Possible Problems

There are risks associated with gastric bypass surgery. Be aware of the possible problems that you need to report to your surgeon's office. Some of the problems may be related to your diet.

Nausea & Vomiting
Eating too fast, too much or drinking with meals may cause nausea and vomiting. Most patients will, at some point, vomit. It is usually caused by a behavior, such as eating too fast or too much, eating the wrong food or eating and drinking at the same time. If you vomit, take time to think about what may have caused it (for example — did you eat too fast? Did you eat too much?). If the answer is "no" or if you are unsure, call your surgeon's office. If nausea and vomiting occur after eating a new food, wait several days before trying that food again.

Stomal stenosis is a tightening or stricture of the opening between your stomach and intestine. When this occurs, patients experience vomiting after eating and sometimes after drinking. It is usually treated easily with an endoscopy but should be treated as soon as possible. If you experience the sensation of foods sticking, call your surgeon's office. Prepare a food diary and have it available for reference when you call to assist your surgeon in determining the source of the vomiting.

Ulcer
As mentioned earlier, ulcers are possible after gastric bypass surgery. For this reason, you may be required to take Prilosec® once a day for the first four to five weeks after surgery. Ulcers are usually treatable with anti-ulcer medication. If you experience severe nausea or pain with eating, call your surgeon's office.

Changes in Bowel Habits
Constipation after gastric bypass surgery is not uncommon and is more likely to occur if you are taking iron. Because of potential problems with hemorrhoids, hernias and intestinal blockages, it is important for you to prevent constipation.

As mentioned, if you are taking iron, you are more likely to become constipated. It may be necessary to take a stool softener for the first month or so until you can drink more fluids and eat more fiber. Stool softeners (Colace) are available over the counter. Generic Colace is acceptable and much more affordable. Do not take laxatives on a regular basis.

Other ways to improve regularity include:

• Eat applesauce, oatmeal and/or pureed prunes daily.
• Sprinkle raw Miller's Wheat Bran® into shakes, applesauce and hot cereal.
• After four weeks, try baked potato with skin, whole grain breads, bran cereals with more than two grams of fiber per serving and slightly cooked vegetables. Chew these foods well as they can be difficult to digest.
• Drink lots of water.
• Exercise regularly.

If your problem is still not resolved, you may use Dulcolax® suppository, Fleets® enema or Milk of Magnesia®. Remember, you must not use these on a regular basis. If these do not work for you, call your surgeon's office.

Gas
Gas problems are also common after gastric bypass surgery. If you have gas pains at home, try simethicone drops, Bean-O®, Phazyme® or Gas-X®. If the problems continue, call your surgeon's office.

Diarrhea
If you have diarrhea, limit foods high in fiber, greasy foods, milk and milk products. Avoid very hot or very cold foods or drinks. Make sure you drink at least six to eight cups of fluid each day — no more than four oz. (1/2 cup) at one time.

Dumping Syndrome
Dumping syndrome can occur after any surgery that changes the normal way in which food leaves the stomach. Eating refined sugars and dense fats, which are dumped into the small intestine too quickly, usually causes it. Symptoms include abdominal fullness, nausea, lightheadedness and cramping abdominal pain followed by diarrhea. You can avoid dumping syndrome by eating six small meals each day. Avoid simple sugars and high fat foods. Do not drink fluids with your meals and rest a little after eating.

Dehydration
Dehydration can occur when you do not drink enough fluid. Make sure you drink six to eight cups of fluid each day — but no more than 4 oz. (1/2 cup) at one time. Avoid drinking carbonated beverages, including diet sodas.

Weight Gain
Obesity surgery is a tool to help you lose weight. This will require a major lifestyle change in diet and behaviors. You will be most successful if you comply with the diet recommendations and participate in regular exercise. Eating foods high in fat and food with a high sugar content will not help promote weight loss.

Laparascopic gastric banding patients who have weight gain or their weight loss has stabilized may need a band adjustment.