me back if you want to chat or share the journey! Wendy
   — Wendy M.

January 11, 2009
Hi Linda, First, I would go to my regular doctor. Find out about allergies. Let your regular doc know of your surgery. Adding crystal light to water is ok, possibly the protein water on the market might help. Good Luck and God Bless, vinnigirl, retired RN
   — vinnigirl

January 12, 2009
Hi there! I am currently six years post-op. I still have that pounding heart also. However, for me it is not EVERY time I eat. It seems to have something to do with what I eat, and at times, the amount. I always get it when I drink any milk. Too many sweats cause it too. Though I have gained about 25 pounds back, I am still feeling much better than before my RNY. I just need to buckle down and excercise and watch what I eat. This surgery is certainly a good tool. You just have to learn how to use the tool properly and know if you abuse it- you will pay the price. As far as the rash- No clue. Take note to the type, size, and color of the rash; whether it spreads, if it appears on other parts of your body; when it goes away (if it does) and what food or medication you take prior. See your doctor or dermatologist.
   — jeanbell