Resolved question:
Hi,
I had gastric bypass surgery on 8/4. I am 3 weeks post op. I have had one hospital readmission for severe abdominal pain 6 days after surgery, which eventually resolved. Yesterday, I was eating steamed broccoli and swallowed a piece that wasn't chewed well enough. I was immediately sick and threw up, and wretched over the toilet for another 30 minutes. I only had 3 bites but I don't think all of it came up. Since then, I have been eating only soft foods (applesauce, mashed potatoes, yogurt), and each time something hits my pouch, I have horrible nausea and chest pain right under my breast bone. Drinking fluids isn't much better, although I do not throw up, only feel incredibly nauseous. I have called my surgeons office several times for this concern and others. Tonight, he lectured me about overfilling my pouch, told me that I would gain weight and that 3 bites of broccoli was too much food. He said that if I didn't understand this than he would explain it to me face to face in the office. This caused me to break down in tears. I needed reassurance and compassion. This is a new experience for me! Im afraid to eat or drink because of the pain it causes. His suggestion was to go 48 hours with no food--liquids only, which I plan to do. I also plan to be a lot more mindful of making sure I chew very well before swallowing! My question is, is this normal and how long should I wait for the pain to subside before I seek medical care?
Thanks!
Submitted:
4 Days
Category:
Gastroenterologist, Medical
Hi,
Thanks for posting your query at DoctorSpring.com
I sincerely apologise for the delay in reply, as I was out travelling.
I am Dr.R.K and I am pleased to assist you.
From your post it is evident that you underwent bariatric surgery.
There are many different types of bariatric surgeries.
I would like to know which one you underwent. Because it is very important for future prognosis.
Any other medical illness?
Are you on any medications?
Please get back to me with these information and I would provide my opinion.
Regards,
Dr.R.K.
Hello,
It's no problem. I had roux en y gastric bypass. I had no other medical illnesses prior to surgery or since (other than the problems I'm experiencing now).
I am on protonix (40mg 1x daily), celexa (40mg 1x daily), and Ativan (.5mg 2x daily). I do have depression and have been treated for that since 2011. I also take a daily multivitamin and a sublingual b-12 tablet daily. No other meds.
Thanks!
Hi,
Thanks for the additional information.
Pain and vomiting following a Roux en Y gastric bypass can be due to two reasons. The first one is an ulcer developing at the anastamotic site
The second one is stricture(narrowing) at the anastamotic site.
An endoscopy or a barium xray or a CT scan may be done to find the cause.
Meanwhile you continue taking Protonix.
Let me know if you have any questions.
Regards,
Dr.R.K