1st week postop - did you use gas-x strips and salt?

as a cheapskate - those gas-x strips are expensive. I've read patients popping them like candy and people who said all the gas from surgery is a different kid of gas and not helped with the strips?

Would you recommend stocking up? or skipping them?

Salt, when drinking clear liquids for a week, I can imagine our sodium intake getting very low. Did any of you add salt or sip a little pickle juice to help stay hydrated?

Yes I did buy and use gas x strips...but not like candy as you suggested. I bought 2 boxes and took one with me to the hospital. I didn't need them until discharge and then only 1or 2 per day. For a few days. I still have some left and am 17 days post op. Walking is the best way to reduce/eliminate gas. 

I never added salt or even heard of doing so.

gas x does not help with the gas (co2) that is used to inflate you during surgery

walking helps move it around so your body absorbs it and expels it 

the nurse in the hospital (on the bariatric floor) gave me a hot towel and said it was better than a heating pad and would help with the pain from the gas 

 when you are in the hospital on iv they give you plenty of salt

I was only on clear liquids 2 days before surgery and 1 day after , I went home on the second day after surgery on full liquids

No to both questions.  Gas-x doesn't get rid of the CO2 they use to puff up your abdomen during surgery;  walking does.  The key to staying hydrated?   Drinking.  Sipping every 10 minutes while you are awake.   No need to increase salt intake.

No to both. I personally didn't have any gas pains as others have described. My take home instructions said to take and Maalox for gas if needed.  I've never heard of drinking pickle juice.  There is sodium in broth I believe. I purchased some G2, which is low-calorie Gatorade.  That should help with electrolytes.  

Never used gas-x strips, just kept walking. I bought 2 boxes and have never opened them.

 Also, at home I drank/drink Unjury chicken broth protein drink which has a good amount of sodium in it. It's more to have a change in taste from sweet all the time than anything else.

I didn't use the gas-x strips right after surgery,  but about 3-4 weeks after. I was having horrible gas pains in my gi tract aandd they helped a lot. This was right around when i Started adding in some soft foods.

The gas they pump into your abdominal cavity in order to see inside during surgery does not enter your GI tract. Gas-x is for gas formed inside the stomach and intestines from the digestion of food. I wouldn't b drinking pickle juice while the stomach is swollen and healing. U will get enough sodium from broth and soups. Good luck!

I bought three boxes of gas-x strips, used several from one box, and that was it.

They were invaluable, since, especially that first night home, I had quite a bit of gas in my stomach that the gas-x resolved, but I would only purchase one box.

As far as salted liquid goes, don't worry about it.