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Hiccups? Belching?
by Dr. Hugh Houston
Hiccups after bariatric surgery are generally the result of local irritation of the diaphragm. They can occur early or late after surgery. Hiccups immediately after gastric bypass are due to the extensive dissection of tissue around the diaphragm necessary to make a small gastric pouch.
Hiccups after Lap-Band are the result of local irritation from the Band sitting right underneath the diaphragm. These early hiccups generally resolve within several weeks as the inflammation from surgery goes away. Hiccups that occur later after either surgery are generally due to stretching of the pouch. The stomach pouches of either surgery rest right underneath the diaphragm, so any stretching of the pouch from overeating may trigger hiccups. Very cold fluids may also trigger hiccups by causing the esophagus or pouch to contract and dilate.
Belching and bloating is very common after both surgeries and is generally due to excessive air intake. In the beginning, we really push fluid intake to prevent dehydration and sipping all day draws more air into the intestines. Sometimes this improves by using a straw, but I’ve also had patients say it makes it worse. These symptoms can be lessened with the use of over-the-counter gas relievers like Gas-X or Mylicon.
These symptoms generally improve with time as it becomes easier to drink fluids without taking baby sips.
