Dry heaving causing extreme headaches

[Djintexas 1]

This post is actually for my daughter. She had a gastric bypass on December 18, 2017 and has done very well losing weight. However, for the past couple of weeks she has had extreme dry heaves in the morning when she first gets up and sometimes at night. They are so severe that it causes radiating pain from her back, up into the back of her neck, Into her hairline and no amount of medication has been able to completely stop her pain.

She thought it was from drainage due to a cold, because she is not throwing up any food, just a little mucus. I am so worried ...but cannot convince her to contact her bariatric surgeon. Has anyone else had a similar situation? I had a lap band done 20 years ago so I’m familiar with a lot of what she’s going through, but I’ve never had this happen to me.

I know for a fact that she’s not meeting her Protein goals, but I think she probably is drinking plenty of Water throughout the day. She is down over 50 pounds in two months, mostly because she is scared to eat very much. She had Migraines prior to her surgery, but they were under control with a daith piercing.

She has also complained of numbness in her thighs and across the front of her stomach. I think this stems from some nerves that might be pinched because of the vomiting/dry heaving, but I’m a mom- not a doctor. 😐

Any advice or suggestions on how to stop this vicious cycle?

[Creekimp13 5,841]

She needs to get in to see her surgeon to talk about these issues. Her three month visit should be coming up soon.

[Djintexas 1]

Yes, it’s scheduled for 3/15. I’ll definitely be there too!

Edited March 6, 2018 by Djintexas

[Creekimp13 5,841]

If you're invited, it's awesome that you can be there for support and that your daughter appreciates your concern.

If you're not invited... your concern might not be appreciated.

I'm concerned about this " no amount of medication has been able to completely stop her pain."

She really shouldn't be on any pain meds at this point. What is she using?

[Djintexas 1]

I’m definitely invited. 😊 Tylenol and Excedrin are the meds she takes for pain, based on the recommendation from her surgeon.

[Creekimp13 5,841]

I am really surprised her surgeon is recommending she use Excedrin due to it's aspirin and caffeine content. (and the danger of ulcers and leaks)

But hey, all doctors are different.

(I was told not to....might be ok if your daughter takes a Rx antacid? Aspirin thins the mucous lining of the stomach and can contribute to ulcers/leaks..perhaps something like Omeprazole counteracts this problem for her? Let the doc know how often she's taking Excedrin to make sure it's safe for her)

Edited March 6, 2018 by Creekimp13