Question:
Can't throw up even though feel like something is stuck

Three weeks post-op open RNY and have not dumped yet that I know of. This morning woke up feeling like a rock is in my new tummy. Can sip some liquids which go down, but unable to throw anything up. I had a few bites of pasta with about two small tender bites of chicken about 6:00p.m. last nite. Should I wait? Do the meat tenderizer tip people mention?    — Molly S. (posted on July 11, 2001)

July 11, 2001
I'm not sure why you selected "Dumping" as the title of your question. You would certainly KNOW if you dumped, it is like severe food poisoning -- strong abdominal cramps, diarhhea, shakiness, feeling like vomiting for some people. As far as feeling a rock in your new tummy, it could be just the healing. I doubt it has to do with the chicken and pasta you ate the night before, especially if fluids go down without problem. If something is stuck, you have strong pains within a few minutes of eating. Usually followed by loads of mucous coming up and/or vomiting. I've never vomited myself, but I've had a few of the pain and mucous episodes. This is not related to dumping though. Dumping is your intestines reacting to too much sugar or fat being 'dumped' into them. Hope this helps.
   — Cindy H.

July 11, 2001
Hi. It doesn't sound like dumping and since you hadn't eaten in so long...I would bet that nothing is stuck. Especially since you are able to get down fluids. A couple times..I have had even iced tea feel like it was getting stuck. It went through though. I then made the mistake of eating and it DID get stuck even though it was a paste consistency. I think every so often the opening from my pouch to my intestines either swells or spasms and I get that feeling. This happened to me at night and the next morning all was back to normal. If you're still able to get fluids down, I would wait a day and see if it goes away. If it doesn't, you might want to call the surgeon. This is BARRING that you know it's not something else...like angina (chest pain) or something like that. Good Luck to you:)
   — Nicole P.

July 11, 2001
It took me until 6 weeks to be able to eat pasta and longer for chicken. If you're feeling that way try to go back to foods you know you can handle and then try the chicken and pasta again in a week or two. Also when eating chicken early post op, moisten it with some chicken broth or fat free chicken gravy. I've found from this website that everyone is different when it comes to when they can tolerate different foods. Also make sure the bites you're taking aren't too big and that you're chewing the food to mush and you're not taking bites too fast. At 3 weeks you can't eat too slowly or chew too much. It gets better. I'm at 12 weeks now and it's nothing like it was in the beginning. Be patient - I think you're within the norm BUT when in doubt, call your surgeon. Good luck!
   — [Anonymous]