Question:
Is it realistic to think I can totally avoid dumping and vomiting?

I am 4 weeks post-op TODAY (open RNY) and down 24 pounds, right on schedule with 6 pounds per week as predicted by my surgeon. So far (KNOCK ON WOOD!), I have been very careful, followed my diet plan to a T and had no vomiting and no dumping. I HATE THE THOUGHT OF EITHER! I real labels and never eat anything with more than 10 grams of sugar or fat. If there is any question when I eat out, I avoid it. Is it unrealistic to think I can totally avoid dumping and vomiting if I'm careful? Any long-term post ops over 1 year never had dumping or vomiting?    — Anika R. (posted on May 24, 2001)

May 23, 2001
i am 12 weeks post op and have never dumped. i have, however thrown up, bu i have read many, many people say they never have. If it makes you feel any better, throwing up now from overeating, eating the wrong things, or drinking too soon afetr eating is more like just spitting up. There is no heaving like a normal vomit. Sorry to be gross...but you asked!!! good luck!!!
   — Kathy831

May 24, 2001
I'm almost 14 months post op RNY and have never vomited. I have dumped, pretty severely a couple of times as an early postop. Once was with just about 3 bites of regular yogurt, once was when I ate a chunk of cheese by itself (high fat!). I think if you are careful always, you can avoid the dumping. I think I'm just really blessed to have never vomited because some people vomit a lot for seemingly, no reason. Another piece of advice though, would be to always eat while relaxed because being uptight or worried or angry while eating will definitely cause problems! So, relax and chew well and watch what you choose and you'll do great. Congrats on your success.
   — Cindy H.

May 24, 2001
10 months out and don't dump...have had food stuck once or twice though. Wish I could say it was because I've been so pristine about following post-op diet, but naw...I can eat anything. Blessing or curse?
   — Allie B.

May 24, 2001
I'm a little over a year post & I've never dumped, either. Vomiting, yes (but much like the mentioned spitting up), but no dumping. I think part of the reason is that I did follow my post op diet to the letter for many, maybe six, months without deviation. Then, later, when I did try some sugar or fried foods, I had no problem with them. I'm not recommending this, but I recently split a serving of Tiramisu...it went down just fine...only one thing--it doesn't seem to taste quite as yummy as I remember. Maybe not eating sugar on a regular basis makes you lose some of your taste for it..? Still, I can eat pretty much whatever I want now. I have frozen yogurt, usually sugar free, but sometimes not (LOVE that white chocolate mousse!), about twice a week. I even had a topping the other day (BAD Kathy, BAD!). :)
   — Kathy W.

May 24, 2001
I was not much of a vomiter. Silly things, what we call "chomp, chomp swallow". Carrots don't work if you talk 'n eat and eat 'n talk. Gotta CHEW carrots, for example. Dumping. I have done this only when I am stupid. I am not stupid frequently, but enough to be glad to BE a dumper. If I can't do the math, then I'd be carting around more weight, you know? If I do the math OR avoid the item all together, it cannot make me hevy again. Pretty simple formula.
   — vitalady