3 days post op... please help me

What do I do to get rid of the bloated feeling. (TMI I know... but here goes) I feel so badly like I need to pass gas and can NOT. I can't even burp the way I would like to... when I do burp its so small but feels so painful and causes a good 3-4 hiccups that are twice as painful. I am still on sugar free liquid diet and would like to start back on my protein shakes so I am getting some protein in me... but I can't stand this feeling... I feel like I can't even take a deep breath... is this something normal or should I be calling the doctor?

Hi, Amy,

I remember that feeling very well!   The first few days were the worst but the 4th day was sooo much better!  I remember laying in the hospital bed praying to pass gas and the first time I did I was so excited I txted my hubby, lol.  It will get better every day.  Walking helps, a lot!  Doc Gibbs' post op instructions for home said if the gas was really painful then I could use a dulcolax suppository, but it never came to that for me.  I just walked laps through the living room and kitchen every so often. 

Also, my nutritionist said not to start on protien shakes until the Saturday after my surgery on Monday, but yours may have different guidelines or whatever.  The most important thing at this point, I think, is to concentrate on fluids.

Feel better soon!

Walking really helps, but you might try Gas-x strips. I'd call Carrie at Gibbs' office first, though.  You can also ask about the protein drinks when you call.

Oh I know what you are going through. It really did hurt..Gas X strips really, really helped me. You could use the tablets too probably, but you need to chew them really good. Calling the doctor's office is a really good idea. That is what I did. Hope it gets better for you.

walk, walk, walk.  Be sure to use your incentive spirometer too.  You need to be taking deep breaths so you don't end up with pneumonia.  Good luck.

Walking will really help.  I had my roomie/partner help me burp early on, I just couldn't do it naturally no matter how hard I try.  And he would just pat me on the back like a baby until I burped.  Yeah real romantic, I know, LOL.

Now when I  need to burp I either swallow a little air to force the burp out or I pat myself on the front of the chest.  But walking helps me alot even this far out when I am full of air.