Question:
I had an episode of congestion/bile the other night.

I was wondering if anyone else had this happen. I am 3 1/2 months post-op. A half hour after going to sleep the other night I woke up and ran to the bathroom. I could barely breathe and felt very congested. I had an awful taste in my mouth that was like the taste of aspirin when it dissolves in your mouth. I made myself spit to try to relieve the congestion. While I was spitting, very bright yellow bile also came up (but I wasn't nauseous). This lasted for about 20 minutes. I called my doctor about it but he never returned my call. Has this happened to anyone else and is it something to be concerned about? I have felt fine since. Thanks for any info.    — mell9yell (posted on August 13, 2003)

August 13, 2003
Kathy, the only time that happens to me is when I dump. If I've eaten the wrong thing or too much I start to salivate a lot and spit up the yellowish bile. Sorry, it never happened while I was sleeping. You should call your doctor back.
   — Cindi S.

August 13, 2003
Hi, it sounds like to me that you may have gallstones, if you haven't already have had your gallbladder removed, or it could just be from having a cold which can make you spit up yellowish stuff. I get that nasty taste in my mouth to sometimes, like a metallic taste. You might want to call your doctor back so he can be informed just incase he might want to run tests! If he doesn't return your call keep calling or go the the ER! Good Luck to You!
   — Melodee S.

August 13, 2003
This also happens if you have Gerds (acid reflux) My hubby (non WLS) has this and you described it to a T....Talk to your Dr. I know I take prevacid (same thing hubby takes) because I had terrible heartburn after surgery. It realy helps. Let us know what the Dr says, I am curious. jamie
   — Jamie M.

August 13, 2003
It sounds like gerd or acid reflux. I have had it for years. I am treating it with regalin and previcid and I still have those episodes. It is terrible to wake up from a deep sleep gasping for air. Usaually, when I have an episode, I have found that drinking a cup of hot tea helps to relax the thoat and clear out the nasty taste of gases and acid. See your doctor, either your surgeon or PCP and explain in full detail what occured.
   — bbjnay

August 14, 2003
How strange to see this question. I was going to ask a similar thing. I woke up Tuesday night with this full feeling in my throat and a burning from my throat all down the esophagus. I also had the most disgusting taste in my mouth. I swallowed whatever was trying to come up but the metallic-type of taste remained. I ate SF popsicles to get rid of both the burning and the taste. I have no gallbladder and never had GERD before. Was quite concerned so I look forward to seeing other responses. I do know if it happens again, I am calling my dr.
   — Dianne C.

August 14, 2003
Yep, that sounds like GERD to me also. I keep mine in check with medication. No telling what it is going to be like for me when I am post-op! Good luck!
   — Bob M.

August 14, 2003
Well again it is so nice to know a person isn't alone in their journey. I also have had the same and what I found it to either try a cracker or a pretzel. The pretzel has been my life savior, it absorbs the acid that is just sitting in your throat. And it works everytime. Great relief. Good Luck
   — Joan T.