4 weeks, nausea & vomiting

My husband had sleeve surgery a little over 4 weeks ago. He is VERY concerned, as am I, about how much he is vomiting. It is almost a daily occurrance. Usually several times a day. He just never feels "normal". He is concerned that he will never feel "normal" again. I am as encouraging as I can be and try to explain that he is still in the healing process and that it will get better.

Most people will post a response to this and say "call your dr, it could be a leak". He went to the ER and had a CT scan last week. There is no leak.

He is able to drink low-acid orange juice blended with ice and he drink quite a bit of that. He works on getting a good amount of protein down every day. He can eat a half container of yogurt. But anything other than OJ and yogurt, he throws back up.

I did notice that he posted on this forum before, but no one really responded.

Does ANY ONE have ANY suggestions on what to do for the nausea?

Was anyone else as nauseous as this? He is nauseous ALL THE TIME!!! And tired. Very tired.

He also had a break down while grocery shopping and called me and said he realized that he would never eat a "meal" again. Is anyone out there who is more than a few weeks out that can shed some light on what life is like further out. Can you eat a "meal"?

I am on my 4 weeks, I can try solid food this week but I am waiting till Friday when I see the doctor again. I only had nausea the first 2 days and I think mine was from the pain meds they gave in the hospital. I was told no Juices at all ,only sugar free Drinks. Crystal Light drinks, and sugar free pops extra.I can have Healthy Choice soups which are low in sugar and have protein in them now. I have Egg Beaters for breakfast and 1 cup of soup for lunch and a cup for Dinner. Sometimes I even cook up a salmon which you can have at this stage, I can never eat alot but its satisfying to me.
I was also afraid the first week , I thought what the heck did I do, I can never eat. But we can, we just get full faster and I am never Hungry! Is your husband trying the vitamins for energy , I take the chewable once and there fine. Plus you must get in your fluids .Don't know why he may be so nauseous but is he taking any pain meds at all? That is what I think caused mine. What did the doctor say? My fear of not being able to eat a normal meal has been in my mind but honestly with the weight coming off and no appetite I am really happy. I can try food now, but like I said I am waiting to talk with the doctor and the nutritionist at my office. I feel the nutritionist is a great part of this, I ask alot of questions because I never knew what to eat and what to look for on labels and they have given me great advise.
Oh what protein shakes is your husband drinking , maybe its something in the ingredients that don't suit him! Just trying to think of something for you. Sorry if I am going from one thing to another. I love the already mixed Muscle Milk Light, the power stuff kinda does not sit right with me, even after I tried mixing it with all kinds of stuff. Wish your husband luck! Hope he feels better!

Hi I'm also 4 weeks out. I do get nauseous sometimes. Most of the time it is if I eat too fast, too big of a bite or try to eat something new. I do try to try something new each day. It seems ice cream, cereal, apple sauce, cream soup work the best. Anything with bread, or made with white flour does not work yet. I drink atkins drinks. They have 15 grams of protein. I also drink new whey protein drink (watermellon) which has 45 gms. I think the tiredness would be lack of food. I started taking my vitamins which helped. Also when I first got home I had a restriction in my assaphagus (sp) I could not keep anything down. They gave my steroids in the ER along with an IV then a pill steroid for 6 days and that fixed it. I hope this helps. Tell your husband it will be worth it. Hang in there.

I started off the same way, especially anything with protein or vitamins or food dye in it. I was so sick the first three days then I stopped eating the things that made me sick and I felt weak but it was such a relief. when I do eat now I only have about an ounce at time and give it a few minutes, if not I might over do and it will come back up too. not so much as vomiting but just i put too much in and it has nowhere to go but up. other than that, I just posted something I found yesterday about nausea after vsg and the lady said she had that and it was a thiamine deficiency that caused it.

sorry, if we overlooked your husband's last post. sometimes if we don't know we just look and let somebody who does know answer. there have been many posts lately on this subject and I don't think anybody really knows how to answer. oh plus, I when I eat a little and feel nauseous , I always have to burp, once I do that the nausea seems to pass if I haven't over eaten.
glad its not a leak! this is just my experience and Im sure there are other reasons and remedys but you may have to go thru a process of elimination til its resolved. a few more weeks of healing may clear it up. let us know if you have any more questions, praying for you.

