Question:
I can't vomit after WLS

Hello, I am almost 1year post op and I have noticed through out this time frame that I have never been able to vomit. I often feel queezy and feel that if it would just "come up" that I would feel much better. I have had dry heaves many times, with a small amount of fluffy phlegm, but nothing else. I have another question, What happens if you get a GI flu that would normally be accompanied with projectile vomiting? Does the comtents of the stomach just have to wait to come out the other end? I am very curious and have often thought about asking one of my Nursing instructors. I am asked the vomiting question by every person the sees me get queezy, without fail I am asked, "Cant you just barf and feel better, I go on to tell the person that I can't vomit, that I dont have the ability to vomit and I get the same stunned look each and every time. Any thougths comments or suggestions would be welcomed. Christy 5'2" 136 pounds/264 pounds preop/10 to go!    — Tiny Pixie (posted on February 12, 2005)


February 12, 2005
Hi Christy! I have the same problem with not being able to vomit as you do. Sometimes I feel like a special effect from a Harry Potter movie when I bring up what you called "fluffy phlegm".......wish I could get good and sick and get it over with, but nothing ever happens but the dry heeves. I take a medicine for a non WLS problem I have that at times makes me sick to my stomach, and I can sit in front of the porcelain god for over an hour doing nothing more than heeving - notice I still sit on the floor in the bathroom - it still hasn't dawned on me that nothing is going to happen and I don't need to be there. I'd rather get sick and get it over with, but like you, am unable to actually throw up. Sure am glad I don't do the drinking thing any longer - think of how terrible the hangovers could be if one can't throw up when needed. Best of luck to you on those last 10 lbs!!!!
   — DorrieB

February 12, 2005
I recently had 'stomach flu". I had a lot of nausea, a lot of fluffy phelgm, a lot of dry heaves and explosive diarehha.
   — Delores S.

February 12, 2005
Christy--I have the same problem--but I only have dry heaves, can't even manage the 'fluffy phlegm." And I am also worried about the effects of a virus. I have a fol up next mo with my surgeon & intent to ask him abt this (if I can remember-lol). I have posted this ? on a couple of the ossg yahoo boards-apparently a small nbr of us have this problem, but no one seems to know why. MaryAnn LapRNY 5/30/03 236/135
   — MaryAnn G.

February 13, 2005
I've been a tiny bit more fortunate...I think...I barfed once about 3 weeks post op on cream of wheat and another two or three times since (in 2 years)...and when I do, I wretch so hard that I think my whole head is going to explode...and all I get up is like 1-2 tablespoons. Most of the time I only wish I would throw up! Last summer/fall, I felt really icky for about a day and a half. First, I thought it was something I ate...but took trip after trip to the bathroom to dry heave...like the previous poster said...not even sure why I bother with the bathroom trips. Anyway, finally felt better nausea wise, but then had everything start emptying out the other end. So, my theory is that maybe our old stomachs still retain the fluid they make...somehow...which causes the nausea - and eventually, it empties out and causes fun for the rest of the intestinal track...instead of coming up.
   — eaamc

February 13, 2005
I haven't been able to throw up since WLS either. I had my surgery over 3 years ago. You and I are about the same start and end weights (I'm 5'2 and started out at 248 and now weigh 125). Honestly, it's rare that I feel that I need to barf anymore. I think in the 1st year it was more of a problem then it is now. I've found that I rarely have the feeling to barf anymore.
   — Patty H.

February 14, 2005
My husband, PO Rny for about 15 months had GI flu about one month ago and it was coming out boths ends. He was able to get up what needed to come up.
   — ChristineB

February 14, 2005
I am 4 months PO and previously could vomit on command. I could easily vomit just if something smelled bad enough. Now, I have the exact same issue with not being able to vomit at all, even when I would like/need to. I do get the mouthfulls of saliva that resemble egg whites and also the foam that resembles whipped egg whites. My surgeon said it was a relatively common issue and not to worry about. He suggested that when I have gotten myself to the point that I think I need to vomit, to lie down still until it passes. Good Luck!
   — argile F.

February 14, 2005
What're ya going to throw up? Unless you've just eaten, there's nothing in pouch to throw up. No acid, no juices . . . anything you drink just drains right out. Unless you've *just* eaten . . . the only thing in you is in the small intestine. Which cannot be emptied by vomiting.
   — RWH G.

February 14, 2005
HUM!!??!! Prior to my WLS I had a surgery to cure Gastric Reflux Disease. It prevented me from vomiting, but since the WLS I have been able to vomit frequently. Because I had anastomosis stricture and have had it dilated X3 so far. I hope it is open for good now. I haven't had a problem vomiting, but I understand that you haven't. When I couldn't vomit, though, I had to feel very nauseated, but COULD NOT vomit for virus or anything. I always kept some Phenergan on hand just in case. I hope you don't ever have to know what will happen if you have the flu or a virus.
   — debi327




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