From the Guidelines
If you experience vomiting after discharge, it is crucial to follow a step-by-step approach to manage your symptoms and prevent complications, as outlined in the nutritional recommendations for adult bariatric surgery patients 1.
Initial Management
When vomiting occurs, start by resting your stomach for a period without food or drink. Then, slowly introduce clear fluids like water, diluted sports drinks, or clear broth in small amounts, gradually increasing as tolerated.
Fluid Intake and Hydration
It is essential to stay hydrated by continuing to sip fluids throughout the day, aiming for at least 1.5 liters of fluid intake per day, as recommended for bariatric surgery patients 1.
Dietary Approach
Avoid solid foods until you can keep fluids down for at least 6 hours. When ready for solids, begin with bland, easy-to-digest foods like plain crackers, toast, rice, or bananas, and progress gradually.
Monitoring and Medications
Take any prescribed anti-nausea medications as directed. Watch for warning signs that require immediate medical attention, such as vomiting blood, inability to keep any fluids down, signs of dehydration, severe abdominal pain, or high fever.
Key Considerations
Vomiting can lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances, making gradual rehydration and proper monitoring essential for recovery. Thiamin supplements should be considered in cases of persistent vomiting to prevent neurological side effects 1. Some key points to keep in mind include:
- Eating small, frequent meals throughout the day
- Avoiding foods that can trigger vomiting
- Separating liquids from solids
- Avoiding carbonated beverages
- Increasing fluid intake in cases of intense exercise, diarrhea, and vomiting
- Considering probiotics or other supplements as needed, under medical guidance.
From the FDA Drug Label
The FDA drug label does not answer the question.
From the Research
Discharge Instructions for Vomiting
- The goal of discharge instructions for vomiting is to provide patients with the necessary information to manage their symptoms and prevent further complications 2.
- Patients should be advised to stay hydrated by drinking small, frequent amounts of fluid, such as water, clear broth, or electrolyte-rich beverages like sports drinks 2.
- A bland diet may be recommended, including foods like crackers, toast, and plain rice 2.
- Patients should avoid trigger foods and substances that can exacerbate vomiting, such as spicy or fatty foods, caffeine, and alcohol 2.
Medications for Vomiting
- Antiemetic medications like ondansetron and metoclopramide may be prescribed to help control vomiting 3, 4, 5, 6.
- Ondansetron has been shown to be effective in preventing vomiting in patients with acute gastroenteritis and renal colic 3, 4.
- Metoclopramide may also be effective in treating vomiting, but it may have more side effects than ondansetron 3, 4, 5, 6.