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Digestive Health
Question #18710
215 days ago
423

I don't know how urgent my situation is.

Nikkie

Hello, and thank you for your time. I am a 17-year-old female. I had gastric bypass surgery 16 days ago. A short while ago, I ate three onion rings. I did not experience pain while eating, but immediately after drinking water, I developed severe abdominal pain, intense nausea, and vomiting. Even small amounts of water cause pain. I am currently sitting upright and not eating or drinking anything. I would prefer not to inform my family or go to the emergency room unless absolutely necessary. I would appreciate guidance on how serious this may be and what I should do next.

Age: 17
Chronic illnesses: Noth
Pain
Vomiting
Emergency
$7.5
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Doctors' responses

Hello ,

These symptoms after surgery are not typical So you have to go to your surgical team or emergency care

Avoid fried foods Avoid Nsaid s

These symptoms are concerning and need evaluation Don’t ignore it

Thank you

1986 answered questions
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Hello Nikkie Thank you for sharing all these details—your situation is important, and I want to help you understand what’s happening.

After gastric bypass surgery, severe abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting—especially when even small sips of water cause pain—can be a sign of a serious complication. Some possible causes include: - Stomach or bowel blockage (obstruction) - Stomach pouch or connection narrowing (stricture) - Ulcer or leak at the surgical site - Dumping syndrome (less likely with just water, but possible)

Why this is serious:
After this type of surgery, new, severe pain and vomiting—especially if you can’t keep down even water—can quickly lead to dehydration and may signal a surgical emergency. These complications can become life-threatening if not treated promptly.

What you should do:
You need to seek medical attention immediately.
Even if you’d prefer not to tell your family or go to the emergency room, your symptoms are too serious to manage at home. Please let someone you trust know and go to the hospital or contact your surgeon right away.
- Do not try to eat or drink anything else until you are seen by a doctor. - Sit upright and avoid lying flat.

To be clear:
- This is not something to wait out or treat at home. - You need urgent medical evaluation to prevent serious complications.

Thank you

1361 answered questions
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Hello dear,

Thank you for writing in and sharing this so clearly.Severe abdominal pain and vomiting 16 days after gastric bypass is urgent and can be life‑threatening.

Do not eat or drink anything further.You must inform your family and go to the nearest emergency department immediately, even if it feels difficult.

Tell them your recent surgery and that pain worsens even with small sips of water.

Dr Nikhil Chauhan Urologist

555 answered questions
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Hello dear See as per clinical history it seems you need to have clinical evaluation. Probably your git tract is not totally working adequately Iam suggesting some tests and precautions. Please get them done Colonoscopy Sigmoidoscopy Transbdombal USG if recommended by gastroenterologist or bariatric surgeon Kindly avoid Excess water intake Heavy meals Please consult gastroenterologist or laproscopic surgeon in person for better clarity It may require urgent care Regards

3585 answered questions
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This is not something you take lightly you should go to the consulting surgeon

33 answered questions
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This is not something to wait out, and not something to hide. You need to go to the Emergency Room or contact your bariatric surgeon immediately.

Even if:

You don’t want to worry your family

You feel embarrassed

You hope it will pass

Delaying care can be dangerous.

2116 answered questions
59% best answers

0 replies

The situation you’ve described sounds potentially concerning and may require prompt medical attention. Post-gastric bypass, your digestive system undergoes significant changes, and symptoms like severe abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting after eating or drinking, especially soon after surgery, can be red flags for complications such as blockage or narrowing (known as stricture), anastomotic leaks, or other issues like dumping syndrome. You’ve already experimented with sitting upright and avoiding food and fluids, which is sensible as it helps reduce the pressure on your stomach area but given your symptoms, it’s important to note that these might not be resolved without intervention. Small amounts of water causing pain indicate that trying to manage this on your own may not be effective or safe in this case. I would strongly advise you get in touch with your healthcare provider or surgeon as soon as possible to explain your symptoms and seek their guidance, as they could determine whether urgent evaluation is required. It’s quite important considering the chances of potential post-surgical complications. If your symptoms intensify or if you feel faint, it’s vital to have someone else aware of your situation and seek emergency medical care promptly. Your health and safety take precedence, and timely medical attention can prevent potential complications. The sooner you address this with a professional, the better possibility for preserving your well-being and ensuring the recovery process is on track.

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