Question:
If I vomit, will it hurt my new stomach?

I'm still pre-op and I've heard so much about people vomiting soon after having the RNY. Won't this cause damage to the new stomach when it happens? Or is vomiting different after the surgery? Your thoughts please!    — Christine L. (posted on March 9, 2002)

March 8, 2002
Vommiting will not affect your new stomach. That is one of the mechanisms in place to help you adjust to your new eating habits after surgery. I throw up if I eat too fast or eat something too high in fat or sugar but I've managed to lose 175 pounds in 7 months so I'd say it was working! I'd do this again in a heartbeat or less. Throwing up after surgery is definitely different after surgery than before. I don't know how to explain it exactly other than to say it is a relief sometimes. Good luck and God speed to you! Sharon Robinson
   — Sharon R.

March 9, 2002
I would say that vomiting is different in that there is no gastric juice coming up with the food contents. So what comes up pretty much tastes the same as it did going down although not enjoyable!! I have had my share of vomiting with 2 strictures. I tossed my cookies so much that I developed a tear in my new pouch, but it healed quickly afterwards.
   — Cheri M.

March 9, 2002
I would say that vomiting is different in that there is no gastric juice coming up with the food contents. So what comes up pretty much tastes the same as it did going down although not enjoyable!! I have had my share of vomiting with 2 strictures. I tossed my cookies so much that I developed a tear in my new pouch, but it healed quickly afterwards.
   — Cheri M.

March 9, 2002
Vomiting post operatively happens for a variety of reasons. Some reasons you can avoid, and some you cannot. The stomach is healing after the surgery, and some foods do not sit well. But the most common reason for vomiting is over filling the stomach pouch. You can overfill it by drinking too fast, by drinking carbonated beverages, or by eating too much. Generally vomiting will not harm the pouch, but it can, and if it does you will become ill. So, to avoid it remember to eat or drink slowly, do not gulp. Vomiting happens a lot, but if you are careful, it will be no problem.
   — terrysimpson

March 11, 2002
Open RNY 11-12-01 and boy did I throw up ALOT afterwards for about 2 months. Then one day it just stopped. It is not like throwing up before surgery, there is no bad taste in the mouth. My new stomach is doing wonderfully now so I assume throwing up is OK.
   — Lynda T.