Question:
11 months post-op and still a frequent vomiter

I know that I have seen several postings about this topic and I have even spoken to my surgeon about it, but I need to know that I am not alone in this. I am almost at my 1-year anniversary (Yipee!) and I still have major bouts of vomiting and I don't know why. This happens to me once every few weeks and it's has me a little weirded out. Yesterday I had the same breakfast, lunch and afternoon snack as the day before (and I was fine) but I got really sick early last night and was sick until 11pm. I tried Saltines, hot tea, defizzed water and nothing would stay down. Here is it almost 1:00 the next afternoon and I still can't keep anything down. I know that by now my pouch is probably pretty irritated, but I get concerned when I can't even keep water down. And not to be gross, but most of what I throw up is mucus and liquid. I'll be feeling fine and then all of a sudden I will get tightness in my chest and start feeling like I water liquid coming back up. I immediately got to the bathroom and get sick. Sometimes the pressure is so bad and I feel so uncomfortable that I need to make myself throw up and then I feel better. I've had 4 strictures early on so I know what that feels like and this isn't the same. It's just something that happens to me from time to time and I would like to know if anyone experiences this? Also, I've been on Prevacid since early post-op so I doubt that it's acid or ulcer related. Please tell me that I am not a weirdo! lol    — pam29922 (posted on April 17, 2003)

April 17, 2003
I am somewhat similar. I am 8 1/2 months post op and I still throw up every couple of weeks. I don't know why. I used to throw up a lot more so it is better. I do feel better once I throw up too. Sometimes it's food, sometimes white foam. I have never had a stricture or anything like that. My surgeon said to let him know if it gets more frequent.
   — TP

April 17, 2003
Pam, I too frequently throw up, almost daily. Each time I mention this to the doctor, he just says, things will get better the farther out I get. And you know what? Things have gotten better, not completely gone, but the throwing up is not as frequent. I can't wait until the day arrives, I don't toss! I have found out, it is the meats that give me a problem; as long as I stay on liquids and soft foods, I do best! But being 6 months out, I would really love to be able to know I can eat meat and not rush to the bathroom. I wish the best for you; hopefully soon, you will have the answers to this annoyance. Until then, stay focused and positive, each day does get better. (((HUGS))))
   — kd

April 17, 2003
I too puke occasionally, however I know why. I get the same feelings as you describewhen I eat too fast, don't chew enough or drink too much before I eat. Try this cut everything up into eraesr size pieces and eat 1 every minute. Chew 30 times and don't drink anything 1 hr before eating. Do this for a week or so if you don't get sick then it was one of these things. Many times I forget and eat too fast then I pay. These things happen to most of us! This does not mean you aren't a wierdo :-) Good Lux
   — Robert L.

April 17, 2003
I too understand what you are talking about. I am just 2 1/2 months post op but have problems just every once in a while. I too ate something for lunch yesterday that I have eaten before (ground turkey burger plain) with cottage cheese also. Only a few bites and up it came. I also vomit the foam first and then some food along with more foam. When I do this I am done with eating at that meal. This is happening at work some and it is embarassing. I am afraid someone will hear me in the bathroom although I am really quiet. I know everyone is watching me.... Or at least I feel that way. I have not told my doctor but plan to this check up which will be my three month one. Probably he will tell me the same thing you heard . It will get better. I too have more trouble with meat. Haven't eaten much meat except for the ground turkey. It seems if it is soft it works better. That is why I eat fish most of the time. Thank goodness I love fish. Chicken is difficult sometimes too. Good luck Rebecca
   — Rebecca T.

April 18, 2003
Pamela ... I'm three YEARS out, and can still chuck my cookies at the drop of a hat! In a very bizarre way, I find that somehow comforting -- at least I know that I haven't stretched my stomach so big everything and anything will fit down there happily! What I found, once I was over the early stuff where anything that remotely looked like food could send me flying to the bathroom, is that my vomiting episodes are somehow tied to my menstrual cycle. About a week before my period, things that I can eat the other three weeks of the month just don't sit right. There are things I still can't eat well -- bread's a complete loss, as is most meat -- at the best of times, but the week before my period is hell on wheels. Is this where you're at? You might want to think about monitoring it for the next couple of cycles and see whether this is something that happens to you as well. Also, if I'm the least bit "off" emotionally - tired, stressed, upset, whatever - my meals generally don't sit. Take heart, take it easy -- and if it keeps up, talk to your doctor, because you might have some muscle spasm thing going on that's keeping you throwing up. Best of luck, darlin'!
   — Cheryl Denomy