Question:
Dumping and vomiting

Hi. What do you do when you are in a "dumping" moment to help calm your system down? Do you have to lay down for awhile? Also can someone tell me what the throwing up is like? I hate to throw up. What happens if you have the flu after an open rny?    — Julie Z. (posted on June 3, 2001)

June 3, 2001
There have been about three instances where I havent felt so good after eating. I think it was dumping though I am not sure. I became very fatigued, weak, and nausious. When I felt that way, I lay on the couch or bed and let it pass. All times I fell asleep and woke up feeling much better. Unforutantely, once it happens, you gotta just wait it out. I've also thrown up about three times. It's way different than pre op. First on all, it's a lot less. Secondly I didnt notice any bile. It's "cleaner"; less brutal. And you usually feel so much better afterwards. Regarding the flu, I cant tell you since I havent had it yet.
   — Jeannet

June 3, 2001
My early experiences with dumping never included vomiting, only those feelings of nausea, "hot flashes", generalized weakness and very rapid heartrate. The only thing that ever seemed to help was to lie down in a fetal position and stay very still for about 20-30 minutes. Now, at 14 months post-op, dumping rarely ever happens to me, but I am sure that it is simply because I learned early on what foods or quantities of food to avoid. Dumping is a great learning experience, and not one that you want to repeat very often :-) Good luck!
   — Diana T.

June 4, 2001
I was told that when you are in the midst of a dumping episode that if you drink some orange juice that's supposed to help. Now I dont' know if that is true, b/c when I dump you are certainly not going to get me to drink or eat anything. I feel so sick to my stomach, your not getting anyhting past these lips. LOL I am almost 1 year post, I still dump and I have yet to vomit even once since my surgery. Good Luck to you.
   — Alison B.

June 6, 2001
Hi i see that the others answered the dumping one which is good because i haven't done that yet..as to the throwing up I have done that alot..and it is nothing to worry about at all...if you chew your food well then it comes up very easy..I have thrown up inthe sink when people were in the other room and they never knew..it can be quiet...it's painless and very easy so don't let it worry you...and you may be lucky and not do it!
   — Sharon F.