Question:
Everytime I take sips of ANYTHING it is almost as if I feel gas forming.

I am 5 days post op gastric sleeve (laparoscopic). I am still doing full liquid diet (primarily high protein meal replacements, but some crystalite flavored water - that's about it). With every swallow (and I am taking very small sips!) I feel gas or air bubbles forming and it is quite painful. What do you all take for this gas that is forming? And how long will it be like this? Also (2nd part of question) - I haven't had a bowel movement since the morning of surgery. I don't feel the urge to go and I don't feel constipated - of course all I've had are liquids. Didn't do any laxative before surgery, but the day or so before surgery I had only liquids and had loose bowels morning of surgery. I know pain meds can make you constipated. Not sure what to take. (I do have call into Bariatric RN but thought I'd check with you all.)    — Wendy M. (posted on September 9, 2008)

September 9, 2008
at the place u r i could only swallow an amount of liquid that was enough to wet the inside of my mouth.not any where near a whole swallow.give it time and in themean time sip a very small amount do not use a straw it contributes to gas that needs to burp.goodluck and welcome to the loosing side
   — Bette Drecktrah

September 9, 2008
DITTO!!!!! I'm 7 weeks out now and only in the past 2 weeks have I been able to actually drink anything (other than sip). I found a "vitamin water" that I can drink without pain! I missed taking an actual "drink" of liquid more than I missed any food. This stuff is great. I found it at Kroger and Wal-Mart. As far as your part#2: don't worry, it will happen when your body is ready... considering your input and recovery from surgery. I at 2 weeks out before having a bm, feeling the same as you, and everything is fine. Hope this helps!
   — pattschiele

September 9, 2008
First off congrats on your surgery!! On the drinking front, my dietican taught me a new way of drinking. Before surgery when we drink, we swallow after taking a breath. She taught me to only swallow after I exhale (before your breath in again). It takes awhile to get used to, but you will not swallow as much air this way. Try it and see if this works for you. On the BM department, you will still have BM's but until you are on more solid foods, they will be less frequent and loose. Pain meds can lead to constipation so be sure to drink...drink....drink. Good luck. Paula
   — Paula K.

September 10, 2008
Hello, I had surgery last week also. (RNY laproscopically) On days 4 and 5 after surgery I had a home health nurse come and check me out. I thought I was fine. Sure I had pain still and my stomach felt bloated and uncomfortable. Anyway, she listened to my tummy and said nothing was going on in the bowel dept! She told my husband to get me som Milk of Magnesia (or generic version) and to take it right away. I took 30cc (medicine cup) last Friday late morning. She told me if nothing happened to take another 30cc that evening. That is what I did and it did the trick. I did have loose bowels for that night and into the next day, but I felt MUCH better! I too had felt full even after a sip of water and pretty uncomfortable. I would suggest giving that a try. Just make sure you will be close to a bathroom. Good luck and I hope you feel better!
   — Lisa B.

September 10, 2008
Check the labels of whatever you are eating/drinking for sugar alcohols... these include glycol, glycerine, glycerol, erythritol, arabitol, xylitol, ribitol, manitol, sorbitol, isomalt, malitol, lactitol. They are notorious for causing gas and in some cases diarrhea. It's also quite possible that you haven't gotten rid of all the gas they pump you up with during laproscopic surgery. Walk, walk, walk and walk some more. If your surgeon approves it, you can take GasX (simethicone)... available in a gel cap, chewable, fast melt, and liquid drops (the baby kind). It is an anti-foaming agent and helps break up bubbles and makes it easier for your body to absorb the gas. Last but not least, you have to eat to poop! You are probably pretty empty from the loose bowels on the morning of your surgery and you haven't really eaten anything since. If you don't feel the urge to go and you aren't uncomfortable or feeling constipated, I would not take anything... laxatives can cause gas and cramping and that's the last thing you need right now. But please do check in with the Bariatric RN. Hang in there! * Mannitol * Sorbitol * Isomalt * Maltitol * Lactitol
   — mrsidknee

September 13, 2008
Paula Chumbley, thank you! What great information. I'm pre-op VSG and I'll start practicing your swallowing technique today! Any way to minimize discomfort is worth the practice. Thanks for asking, Wendy. I'm learning a lot!
   — AlmaRene

September 13, 2008
Just a follow-up. I saw the doctor for my one-week post-op (lost 9 lbs my first week). He said it is normal to have those air bubbles as we swallow - it will get better in time - just be sure to take very small sips. Also I found that if I make my shakes in the magic bullet, I get a lot of foam, which means you are swallowing a lot of air. So I have been sitting my shake in the frig for 30 minutes or so and that allows time for the foaming to go down so you don't swallow as much air. Also, doctor told me I should have had BM by now and had me take 5 tablespoons of Milk of Magnesia. It is very gentle and took a while, but started working within 6 hours. Just a note if you do this - be close to a bathroom for at least 24 hours! I feel more like moving around today, and the pain is much better- first day without a pain pill - yeah!
   — Wendy M.