Stomach virus or food poisoning with lap band

[meggs353 118]

I'm wondering if anyone with a lap band has had experience or advice from their dr about how to deal with a stomach virus or food poisoning that causes uncontrollable throwing up. This has happened a handful of times to me pre-band. It's miserable, but survivable. However, now that my band is adjusted, I know I have a small opening at the top of my stomach. Not to be gross, but it would be like all of your stomach contents violently hitting a small funnel opening - I can't imagine that going well.

I wonder, if this happens at night, is it cause to get to a hospital emergency room asap and see if they will unfill you?

It's on my list to ask my dr next time I visit, but since I'm in a good place adjustment-wise I don't have any visits planned.

Thanks!

[briefs199 337]

Maybe ask for anti nausea medication so you have it in the house?

[KateP 359]

I am not prone to getting stomach bugs but I do have a norovirus about five years ago. I just dry-retched. Nothing came up at all. I was rather worried but it all seemed fine!

I travel a lot in Asia and always carry anti-nausea meds my doc prescribed, just in case!

I was told by my doc that because vomit comes out under pressure, it should come through the band. But I haven't tested it personally!

[B-52 7,113]

Been banded over 4 years....never vomited in all that time....

What the OP asks is my biggest fear.....

I travel a lot, some places 3rd world countries where hospitals are scarce let alone people familiar with the lap band.....

And in these countries I have to be very cautious about what I eat or drink!

I am prepared if I should get food poisoning....speak with your Dr about it if traveling.

[KateP 359]

Been banded over 4 years....never vomited in all that time....

What the OP asks is my biggest fear.....

I travel a lot, some places 3rd world countries where hospitals are scarce let alone people familiar with the lap band.....

And in these countries I have to be very cautious about what I eat or drink!

I am prepared if I should get food poisoning....speak with your Dr about it if traveling.

You probably already do this! But just in case it hasn't occurred to you....

Whenever I travel in Developing Countries, we tend to go right off the tourist trail. So before I go, I always do research and identify a hospital which does bariatric surgery for emergencies. Sometimes, the only place is in a different country. For example, in rural Vietnam, the advice was to get to an airport and fly to Bangkok. But in other countries, it is just a big city although it may be a long way away. In Borneo, it was a case of flyingbto Kuala Lumpur. But in Namibia, it was head to South Africa!

It isn't always possible to get internet access and so I keep a list of names and phone numbers in my bag.

Like you, I always take anti-emetic meds with me which my doctor gives me - not needed them so far thankfully! Although we never stay in international hotels so it is always local food.

[Wvcari 84]

I have had my band since November 2014. I'm a nurse and work in a children's hospital. I got a stomach bug 2 seperate times 3-4 months out. Both times I had violent dry heaving, but nothing ever came up. It was miserable as I absolutely hate to vomit. On the second round my family dr prescribed me dissolvable Zofran. It was a lifesaver!! After these episodes my band was incredibly tight just from irritation (I'm assuming). I will never be without Zofran ever again.

[meggs353 118]

Thanks for all the great feedback!