Does he take anything for acid reflux? I take Prilosec OTC and when I ran out last week, I waited 3 days before getting more and everything I ate made me nauseous and some things came back up..more like a baby spit up..not vomiting. I had never had acid reflux before surgery but I do now.

I did see something about the thiamine deficiency and sent that info to him. I have tried telling him to not try to sit down and eat a meal, but instead to eat a few bites every half hour or so. It seems he throws up more when he eats a few bites at a time.

He does take liquid Zantac twice a day. He also has an anti-nausea medicine that he got when he went to the ER. He says that the liquid Vicadin is what helps ease the nausea the most, but I told him he has to stop depending on that stuff because it isn't good. I would think that the pain meds would cause more nausea rather than prevent it. He did have acid reflux before surgery. He says if it weren't for the nausea he would be doing pretty good, but sometimes it is debilitating.

You may have it pegged. he may be trying to take in too much at a time. its the easiest thing to remedy, if not at least you know and can try something else. oh, my pain meds did make me sick, so did my vitamin.

Does it come right back up or is it like 5 or 10 mins?

It comes back up usually within a few minutes of eating or while still eating. If he throws up once during the day, he usually throws up again. Yesterday we had a birthday party and he ate a bite of pizza and then later 2/3 of a chicken nugget and kept it all down. It is RANDOM!!!! He can drink a smoothie one day and then the next, take a sip and then throw it up.

I too am 4 weeks out and experiencing lotsa of nausea no vomiting I went to my dr and they said I did not have a leak. They put me on zofran and found that it helps out with the nausea I too can eat but choose not to eat this week or last week as my dr says my new tummy may not be ready for solids just yet.last week I was miserable and thought why did I ever do this and I too still think will I ever have a normal meal again but all that "normal food" caused me to be this way and I wouldn't want to ever turn to again. I still get nausea but I find myself eating to much because I'm so exciting to eat again. I can't do the protein shakes or eggs in the morning bc my tummy cannot tolerate it. I probably don't get in all my protein but I try. I'm trying to adapt to my new lifestyle but it is def hard. I bought the gummy vitamins from costco and they are so good. I keep bouncing off the subject but the only thing I can tolerateis cream soups broth clear liquids beans and that's about it. I hope your husband feels better. Prayers your way

Chicken nuggets and pizza are both big heavy foods that really are not recommended in the first 4 weeks. I am 2 months out and I haven't had either yet. Fried foods especially should just not be a concideration. From what it sounds like I personally feel he may be eating too much or too fast possibly not chewing hte food. I found when I first started food I got so excited over some of my favorites that I would eat really fast and then be so sick afterwards. Also at 4 weeks out he is still seriously healing. My dr had me still on liquids for the first 4 weeks, so I think he may just be jumping the gun. He will be able to eat "meals" just not what he used to have. It takes time to figure out what can be eaten and what can't. Personally I would say start simplier, eggs, creamed soups, cottage cheese, ricotta cheese, string cheese, protein shakes. I would recommend CHEW CHEW CHEW, and slow down. Use smaller utensils and after each bite put the utensil down so it requires you to chew and eat more slowly. I hope al lthat helps.

Christina

He might want to have the asafagus (sp) restriction checked out but I still have the same problems although not so often. Does he drink with his meals? I think he will be OK it is a healing process.

I know they weren't the most ideal things to eat. It is the soft foods that he seems to bring back up. Like I said he kept everything down yesterday. He does not drink when he eats food. I just don't understand how a person can survive off of only a few hundred calories per day. We are looking in to finding a nutritionist to help us out with proper food/meal ideas.

He will slowly add more to his diet, I was consuming VERY little at that time that is why the protein is so important. But now I am eating more then before and tolerating foods much better. Today at lunch I was at a seafood restuarant and ordered a ahi tuna appetizer it was 3 medium sized pieces of tuna and a very small amount of seaweed salad and I actually ate the whole thing. It is the first time I have finished ANYTHING since my surgery. I can't even finish a whole taco (without the shell even). But it is more then I tolderated at 4 weeks. it is all a process and just because he can't have it now doesn't mean he never will again. It will all come with time.

Christina

BTW a nutritionist is a great idea I am surprised the surgeon doesn't have one or recommend one. If you ever learn anything new we would love to hear about it.

