Question:
Coughing attacks

I am 25 days post op, have lost 29 lbs, and still am on full liquids. I have noticed more in this past week, that while I am eating I seem to get a cough attack. It usually lasts thru my meal and about 1 hour afterwards. Any other post op have had this problem?? Thank you--    — gale C. (posted on October 18, 2002)

October 18, 2002
Hi, I am 5 months post op and I do find I have coughing attacks often. I get a lot of extra phlem that I never used to get. I get an awful lot when I eat sugar or things I am not supposed to eat and it makes me not want to eat them anymore. It has worked out for me, that extra phlem and coughing helped me quit smoking after surgery and has helped me avoid foods I am not supposed to have. I am curious as to why that happens..... 5 months post op down 85 lbs
   — Dawn L.

October 18, 2002
Although I've never experienced this myself, my surgeon said that a coughing or sneezing fit can indicate that your pouch is full. Maybe try stopping eating if you start coughing and see if that does the trick.
   — Jennifer Y.

October 18, 2002
thanks for the answers---the thing is that it starts right after the first few sips/bites. it is really annoying!! thanks again, gale
   — gale C.

October 19, 2002
I don't know how fast you are eating, but I start coughing if I eat too fast. Once I slowed down my eating, I didn't have this problem anymore, although occasionally I forget.
   — sheltie

October 19, 2002
It's possible that some damage was done to your throat when they intubated you for surgery. You really should talk to your surgeon if you haven't...and if he/she brushes your concerns aside talk to your family physician.
   — [Deactivated Member]

October 19, 2002
I cough if I eat too fast or my pouch is too full. When I slow down or don't take that bite that puts my pouch over the edge, I don't cough.
   — Cathy S.

October 20, 2002
Gale; I too have had this coughing problem. I seem to be salivating much more as a post op than a pre op. And after trying all different kinds of things, I have ruled it down to two conclusions. 1# I at times eat the wrong kinds of food. They take too much chewing (extra saliva) and that starts off the extra phlem build up. (I apopligize by the grossness of my response) 2# I am eating too much at one time. For some reason that triggers my cough reflex Just as an FYI I have always been proned to allergies and coughs, and at three months I still hve to dilute my protien shakes, and not have them around meal time because they are so filmy. So keep trying different things, and speak with your doctor for some other insight. You will find what works for you. Take care,
   — Nene B.