SEVERE INDIGESTION

[MR P 0]

I have been experiencing a tremendous amount of indigestion. It has led me to either have excessive belching or to vomit. Then I go back and can finish my meal. The doctors say its because Im either over capacity or I am eating too quickly. Others around me monitor me so that I dont scarf down my food. What I can't figure out, if I vomit or belch up what I am currently eating and return to finish my meal, how can this be a capacity issue? In order to finish my meal, wouldn't I need to have vomited up the food in my pouch? I also get heartburn from swallowing toothpaste in the morning. If I suck on a slice of orange or grapefruit, or eat a piece of banana, I want to die as the heartburn is so intense. I can go several hours between meals, have hunger pangs and still get indigestion when I eat. Have any of you experienced this or what it is? I am at 4ccs and banded three months. THANKS!

[Dave_NW 92]

Just a guess, but I'd say you have a hiatal hernia. That's about where the pouch area is above the band. I used to have heartburn and such, but during my band surgery they repaired a hiatal hernia, and I haven't had it since - zip, nada, none at ALL, no matter what I eat. If you're having such a reaction after something as simple as toothpaste, you need to talk to your surgeon about that sort of thing. I think the problem is physical, not behavioral.

As for the vomiting, the food isn't likely coming from your stomach. It's probably coming from your pouch, before it makes it into your primary stomach. If you get stuck enough to irritate the pouch area, it'll cause the indigestion, and then the vomiting. After the food is gone, the source of irritation is gone, and you can resume eating. It could also be something like an esophageal ulcer, where food passing over the irritated area is enough to cause the problem.

The capacity your surgeon mentions is likely pouch capacity, not stomach capacity. Your stomach can hold a whole lot more food than your pouch.

Hope this make sense. Good luck!

Dave

[MR P 0]

Thanks I meant pouch capacity as opposed to stomach. To me that is my "new stomach". I did have an upper GI and did learn that the band is not causing obstruction. I havent gotten all of the results yet.

Just a guess, but I'd say you have a hiatal hernia. That's about where the pouch area is above the band. I used to have heartburn and such, but during my band surgery they repaired a hiatal hernia, and I haven't had it since - zip, nada, none at ALL, no matter what I eat. If you're having such a reaction after something as simple as toothpaste, you need to talk to your surgeon about that sort of thing. I think the problem is physical, not behavioral.

As for the vomiting, the food isn't likely coming from your stomach. It's probably coming from your pouch, before it makes it into your primary stomach. If you get stuck enough to irritate the pouch area, it'll cause the indigestion, and then the vomiting. After the food is gone, the source of irritation is gone, and you can resume eating. It could also be something like an esophageal ulcer, where food passing over the irritated area is enough to cause the problem.

The capacity your surgeon mentions is likely pouch capacity, not stomach capacity. Your stomach can hold a whole lot more food than your pouch.

Hope this make sense. Good luck!

Dave

[Acadia 20]

Are you taking an antacid or a Protein pump inhibitor?

The latter is preferable. Something like Prilosec OTC, take it for six months to allow your 'big' stomach to reduce its acid production since it isn't getting as much food as it used to.

[MR P 0]

Thank you for responding. I have a history of acid reflux and the doctor changed his mind at the last minute before the band regarding an endoscopy. I had an esophegal xray and barium swallow and did find that I have a motility disorder. I have been on Prilosek and now on Dexilant. I have been eating more soft foods and liquids and I have stopped vomiting but the indigestion comes on with the least amount of solids, regardless how long it has been since the last time that I ate. At the least amount of indigestion, I stop and belch "my way through it". I am now awaiting authorization for an endoscopy through my primary care physician. Thanks again!

[kll724 3,055]

Nothing to add, just wanted to wish you good luck. Sounds like you are getting doctors care, so take ace and follow up with us to let us know how you are. Karen

[Cocoabean 430]

Your doctor is sure your band hasn't slipped?

Eating too fast/taking bites that are too large. This can cause extreme discomfort. Cut your food to pieces the size of pencil erasers and chew thoroughly. Did your doctor give you a volume level of food per meal as a guide? Some say 1/2 to 1 cup. Put your food on a small salad plate. When that is gone, you are done. Eat slowly, take your time. Swallow one bite before you take another.

When I was first banded, I'd sit down to a meal, pause for a second and remind myself to eat slowly, take small bites, and enjoy.

[MarcyLoo 12]

I was just in for my 1st fill last week and they said heartburn is a big sign of being too tight...

hope you get it figured out. * hugs *

[MR P 0]

I was never told that. Thanks so much. My weight loss is proceeding well. Best wishes to you as well.

I was just in for my 1st fill last week and they said heartburn is a big sign of being too tight...

hope you get it figured out. * hugs *

[MR P 0]

Thanks Cocoabean, I could not agree with you more. But I think that this is more serious than that since I went into this with acid reflux. As mentioned in the other posts, a motility disorder was detected and I have requested more tests. What I am noticing now is that food is moving through my system very quickly and I am having to leave the table for a bowel movement. The bm is a dark color which the doctors have cautioned me to be aware of. Even when I slow down, eat or drink liquids, even on an empty stomach, brush my teeth - the indigestion is there. Sucking on a slice of orange is brutally painful, so it sounds like acids and other foods are irritating the esophagus. I belch and I can resume eating.