Christina

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Originally Posted by tuwhada

He will slowly add more to his diet, I was consuming VERY little at that time that is why the protein is so important. But now I am eating more then before and tolerating foods much better. Today at lunch I was at a seafood restuarant and ordered a ahi tuna appetizer it was 3 medium sized pieces of tuna and a very small amount of seaweed salad and I actually ate the whole thing. It is the first time I have finished ANYTHING since my surgery. I can't even finish a whole taco (without the shell even). But it is more then I tolderated at 4 weeks. it is all a process and just because he can't have it now doesn't mean he never will again. It will all come with time.

Christina

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I think this is EXTREMELY helpful for my husband!!! Thank you so much!!

Our surgeons only advice is, "Drink more. You feel better soon." Great surgeon, crappy bedside manor. Not much follow up from him.

Have they checked him for dehydration? Cause once you become severly dehydrated I heard you just keep throwing up - I would insist someone else see him. I've seen where a few people had to be admitted for a few days to go on a IV to try and reset their system. I wish the best for your husband - Hugs & God Bless you both!

~Bren~

Not all pain medications, but definitely Vicodin, in my case, makes me hurl. Unless he is in severe pain, I would not ever recommend taking Vicodin as it is an addictive substance and is known to cause mood swings which is not what your husband needs right now. The least amount of chemicals in his system at this point the more accurately you all can get a baseline of what is going on.

Has your husband had a CBC done within the last week - specifically testing his B12, Vit. D and Iron levels? If not, I would highly recommend he have that done to see if a deficiency is contributing to his tiredness. Our bodies are magnificent but when there is a shock to our systems - like surgery - sometimes key levels that help us in healing and coping get thrown out of whack.

You are doing the right thing by being supportive but it is essential in your caregiver role to not accept guilt or responsibility for your husband's choice of surgery. Be supportive but do not feel guilty about eating a meal - he will eat again but his meals will be more regulated and portion-controlled than before.

As for the nausea, you mentioned anti-nausea medication was given to him but you did not mention which one. My "sweet spot" anti-nausea medication is Zofran. I know for me that Phenegran gives me headaches and makes me very sleepy and does not really help with my nausea. Perhaps your husband needs to try another anti-nausea medication.

I was VERY surprised to see that your husband drinks orange juice - even low acid! He would be one of the first that I've heard about that could handle that in the first couple of months and not have horrible issues with nausea and heartburn or indigestion. Most people opt for grape juice, apple juice or something else.

"Sitting down to eat a meal" doesn't seem to be something he should be ready for at four weeks out? Did his doctor clear him for a solid food diet and not just a soft solid diet? Nausea is a defense mechanism of the body to protect the body from harm. Perhaps in his eagerness to eat a "real meal" he is skipping some healing stages his body needs and the nausea is a distinct signal for him to slow down and switch back to a lighter fare.

I sure hope this gets resolved soon for him and I'm sorry that his post was overlooked.

I am 4 weeks out also. I do still have alot of nausea. I stocked up on pepto-bismol and dramamine and I take an antacid daily. I also eat very little, wait a good 10 seconds between bites to see how it goes down, but I try to eat every 2 hours so I don't get undernourished. I also chew very, very well and never swallow large bites, only a tiny bit at a time. Some days, my stomach is very sensitive and so I stick to gatoraide and plain oatmeal or cream of wheat. Soups- liquid- generally feel ok. Protein shakes are no good for me, but the clear liquid protein drink Isopure ( at Rite- aid) on ice is fine and actually tastes good when its nice and cold.

I see you are in Southern CA...where abouts did he have his surgery? Im going to TJ> I have Kaiser but they take too long and make you jump thru hoops to get it.

I'm so sorry your hubby is having a rough time!! It must be really hard.

