Question:
I CAN NOT EAT WITHOUT VOMITING
I really need help. I have had every test, endoscopes and ultrasounds and UGI's. My doctor can not find anything wrong. All I can eat is soup. I have been living on soup for 5 months. Everything else makes me vomit, even soft foods. I don't have a stricture. Can there be a problem with my food not going down? Please help me. I can't live like this anymore. I had a RNY on Oct. 3 2000. Please help me! — melissa J. (posted on February 26, 2001)
February 26, 2001
Hi...I'm really sorry you're having so much trouble...I'm just a baby post
op...but I thought I would make a small suggestion....post again and be
REAL specific on what,when,how,how much etc.etc. on the food you are trying
to eat...I was having a lot of problems but I discovered my problem(even
though I thought I was eating really slow, with small bites and a small
amount...I discovered I was wrong)..but then again I'm just a baby postop.
— Debora H.
February 26, 2001
hi melissa,
i had surgery on dec 7,2000 and i am still eating pureed canned soup, my
doctor says i am fine and that each of us are different//// my head tells
me to try certain things and it comes right back up. i'm on jello, protein
drinkd, and chicken noodle soup that has been thrun a blender/// my best
friend has a cast iron stomach and she had surgery 1 month prior to mine
and can eat nearly anything she chooses,,,, the weight is coming off and
i've lost more than her and that upsets her... i feel fine though and am
walking 3 miles a day now which is something i could NOT even think of
doing 3 months ago...viola canton
— viola C.
February 26, 2001
Each meal should take between 30-45 minutes. Taking less time means the
meal has been eaten too quickly, or is too small, and you will be hungry
again soon. Taking more than 30 minutes to chew your meal means too much
food will be eaten at one sitting.
Liquids MUST be taken before solids. about 1 hour before. If breakfast
consists of a scrambled egg and coffee, drink the coffee first, then eat
the egg (or half of it). Trying to drink the coffee after eating will cause
vomiting. Also, eating and drinking together is a no-no. This will convert
the egg, for example, into a liquid. Consequently, this liquid will pass
through your outlet faster, allowing greater food intake which you want to
avoid. Also can form a plug when liquid is put on top of solids causing
nauseau and vomiting.. If all has been checked by your surgeon then I
won't second guess those tests.. But I can tell you what you're
experiencing is not NORMAL something is wrong.. Either it's the way you're
eating or your anatomy.. Call your surgeon again make an appointment go
in and discuss all your eating habits, like how you eat, times, amounts,
every detail, maybe something has been missed. There is a no reason for you
to live like this..Maybe a dietitian experienced in Gastric Bypass can help
you too.. suggest that to your surgeon. I wish you well!!
— Victoria B.
February 26, 2001
You poor dear. If your own surgeon can't find anything wrong, I think I
would find another bariatric surgeon that would give you a 2nd
opinion...all the vomiting isn't normal.
Also, all drs. are going to tell you something different regarding eating.
Mine says meals should not last more than 20 minutes -- if it takes more
than that, we're eating too much. Also, no liquids 30 minutes before or
after a meal. We are to eat every 3 hours in the amt. that's comfortable
and then quit.
Do you still have your appendix? I do know of one woman (a nurse!)who kept
throwing up & the staff kept telling her it was the WLS that was making
her throw up. Her appendix almost burst, BUT she had thrown up so much that
she messed up her electrolites.
I do hope you find out what is wrong. Keep us posted please.
— [Anonymous]
February 26, 2001
I'm 10 mo. post op and sometimes this still happens to me. When it does I
eat soup and or cheese. One of the most important pieces of advice I got
pre op was to eat in a relaxed state. If I am nervous or upset I get sick .
My stomach is still my weak point and I was told stress attacks your
weakest point. I never have let this surgery interfere with my going out to
dinner with my husband or friends , I just eat soup or salad. I knew there
were going to be life changing habits I would have to adjust to before I
went into this , in other words I could no longer "have my cake and
eat it too!!" Try to relax when you eat. go with the flow and don't
fight the surgery . You can beat this. I will keep you in my prayers. I
hope you feel better real soon. You have been given such a gift, accept it
graciously.
— Rose A.
February 26, 2001
I have only vomited 2 times and both times I was just eating to fast.
Even though I would have argued that .
— Mike H.
March 1, 2001
I am one month post op and I am having trouble eating as well. I can only
eat soups and even flaky fish or soft cheese doesn't sit right. I think
people are all different, and if there isn't any physical evidence as to
why you are vomiting so much, maybe there is a psycological reason. Try
hypnotherapy to relax yourself more. Your body is not in harmony with the
surgery so you are going to have to be really strong and convince your body
of this change. It will be hard, but you can do it. I have faith it will
work out.
— Nora S.
April 21, 2001
I am sorry you are having so much trouble. I don't know if this will help,
but I agreed with another respondant who said it is important to be relaxed
when you eat. Maybe your frustration is tensing your stomach. I get so
excited about eating that it is almost like my stomach gets excited too,
and that meal will not be great. Don't eat in front of tv if you are having
a problem. Take your small plate of whatever food appeals to you and
prepare to relax. Play music you like or look out the window and eat
slowly, chewing and savoring each bite. Some of the foods that did well
with me initially were canned ravioli and brunswick stew-they are
practically pre-chewed. Well, that's my advice. If your doctor is not
helping, try a support group for gastric bypass-mine is terrific and in a
group like that someone will have had your problem more than likely. I know
you must be miserable and I am so sorry-I hope you find relief.
— [Anonymous]
July 13, 2001
I am really sorry that you are experiencing this. I am six weeks post-op
and everyday I have vomited. It is now to the point where I am vomiting
probably just my stomach lining and the acid refluc. As I write this,
7/13, I haven't eaten since Monday. I am in search for some help as well.
I will keep you in my prayers.
— c B.
February 18, 2002
I was the same way. It was horrible! But I grew out of the throwing up
everyday. I still will get sick sometimes when I eat certain things and
it's right after I eat it. Good Luck
— Michelle S.
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