How to Manage Your Symptoms Over The Festive Season

By The BMI Nurses

It is so easy to be tempted by food and to overeat at this time of year. It happens to the best of us! We tend to be flooded with events and parties which revolve around eating and drinking. While it is important to have fun and enjoy time with family and friends during this period, it is also important that we know our limits and how look after ourselves.

We have put together this handy guide of common symptoms experienced by patients who have had a weight loss procedure.  However, please remember this is a guide and there is no substitute for personalised medical advice.

Some common symptoms of eating past our limits include:

1) Nausea, vomiting, cramping and bloating. These symptoms can often be caused by:

• eating or drinking too much in one sitting
• eating too quickly (less than 20minutes)
• eating high fat/greasy foods
• not chewing food well enough
• eating dry red meat (eg meat on a BBQ or grill).

These symptoms may be managed by reverting back to a free fluid diet for 2-3 days to allow for your stomach to clear and digest the excess food. Meal replacement shakes are a good option while on a free fluid diet as they are nutritionally complete and contain protein to help keep you full and preserve your muscle mass. In addition to a free fluid diet for 2-3 days it is recommended that you take Multigest Enzymes (a digestive enzyme) by the brand Bioceuticals. This is an over-the-counter supplement (no prescription required) which further aids digestion. Take 2 capsules, 3 times a day, for 1 week. If you have a gastric balloon, often going for light walk may aid digestion and alleviate symptoms. For more immediate relief you may consider making use of the medications in your BMI medication pack –  Nausicalm for nausea and vomiting and Buscopan or for cramping. Both of which are available over the counter and without prescription.

2) Reflux. This symptom can be caused by all of the factors listed above as well as:

• laying down soon after a meal
• eating too close to bed time
• drinking fizzy drinks and alcohol
• eating meals which are high in fat

If you are experiencing reflux, ensure you are upright at all meal times and consider having smaller meal portions. Aim to stay upright (sitting or standing) for at least 2 hours after your meal and avoid going to bed within 2-3 hours of your last meal of the day. Short term treatment for reflux may include the use of antacid medications such as Rennies, Gaviscon or Mylanta as directed. If you have been prescribed and advised to take a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) medication such Nexium, please be sure to be taking this medication as clinically advised.

Remember that experiencing symptoms of reflux, camping, nausea and vomiting are not considered normal any time after the first week of your procedure and should be addressed if they are experienced beyond this point. If you are experiencing these symptoms, we urge you to contact our clinic so we can work together to manage your symptoms before our closure period.

The BMI Clinic closes on the 23^rd Dec 2020 and re opens Monday 4^th Dec 2021

The BMI After Hours Number: 1300 376 026 (urgent advice only)