When I was in hospital they were giving me pain killer which seemed to help the nausea and control pain. When it was wearing off I felt really nauseous and started vomiting again. It wasn't until I got the pain killers out of my system completely that i felt normal again. Vicadin can cause nausea and vomiting. If he can manage staying off that for a few days (as horrible as that will probably sound to him) that might do the trick. He might feel worse before he feels better though. I am 4 days post op and just taking dispersable Lansoprazole (sorry drug names are probably different as I'm english). I was given Co-codamol for pain but I haven't used it and (touch wood) am not in any real pain and have had no nausea. I really hope he feels better. If he still feels bad please do keep going back to your medical team because he shouldn't have to suffer like that. Maybe they need to change his medication around as some things are not effective for some people. He might need a stronger anti emetic for a few days so his stomch can rest and heal. Please keep me updated and let him know my thoughts are with him. xx

He had his surgery through a doctor at O'Band in Tustin. The surgery was at Chapman Medical Center. I don't want to bad mouth his surgeon specifically. The surgery went fine, but the follow ups have been lacking and the direction for what to do post-op is almost non-existent. Nothing was written down as far as post-op instructions. He was just told, "Liquids two week. Soft food 2 more weeks. You be fine." (grammatical errors intentional).

I have alot of the same issues...I am 90 days out and still can get sick if I eat just one bite too many (according to the nutritionist at my Dr.'s office...foamy discharge occurs when the bite is to large and your stomach is trying to disolve it). I have found that I have more issues with spicy foods and high fat items. It can just have a high fat texture and I will be sick. I have started a list of foods not to eat and it gets longer each day. Foods I really enjoy I will not try since I don't want to get sick on them and realize I might not be able to eat them.

I would say that fluids are what he needs to focus on, I still call soup my best friend. When I have issues eating I can always have a 1/2 or sometimes a cup of soup.

[QUOTE=concernedwife;22278 He was just told, "Liquids two week. Soft food 2 more weeks. You be fine." (grammatical errors intentional).[/QUOTE]

:rolleyes:If you lived in Texas I would think this was one of my student's parents...ends emails...sig gray, rather than: sign gary...yes he types sign, sig, sing before his name...:rolleyes:

I had the VSG (sleeve) done in Mexico on May 5, 2011. Today is June 16th and I have been vomiting ever since about the second week after surgery. The surgeon and the surgeon's nurse have told me that it is the reflux causing nausea, but I find that hard to believe when I feel not one drop of heartburn, and I have tried EVERY option for reflux, from over the counter to prescription and nothing touches it! The Zofran IV for nausea that was given to me in the ER last week didn't even ease the nausea or vomiting at all! I was sent home with Zofran and Phenergan, neither of which help. I mostly vomit after dark, which sounds weird, but true. But I am nauseaous from the time my feet hit the floor in the morning! I was told by the surgeon's nurse to purchase Zegerid OTC, take it twice daily for two weeks, then once daily for 30 days, and it should clear up. Unfortunately, I bought it (not cheap), took it three days, then found out that it is not compatible with the crucial meds that I already have been taking for 20 years. I was angry that the nurse had not confirmed that it was safe to take it with my current meds, but what could I do about it, right? When I voiced my concern with the surgeon, he didn't address it. He then told me to get a prescription from my PCP for Reglan. My PCP would only give me ten days worth, since it causes irreversible involuntary facial movements...GREAT! What now? And what after ten days of the Reglan? Not that it is working, after taking it for two days so far. My PCP says that if I still have N/V after the ten days, I need to see a GI doctor...REALLY?! Just what I wanted after surgery in Mexico, an ER visit of over 13 hours, an emergency surgery for a painful ovarian cyst less than a week ago, and a daily dose of nausea and vomiting! It is getting ridiculous, and you are right...it IS debilitating! Any thing more than sitting perfectly still makes my nausea overbearing! I am not getting anything done and have put off starting my new job ONCE AGAIN! I don't know how long they will keep the offer open (I am an RN and nurses are easy to find)! To add insult to injury, I stopped losing weight two weeks ago. I initially lost 16 pounds, then I stopped! I am stuck at that figure! After all of this!....at least let the misery be worth something! The surgeon just keeps saying the same thing..."Don't worry about that right now...the weight will come off...just focus on getting rid of the nausea." WHAT?! Did you say not to worry about losing weight?!! I have had major surgery (AND paid thousands for it) which is making my life completely and unbearably miserable, without accomplishing what I did all of it for, and you are telling me not to worry about losing weight?! I am sooooo fed up and, concernedwife, I am sorry to hear that your husband is going through the same. Believe me, I know it is terrible to feel this way ALL of the time! I am sick whether I eat, don't eat, only drink, don't drink, eat soft food, or sip water! Meds are not helping and I regret ever having the sleeve done. I apologize for sounding so forward, but I am fed up with this and there's not a thing I can do to change it...if it were reversible, you better believe I would be flying right back, like LAST WEEK!

