Burping/Urge to Vomit after Sleeve?

[lunadreams 22]

My VSG on 7/20 reportedly went well, but I had to stay in the hospital an extra day as due to pain and not feeling well, was pumped full of fluids (today, I am still eight pounds higher than my surgery weight, and look pregnant), was discharged on Thursday, went back to the ER on Friday and was diagnosed with a superficial blood clot near where my IV was), and ever since I started trying to add back diluted Protein Shakes yesterday, it's been awful.

Every time I tried to take a teeny tiny sip of the diluted Protein Shake, I would burp, my stomach would make horrible noises, and I eventually had to stop (I drank about 2/3 of the bottle between afternoon and evening) because I was fighting so hard not to throw up. I haven't tried a Protein shake today, but the burping and nausea (despite the Zofran I was prescribed) are happening constantly after I take tiny sips of clear Fluid. I'm trying to drink protein Water, which is a little better, but I'm still struggling with it. I'm really worried that I can't drink even tiny sips without either burping and/or fighting the urge to vomit.

Did this happen to anyone else? Did it go away? I hope this isn't a serious complication.

Edited July 24, 2021 by lunadreams

[Esi 179]

Sorry to hear that. I experienced something similar. my pouch made very weird burping noises, too. The surgeon’s nurse said that can happen and is not bad. However, within a few days, I vomited every time I drank a Protein Shake, and could hardly get down any fluids.

I had a swallow study to rule out a stricture. Then, the surgeon said that some people have a very sensitive pouch, and it can take two weeks to two months to go away. I continued vomiting many times a day, even while taking anti-nausea medicines.

I took it very slowly, planning my entire day around drinking. I prioritized that over Protein, just to avoid being readmitted for dehydration.

eventually, the vomiting decreased, and then stopped. Now that I am a few months out, I can eat almost anything.

So, perhaps contact your surgeon to make sure there is no stricture? Ask if you can alternate between more than one anti-nausea medicine. Talk with your dietitian to see if you could be doing something different to make it easier. Write down everything you eat and drink, times, including how long it takes to drink a certain number of ounces of whatever liquid. This may help you decipher any triggers. For me, it was pills and Protein Shakes.

GL! This is probably just a small bump in the road in the overall scheme of things. I was wondering whether I had made the right choice and if the nausea/vomiting would be permanent. It wasn’t. Hang in there!

[NovaLuna 710]

13 hours ago, lunadreams said:

My VSG on 7/20 reportedly went well, but I had to stay in the hospital an extra day as due to pain and not feeling well, was pumped full of fluids (today, I am still eight pounds higher than my surgery weight, and look pregnant), was discharged on Thursday, went back to the ER on Friday and was diagnosed with a superficial blood clot near where my IV was), and ever since I started trying to add back diluted Protein Shakes yesterday, it's been awful.

Every time I tried to take a teeny tiny sip of the diluted Protein Shake, I would burp, my stomach would make horrible noises, and I eventually had to stop (I drank about 2/3 of the bottle between afternoon and evening) because I was fighting so hard not to throw up. I haven't tried a Protein shake today, but the burping and nausea (despite the Zofran I was prescribed) are happening constantly after I take tiny sips of clear Fluid. I'm trying to drink protein Water, which is a little better, but I'm still struggling with it. I'm really worried that I can't drink even tiny sips without either burping and/or fighting the urge to vomit.

Did this happen to anyone else? Did it go away? I hope this isn't a serious complication.

Definitely call your surgeon just to make sure it's not a stricture or anything. Also, are your Protein Shakes milk based (such as whey Protein shakes)? Because some people can't tolerate dairy after surgery (sometimes only for a few months, sometimes a year or so, and sometimes permanent). You may have to try a different type of protein such as plant based protein.

[lunadreams 22]

8 hours ago, NovaLuna said:

Definitely call your surgeon just to make sure it's not a stricture or anything. Also, are your Protein Shakes milk based (such as whey Protein shakes)? Because some people can't tolerate dairy after surgery (sometimes only for a few months, sometimes a year or so, and sometimes permanent). You may have to try a different type of Protein such as plant based protein.

I spoke with the NP on call this week-end, and they said it may resolve and focus on hydration. But if it's not any better by tomorrow, I'm going to call again and try to speak with a doctor tomorrow.

My shakes are plant-based, but I can't tolerate them. I'm trying protein-water, which is whey-based, but that's not going a lot better.

And I am so hungry, because I've had like no calories in almost a week... 😭

[Esi 179]

Something else to consider, I became nauseous and vomited so much that I began to detest certain foods and liquids, making it a self-fulfilling prophecy. If allowed, perhaps try some apple juice, or salty chicken broth? The juice was something I was accustomed to throughout my life, so it did not feel disgusting like artificial sugars did postop. (Now Crystal Light is tolerable again.). The chicken broth was savory and felt like I was eating a gourmet meal. (and even though the salt can dehydrate, the dietitian told me to do what works for me because I was getting some liquid)

Glad to hear you contacted the surgeons office. Hope it gets easier, especially when you can move to puréed and feel like you are filling your pouch!