Question:
What are other reasons besides blockage to cause vomiting?

After being able to tolerate protein shakes and yogurt, about a week ago I threw up my protein shake. (About a 4 oz portion.) Since then, I haven't been able to keep ANYTHING down. I had a Gastrograffin test 4 days ago, and everything looks good -- no blockage, about 20mm for the stoma. I decided to take a break from it for a couple of days, and have just done water yesterday and today. But tonight, I ate 20 cc of cottage cheese in tiny, widely-spaced spoonfuls and after getting burpy for 15 minutes, threw that portion up. I'm at the point where I can't keep anything but water down, and I'm getting worried. Can anyone relate a similar experience or suggest something to try? Thanks much!    — [Deactivated Member] (posted on February 13, 2003)

February 13, 2003
Have you been checked for an ulcer? Sometimes one develops at your new stoma site when you're newly pre-op. I know I had one and I didn't want to take in anything. However, I'm not sure they can detect that with the Gastrogaffin test. Mine was diagnosed with an endoscopy. I took Prevacid for a couple of months and then was able to discontinue it.
   — garw

February 13, 2003
Sorry to hear that you are having so much trouble. Have your Dr. check for an ulcer. Trust me they are no fun. If you don't have a blockage that may be what is causing the problems. In fact I have been having problems with an ulcer since 3 months post-op. I am now 10 months post-op. Still getting sick & nauseated!! Best of luck to you!
   — Allison T.

February 13, 2003
without have any other info, how about constipation? if you were only xrayed on the upper part of the gi tract, did they look any lower? are you poopin? just a thought. patsy
   — PATSY N.

February 13, 2003
When my H-pylori acts up I get "burpy" gas rumbles thru the tummy and feel nauseous! may want the doc to do a H-pylori test on u. Link to their foundation is under my profile... I hope thats not what you have it makes life uncomfortable. There is medicine to cure it in most cases.
   — WLS_Deb

February 13, 2003
Thanks to all the advice from everyone...I'm very grateful! I ate that 20 cc of cottage cheese around 6pm, and started throwing up almost immediately, and didn't stop until 4:30am. As far as BMs go, I took some immodium on Wednesday morning to counter the effects of the Gastrograffin; there's still some activity, so no constipation or anything. I'm going to contact the doctor's office this morning, see if I can get tested for ulcers and/or H-Pylori infection. For the first time since I had the surgery, I'm beginning to get nervous...it's been about 8 days since I was last able to keep anything down (apart from water). Again, thanks to all!
   — [Deactivated Member]

February 13, 2003
I had a kink in my intestine that caused these symptoms, although I couldn't even keep water down, and threw up whether I ate anything or not. A second lap procedure unkinked it, and I was fine. Took them awhile to find out the problem though.
   — mom2jtx3

February 15, 2003
I'm sorry that you are going through this. I had a similar problem around the 2nd or 3rd month post-op. I went to my doctor a they scoped my stomach. They found that my pouch was irritated due to the surgery. I started the liquid diet all over again and chewed a lot of ice to keep hydrated, maybe that can help, because not a whole lot is hitting your stomach all at once. I'm now 8 months pot-op and no longer have problems with vomiting. I hope you can get over this, hang in there.
   — Adele S.