Hiya Itschellbell -

I feel so very bad for you. My one question is are you taking any antacid? I have a very, very good doctor that started me on Zantac 75 while in the hospital after surgery. I was to have one in the morning and one at night & was told to take it for a year as the new pouch, molds, shapes & reshapes. They didn't want acid building up as it is reshaping as it could cause a stricture or ulcer. (which makes you very ill - like you stated up above)

I noticed that some patients are never given this info. I know you listed alot of diffrent medicines up above and I'm not sure if one of them is an antacid. What I would do if i were you... is find a doctor you trust state side that knows about bariatric surgery. Make a list of all medications you are on and the amounts you take. Tell him/her exactly your problem.

When I went for my education day at Marquette General Weight Loss Center (Bariatric & Metabolic Services) Marquette, MI -they had mentioned that if we heard or knew of anyone having problems with the surgery - no matter where they had it done, or how long ago - that they could contact them for information & help. I urge you to give them a call and see if they can help you. The toll free number is 888-655-7979 explain your situation - Karen Ahonen, RN (Bariatric Coordinator) would be the person to ask for. Maybe you can get her email and explain your condition further. You shouldn't have been operated on and then just "forgotten".

Empower yourself until you find a doctor that knows of all your circumstances, because they can aide you. I sincerely hope your pain stops soon. Have you tracked your temperature and pulse? (I was told to monitor these for 3 weeks post op) for if both are running high - then you could be severly dehydrated, which causes you to throw up, which causes you to be dehydrated. You might have to go back into a hosptial and they would put in an IV for a few days to stop the vicious cycle. I wish I could help you more, I feel your pain thru your writing.. I wish you the very, very best.

Huggles & God Bless
~Bren~

NOT NORMAL... insist on a upper GI, may have a stricture.

I usually throw up when I eat something that I don't chew enough or if I eat one bite too many. Last week I threw up 3 days in a row!!!! I really have to be careful about how fast I eat....

Has your hubby called the doctor that did the sleeve? I would try that route until I get some answers! Tell him to be persistant!

Itschellbell:

What a story. It sounds so familiar to my husbands story. Thank you so much for sharing. I don't think he as the point that he regrets doing the surgery. Every week does seem to get a little better.

I keep reminding him that he needs to take the antacid (Zantac) even though he doesn't feel like he has heartburn. He won't listen to me about that one. He hates the liquid Zantac.

I agree with most everyone. I would think its a mix of the pain meds, which maybe he should try moving down to tylenol or something? And the fact he is eating so little will make him weak. Definitely kick up on the vitamins, I take a multi vitamin, biotin, iron, and a prilosec everyday. I probably eat less protein than I should, but I am just not hungry. I make sure to eat protein first and stay away from carbs, which don't taste as good anymore. I eat pretty much what my husband eats, just a small amount. I can be happy if i just eat a bite or two of stuff and do not snack like i did before. Exercise is also important, make sure he's walking a little bit at least. I did the walk away the pounds dvd for the one mile walk in the beginning, it will help him and amazingly heals him faster. It's a journey and the doubts will come, but it gets better :) Good Luck!

Frankly, I don't like when I see someone post on the boards only once and complains. Why weren't they on the boards before surgery and after surgery????? Why now that they are having trouble???? FISHY!!!!

I'm not talking about you concernedwife!

Hi,
I have a few tips for your husband. I am only 6 days out of surgery and doing well but my friend had her sleeve 5 months ago and she is doing amazingly well. She was so sick for the first few weeks. I am based in the UK and we have very firm clear guidelines on what foods you can have after your operation and when you can introduce them. I am 2 weeks on liquid, low sugar&low fat. Weeks 3-4 is pureed food like: mashed potato, cream cheese, well cooked vegetables (no skin), pureed meat. All the food MUST be pureed before you can eat it. Week 5-6 is very soft foods finely chopped. And we are not allowed to move from soft food to solids until the surgeon has said so. I think to be in week 4 and eating solid food is very dangerous. You are healing with your new stomach for months. I urge your husband to take it back to basics. It's hard but should work. In week 4 he should only be on bland, pureed food. I would stay well away from juice of any kind. Plain yogurt is good for helping control the acid.
My friend was worried that she would not eat a proper meal again, but she eats well. She cannot tolerate breads well. She likes soft noodles, pasta, mash. When we go out to eat she has goats cheese salads and thin based pizza or pasta. She loves Chinese vegetables with noodles and chicken. It has taken her 5 months to get to this point. We must be patient. I feel for your husband, it's difficult.
I can send you the post op diet guidelines to help you if you inbox me your email. It really is clear and works well. I had surgery 6 days ago and haven't
vomited once! I am amazed. I'm sure I will have my sick days when I begin introducing solids, but I don't plan to introduce solids until at least week 7.

