Question:
What do you do about gas post-op? Anyone take Gas-Ex?

I suffer from extreme gas after meals at times now from all types of foods (not just the traditionally gassy ones). I'm five days before my surgery and took two Gas Ex gel tablets tonight after a dinner of 3 oz steak and a small baked potato. I do not have acid reflux or an ulcer, etc. But I'm talking belcho-city here guys. What do you do post-op for this type of uncomfortable gas or does it all go away after the surgery? Thanks!    — Mary Ann B. (posted on November 27, 2002)

November 27, 2002
Mary Ann, everyone is different. I HAVE NEVER HAD GAS ISSUES! In the beginning (3 mos post op now) I would start burping when when I was full. this was good b/c it would signal when to stop, that lasted like 2 wks...Never had any gas since. All my lap RNY friends, have had gas issues, not me, maybe cause I had it open. I have heard there are addt'l air pocket issues with lap which is attributable to the gas problems
   — heathercross

November 27, 2002
I only burp once when I am full. Its actually wonderful because it tells me I am full(kind of a backup,haha) Otherwise I have no problems with gas but my Doc tells us to take gas-x. I had open rny and am 3 1/2 months out.
   — Sharon1964

November 28, 2002
I had incredibly PAINFUL gas after surgery..the nurses told me to walk..walk..and walk some more..easier said then done..but I did it. However once I got home I had pains that felt like a stabbing knife and/or severe muscle spasms. Could harldy move or breath. Gas-X was my saving grace! Praise be GAS-X!! Still on liquids only. Lap RNY 11-14-02..2 weeks postop today! Down 31 pounds. Happy Thanksgiving :)
   — mmulnix

November 28, 2002
I thanked God for Gas-x!!!!! Yes use it, it worked wonders for me !!!! :)
   — Karla K.

November 28, 2002
Gas can be a MAJOR issue for post-op Roux-en-Y patients. Why? I don't know, but I can tell you is the quiet *clear the room* kind. Totally embarassing! You can do one of 3 things. 1) Try the Gas-X, or better yet a generic simethicone since it's much cheaper 2) Hope there are other people around and you can pretend it wasn't you, or 3) admit it and just tell people "hey, I can't help it, I don't know when it's coming until it's already come and gone, and I apologize". Personally, I use the Gas-X (generic), but it still happens.....and I've used both options 2 and 3 before! LOL
   — Lynette B.

December 1, 2002
I also have gas problems. In the beginning I ate the gas ex chewables and they worked wonders. Now the gas isn't painful like it was but it's still there. I have it with EVERYTHING I eat. No matter what I do it's ALWAYS there. Yes embarrasing but I think I'll explode if I hold it in LOL so I just use Lynette's #3 suggestion LOL I'm almost 4 months out I hope and hope and hope that it will eventually go away. But you know I've had so many problems with this surgery the gas usually doesn't bother me. I'd rather have that than bleeding internally again! Good luck and God Bless! :)
   — Diana L.

December 1, 2002
I took gas-x after I got home from open RNY and it helped tremendously. Good luck. Candy
   — Candy G.