Can We Still....

[jen_1381 446]

...throw up? Like, full on, I-have-the-stomach-flu vomit?

This is probably way disgusting to most, but I've heard conflicting information. A lot of bandsters say they can't throw up anymore (I'm not talking PBing, I mean full on puke). Can they "not" just because they're scared to, or can you physically not throw up anymore? Thinking about it logically, there is essentially a very small opening for the vomit to pass through, but wouldn't you physiologically still have the vomiting process?

I'm not a fan of puking by no means, but there is nothing worse than feeling MISERABLE and knowing that vomiting will help, and not being able to do it.

[Jachut 487]

I've ony needed to once in seven years, unfortunately alcohol was involved, lol.

And no, I couldnt. I retched and such but nothing came up.

[marfar7 1,533]

In the last almost 3 yrs, I've brought up my food about 2-4 times week. I've actually "vomited" once. Just last month when we were driving to Southern Calif from Oregon and we were stuck in traffic. Thank God I had my dogs Water bowl in the car. Made my husband sick just listening to me wretch. I don't know if I was car sick or if it was the heat. I felt nauseaous for about 30 minutes, then threw up and felt better.

Actually, I stopped bringing my food back up a couple of months ago - after being treated for a slipped band. A warning for anyone who often does it....

Marci

[lawismylife 41]

I had a stomach bug and I couldn't throw up. Just retched over and over and nothing. I had to wait for it to pass through my system. Was terrible

[NWgirl 574]

My Aunt was banded about three years ago and did get the flu badly about 1.5 years ago. She did throw up a lot and had some band issues (not sure on specifics anymore) but all is well now. She said that she know keeps an anti-nausea med on hand just in case.

[Lori Voss Green 93]

I am the type of person who will do ANY and EVERY thing to avoid throwing up. My daughter is 16 now, but when I was pregnant with her, I threw up every day for pretty much 9 months. Since then I will avoid it at all costs. Even when I've had the flu and KNEW just throwing up would make me feel better, I will do what I can to keep that from happening. Now that I have the band, I am even more terrified. I am so afraid if I do throw up, something will go wrong with the band. I just keep my fingers crossed that I don't have to face that problem!

[CCornell87 35]

This is one reason I will be even more diligent about my flu shot...When I get the flu it is no joke. I had it every year for about 4 years straight until I started getting the flu shot. I would literally heave so hard I would break blood vessels both in my eyes and face! Awful, awful, awful! I would suggest those worried about the flu get the shot as well. I know its not foolproof, but any extra piece of mind is helpful!!

Banded 8/20/2012 - Heaviest: 512 - Current: 461

[elcee 3,341]

I tried to make myself vomit after imbibing too much alcohol one night and it did not work. Consequently I felt awful and my hangover lasted much longer . I now try to ensure I DON'T drink too much .

[Jean McMillan 2,973]

I got a stomach bug and retched once, puked once, took a dose of phenergan (anti-nausea med) and puked no more. Neither PB's or vomiting are good for bandsters (not good for anyone, but most especially bandsters). I don't think one or two episodes of vomiting would be as bad as several days of it. Definitely worthwhile to keep an anti-nausea med on hand, just in case.

While we on the subject of illness, hard and/or continuous coughing can also be a problem for bandsters (can cause a band slip), so it's also a good idea to keep some cough medicine on hand.

But here's hoping you won't need the meds at all!

[jen_1381 446]

Thanks for the input everyone! I think I will ask my surgeon for a refill of phenergan next time I see him, just in case. I had uncontrolled Migraines for about 3 years, vomited with them, and had at least 3 a week. The excessive vomiting does a toll on your body - it wore down the enamel on my teeth, as well as caused the hiatial hernia which lead to years of heartburn. Throwing up is no joke! I'm so thankful I found a good Migraine med - after years of trial and error - and feel like I got my life back.