Really dumb question about being sick and RNY

(deactivated member)
on 7/16/09 1:31 am, edited 7/16/09 1:33 am - northeastern, NC
Bear with me on this. I'm 4 years out from my RNY, and I haven't had so much as a cold since surgery. So, what happens when you get sick with something that would otherwise have you blowing chunks if you had a real stomach that could hold some ammunition to hurl?

Anyone had the flu or something else post-op that can fill me in?
Don 1962
on 7/16/09 2:11 am
Robert,

The one stomach virus I had earlier this year I would not have wished on my worst enemy whether they were RNY or not!

Not much hurling, more like a case of foamies on steroids, and nausea and diarrhea so bad I did not know which end to point to the toilet. 

Never, and I mean NEVER, trust a fart!! 


cabin111
on 7/16/09 3:17 am

The BRAT diet was, historically, a prescribed treatment for patients with gastrointestinal distress such as diarrhea, dyspepsia, and/or gastroenteritis. However, it is no longer recommended.[1] The American Academy of Pediatrics states that most children should continue a normal, age appropriate diet. The foods from the BRAT diet may be added, but should not replace normal, tolerated foods. Sugary drinks and carbonated beverages should be avoided.[citation needed] The BRAT diet is routinely recommended by nutritionists at the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance (SCCA) to patients who have had stem cell transplants and have diarrhea due to Graft versus Host Disease (GVHD). See http://www.fifeschools.com/johnshula/5-1-06.html or ons.metapress.com/index/lv532p353u72712h.pdf.

The BRAT diet consists of foods that are relatively bland and low in fiber. Low-fiber foods were recommended as it was thought that foods high in fiber cause gas and possibly worsen gastrointestinal upset.[2]

A well-balanced diet is best even during diarrhea. Studies have however found that incorporating foods from the BRAT diet may reduce the severity of diarrhea.[citation needed] Applesauce provides pectin,[3] as does toast with grape jelly.

BRAT is the mnemonic acronym for Bananas, Rice, Applesauce and Toast, the staples of the diet.[2] Extensions to the BRAT diet include BRATT (Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, Toast, and Tea) and BRATY (Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, Toast, and Yogurt).

cabin111
on 7/16/09 3:21 am
Sorry about that...this one would work the best.
BRATY (Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, Toast, and Yogurt).
For those having problems keeping things down (or going through them).  The yogurt would help with the protein.
sjbob
on 7/17/09 2:02 am - Willingboro, NJ
First of all you do have a real stomach--it's just a lot smaller than it was prior to surgery.  The RNY bypasses a good portion of your intestine ( the amount varies based on whether it was distal or proximal ).  Since I have immunity problems, I always get a flu shot and haven't had the flu in years.  You should contact your primary and ask about the advisability of getting the flu shot since you had WLS.  I just saw a report on the news that the govt and drug companies are developing a vaccination for swine flu but they do not expect to have enough of it.  They also explained that EVERYONE is vulnerable to this virus since no one has ever had it before.

I have been ill since having the WLS with chills and a fever but it usually doesn't last long.  I've been sick to my stomach a couple times and just went on Jewish medicine--Chicken soup--along with my medications, vitamins, and supplements.  You really don't care about eating or getting hungry when you are that sick.  Luckily, my illnesses only lasted a day or 2.
(deactivated member)
on 7/17/09 8:41 am, edited 7/17/09 8:41 am - northeastern, NC
You have 2 stomachs: the entrance and exit pouch, which is what I was refering to with the comment about not much room for contents to hurl, and the exit-only remainder, which is my concern. When you vomit, the muscles contract to forcr food upward into the esophagus, and there is no esophagus attached anymore. I speculate that nausea and vomiting would be a whole new level of misery now.

There's also concern about chronic illnesses like ulcers in the exit-only stomach that get missed because the hot-shot gastroenterology resident sees no need to scope that branch of the small intestine.

I get flu shots. I'm an EMT, which means I'm at higher risk than the average bear for the epidemic du juor.
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