Gas?

Hmmmm - yesterday I had my pre-op testing for my surgery on the 17th - yipeeee. One of the things that stood out in my mind that I remember folks in this forum discussing is the amount of gas you get after gastric bypass. The nurse was saying that a few things happen...your insides are "settling" and they have to pump gas into your stomach to perform the surgery....So,  I am wondering if folks that had the bypass surgery won't mind sharing  their experiences with gas....how bad was it, how long did it last and what could you use to help with it when you were still on full liquid diet?

Any info would be helpful. Thanks! - Xico

OK well the gas was part of the pain after surgery.  I have had several surgeries with similar gas, but this one was harder on me.  I was able to use the gas-x strips.  They dissolve on your tongue.  Also WALKING sounds weird but that helps.  If you have a rocking chair when you are not walking, rock in the chair.  It keeps everything moving and helps get rid of the gas.   Sipping liquids and not gulping also helps.  DO NOT USE A STRAW!  I am sure you have been told that, but sometimes you are tempted so you don't have to move as much to drink trust me even almost 11 months out it is a bad idea.   Bring a pillow with you for the ride home.  You can place it between you and the seat belt to hold everything in and not bounce on our wonderful roads.   If you can get the Rekii treatments I can't recommend them enough.  Helped me through the first 36 hours with out pain meds when I found out I was allergic to Morphine.  Hope all goes uneventful and you will be on the losers bench before you know it. 
Hugs Laurie

Thanks Laurie!!!! Yea getting excited  - wondering if I would be "tooting" forever...thanks for the tips...I will pick-up the Gas-Ex strips! Will keep u posted!

no worries, I actually burped more than tooted. time will fly from now on!

 Hi!  I just had my surgery May 3rd.  I had a small amount of "tooting" and very little pain on the IV meds.  I was given Roxicet to take at home and only took it once, the night I was released from the hospital.  I can't say that I've had pain, just feels like a little upset tummy.

BUT, what I hadn't heard of, but I'm told is common, is shoulder pain.  I had the most extreme case of pain in my left shoulder.  I was periodically miserable.  I was told that the CO2 they pump in your abdomen can transfer to that area and cause problems and/or it could be nerve damage from going through the ab muscles.  Let me tell you, I was so mad at myself for doing the surgery for about 24 hours because that pain was so nasty.

The pain subsided by the time I was sent home THANK GOD!

Best wishes and good luck!!!