Your doctor is sure your band hasn't slipped?

Eating too fast/taking bites that are too large. This can cause extreme discomfort. Cut your food to pieces the size of pencil erasers and chew thoroughly. Did your doctor give you a volume level of food per meal as a guide? Some say 1/2 to 1 cup. Put your food on a small salad plate. When that is gone, you are done. Eat slowly, take your time. Swallow one bite before you take another.

When I was first banded, I'd sit down to a meal, pause for a second and remind myself to eat slowly, take small bites, and enjoy.

[Acadia 20]

If you're getting it with even the slightest bit of food (regardless of what the food is) then your stomach is producing way too much acid and you need to stay on a Protein pump inhibitor and it's likely that you're a little too tight so the acid isn't able to get back down to your big stomach.

Are you keeping a food diary to see what triggers it for you? I used to find that plain oatmeal (odd I know), acidic foods, spicy foods, fatty foods all caused severe reflux. But with fruits, veggies, and other more inert items, no issues. It would be interesting to see if there's a pattern, even a very slight one.

For example, do you get indigestion when you eat Jell-o? It's one of the more inert foods available.

[Cocoabean 430]

Thanks Cocoabean, I could not agree with you more. But I think that this is more serious than that since I went into this with acid reflux. As mentioned in the other posts, a motility disorder was detected and I have requested more tests. What I am noticing now is that food is moving through my system very quickly and I am having to leave the table for a bowel movement. The bm is a dark color which the doctors have cautioned me to be aware of. Even when I slow down, eat or drink liquids, even on an empty stomach, brush my teeth - the indigestion is there. Sucking on a slice of orange is brutally painful, so it sounds like acids and other foods are irritating the esophagus. I belch and I can resume eating.

I am very glad you are seeking further help with it. Some of it sounds like an ulcer. My niece has gastroparesis, a motility disorder where the stomach doesn't empty. It is no fun, for certain. It took a long time to finally get a proper diagnosis of scleroderma causing the stomach issues.

I wish you all the best in the search!! Feel better soon.

[MR P 0]

Thank you once again from the bottom of my heart for responding and in such depth. I am thoroughly confused as to what the issue is - there is no rhyme or consistency as to what is happening. I get the indigestion from the first bite and that is my indicator to be prepared to make it to the bathroom. When it happens at the first bite, could that be a capacity issue or eating to fast? Bananas are a perfect example. I may break off a piece in the morning, nibble on it, and feel it burn as it goes down my throat. I can get down spicy food with no problem one time and vomit up yogurt the next. My stomach can have hunger pangs and be empty from not having eaten for several hours and I can vomit as the indigestion builds from the first bite. Sometimes I belch and can continue eating. Sometimes I may vomit many times over the course of an evening and wonder what is left for me to regurgitate. When this happens my stomach feels do bad, that I am too sick to exercise.

I am at a point where I realize that I dont know what I need to know about the procedure. I have no idea what a slipped band is and have no clue what the symptoms of being overfilled are. I dont feel that I have reached capacity, but do stop eating with the idea in mind to stop eating as I am attempting to lose weight. Im at 4cc's, what is my total capacity? If the fill is removed does that mean I can have no more fills? I read what others post and their knowledge is so vast that much of what I read I am hearing for the first time. I have no confidence in staff as I have been told so many things that I know cant possibly be accurate. I choose not to address issues with them. This has been ongoing. There is the issue of switching doctors, but I am on an HMO.

The latest trend which I am monitoring is the fact that I have a tremendous amount of Constipation. I am usually somewhere between heading to the bathroom to vomit from indigestion or feel the need of a bowel movement during a meal. I do see a correlation. I vomit and have more indigestion when I am constipated. Other times, I feel as though the food goes right through me and is and that I need to move bowels. In those cases there is no indigestion. Our Vitamin regimen includes Vitamin D. I have brought to the doctor's attention, as well as my primary care physician, that Vitamin D constipates me. They scoff that that is not possible. I've done tests over the years and found that on the weeks when I fill my Vitamin container with D, I'm constipated. When I leave D out, my bowel movements are fine and the indigestion is minimized. So that is my next level of attack. Any feedback or anything you can relate to? Thanks to all!

If you're getting it with even the slightest bit of food (regardless of what the food is) then your stomach is producing way too much acid and you need to stay on a Protein pump inhibitor and it's likely that you're a little too tight so the acid isn't able to get back down to your big stomach.

Are you keeping a food diary to see what triggers it for you? I used to find that plain oatmeal (odd I know), acidic foods, spicy foods, fatty foods all caused severe reflux. But with fruits, veggies, and other more inert items, no issues. It would be interesting to see if there's a pattern, even a very slight one.

For example, do you get indigestion when you eat Jell-o? It's one of the more inert foods available.