I hope he feels better soon.

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Originally Posted by Joanne

Hi,
I have a few tips for your husband. I am only 6 days out of surgery and doing well but my friend had her sleeve 5 months ago and she is doing amazingly well. She was so sick for the first few weeks. I am based in the UK and we have very firm clear guidelines on what foods you can have after your operation and when you can introduce them. I am 2 weeks on liquid, low sugar&low fat. Weeks 3-4 is pureed food like: mashed potato, cream cheese, well cooked vegetables (no skin), pureed meat. All the food MUST be pureed before you can eat it. Week 5-6 is very soft foods finely chopped. And we are not allowed to move from soft food to solids until the surgeon has said so. I think to be in week 4 and eating solid food is very dangerous. You are healing with your new stomach for months. I urge your husband to take it back to basics. It's hard but should work. In week 4 he should only be on bland, pureed food. I would stay well away from juice of any kind. Plain yogurt is good for helping control the acid.
My friend was worried that she would not eat a proper meal again, but she eats well. She cannot tolerate breads well. She likes soft noodles, pasta, mash. When we go out to eat she has goats cheese salads and thin based pizza or pasta. She loves Chinese vegetables with noodles and chicken. It has taken her 5 months to get to this point. We must be patient. I feel for your husband, it's difficult.
I can send you the post op diet guidelines to help you if you inbox me your email. It really is clear and works well. I had surgery 6 days ago and haven't
vomited once! I am amazed. I'm sure I will have my sick days when I begin introducing solids, but I don't plan to introduce solids until at least week 7.

I hope he feels better soon.

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Now that sounds very helpful! Thanks!!!!

I am a couple of months out, I've found that if I avoid white foods ( flour, potatoes, tortillas, white bread) the best thing I can do to eat slowly is to put a saucer of food by my desk and eat off of it for a while letting each bite rest. Take the acid reducer, eat slowly, stick with eggs meat and veggies, avoid the processed stuff. This is what helps me keep the food down, I still get sick about every other day if I eat too fast or chance something "white". Best of luck, it is just a huge lifestyle change. Eating out still is rough but sticking with broth soup is the safest option. I tried salad about 2 months out and can eat about a cup without issue.

Not to get too far off the subject but I saw this and had to comment :)

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Originally Posted by Ciennasmommy2011

I bought the gummy vitamins from costco and they are so good.

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Shannon, I was just wondering if I would be able to use these post surgery! I have them in the house now because my 17 year old loves them and will take her vitamins if I have these on hand but I thought they'd be too hard to chew and swallow post surgery. I've tried some of the bariatric chewable vitamins and they're awful!! I'm excited to hear that you're taking these (and I'm assuming having a pretty easy time chewing and swallowing??)

Thanks!

It does take time... It seems like a lifetime though. He just may still have a swollen stomach.
Honestly the last thing I would drink if I was nauseated would be ORANGE JUICE sleeved or not sleeved. Some sleevers do react to sugar and fat like the gastric bypass people do (which includes throwing up). Juice of any type would have too much sugar and I would think to acidic for a new, tender tummy. THEE most important thing to do is to make sure he is hydrated. My first "meals" were standing at the kitchen island... cottage cheese never tasted sooo good.
Oh he will have a meal again it just going to be small :)
Personally I think I will start carrying an ice pack and insulated bag for my leftovers:cool:

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Originally Posted by concernedwife

Great surgeon, crappy bedside manor. Not much follow up from him.

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Most surgeons don't have a great bedside manner, that's why they wear the mask & make sure their patient's are completely under before they do the job!