Question:
Does this sound like normal vomiting, or should I be concerned?

I am 5 weeks post op Lap rny. I have had normal on and off bouts with nausea and vomiting. I have not been concerned up until now. Yesterday afternoon I ate lunch, and about 30 minutes later vomited it back up. That sometimes is normal for me when I try something new (this was chicken) Anyway when I got sick it was very violent and had dry heaves after it all came up. It was very painful, and all last night I had horrible stomach cramps. If I tried to drink water I could feel it go down and instantly cramp. Water stays down, but this morning I tried to drink a protein shake and the same pain was there. 15 minutes later it came back up. I have never vomited on liquids before, and the pain with it really concerns me. I was wondering if it was just because of the vomiting yesterday, that maybe I am just sore from that, or does it sound like something more serious? I can sip on water very slowly today, but as far as my protein and eating goes.. I don't see that happening. I was just wondering if anyone thinks I should be worried, or if i should just wait and it will pass. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks so much!    — Jeannette P. (posted on May 16, 2002)

May 17, 2002
This has not happened to me, but I have read others on this site say that when you vomit violently, it can irritate your pouch for a couple of days. They recommend reverting back to your clear liquid diet until your stomach doesn't hurt anymore (probably 2 days). I hope you get to feeling better, and good luck!
   — Kristie B.

May 17, 2002
It sounds like you could possibly have a stricture. They usually develop within the first couple weeks, and if you are having a hard time with liquids, then that is something you definitely need to speak to your surgeon about. I had 2 strictures and the vomiting became so violent that I ended up throwing up blood from a Mallory-Weiss tear in my new pouch. That was not fun. Don't wait until it gets too bad, you will become dehydrated in the process. Please call ASAP.
   — Cheri M.

May 17, 2002
Cheri - (or someone) - what exactly is a 'stricture' ?? I hear of them all the time but I don't know what it is. To the original poster - I too have vomited a few times after trying chicken or fish - I don't think I chewed it well enough because it was only a bite. I haven't tried it since I got sick on it but I do know that I won't have anything after getting sick - not for a while. I'll give my body and system a little bit of time to settle back down...I hate the way that it feels. Yes, very painful - I'm convinced my surgeon put my pouch in my back, around the bra line because if I eat too quickly or drink too fast, this is where it hurts and it hurts BAD. Walking helps to digest food if you ever take in too much - good luck figuring it out. Would you mind letting me know what it turns out to be, if anything?
   — Lisa J.