Question:
What can I do for gas pain?

Iam 10 days post-op and I am suffering from gas pains and lower stomach cramps!! I can eat almost one soft cooked egg and have no problems. When I eat1/2 cup of soup broth with noodles I am hurting so bad within an half of hour.I am passing some gas maybe once a day, Iam burping constantly when I am sitting up or standing, never when I laying down.I have to use supositorys every other day and boy do I go. I feel a constanted ached in my lower stomach. Is this all normal??? I drink from a draw and I am wondering if I should stop? I had open RNY DISTRAL. Hurry and answer please    — Laura G. (posted on December 24, 2001)

December 24, 2001
I am 17 days post - op and I was told absolutely not to drink through a straw for some given time (couple months maybe if ever) to reduce the air / gas that can build up from it .. I\'ve had a couple bouts with constipation since I\'ve been eatting some soft foods, and apple juice (no surgar added / 100% pure juice) and the no sugar added carnation instant breakfast (I make with skim milk) seem to help a little. you might also want to take into consideration how fast you\'re drinking the broth or chewing the noodles that could also be adding the air... I also find when I get up from a slouching or laying position that I do some burping.. </p> I hope this helps..
   — Elizabeth D.

December 24, 2001
Laura please stop drinking from a stray. You are swallowing too much air and it will give you gas.You should sip your water slowly.Take care.
   — [Anonymous]

December 24, 2001
Are you drinking milk? Even skim, the sugars can torment your new plumbing. I am distal and everything with any sugar can make me \"rumble\". It\'s good, because if I\'m paying attention, I\'ll avoid that food the next time. (If it\'ll make me rumble or dump, it\'ll make me fat again). I also was unable to do broth. Although fats don\'t generally bother me, in the beginning, apparently the broth had too much. Is the gas constant or just following food? All foods?
   — vitalady

December 24, 2001
Hi--i am 6 mos.post-op. I had the same problem. Listen to the other posters about the milk and sugars. But in the mean time--to get rid of the gas--buy GAS-X at the pharmacy and take it. It helped me tremendously.
   — rose B.

December 24, 2001
Why are you taking supositories? Since you are eating less, you don\'t have to go as often. I go every day but I have heard of alot of people on this list who only go every 2-3 days. That could be the cause of your lower intestinal cramps. That egg may be gassing you up without you knowing it also.I know they give me gas. You also might be having a hard time digesting the noodles. I have alot of trouble with noodles and rice just about kills me. I guess the noodles will swell in your stomach so you can\'t eat as much. And the straw - I know when I first got out of the hospital I thought they told me to be sure and drink everything through a straw. NOT! I had so much gas pain I was about to go to the ER. As soon as I stopped drinking with a straw it got much better. Much better. I also chewed on tums. I know what you mean about standing and burping. There was a point when I couldn\'t even open my mouth to talk without constantly burping in someones face. Thats so embarrassing isn\'t it? I would pass my gas mostly at night while I slept. That does not make a comfortable night for a companion- trust me. Things will get better. It\'s a learning process.
   — [Anonymous]

December 24, 2001
Noodles? My doc didn\'t want us eating noodles, bread, etc. because it will ball up on your stomach. His patients were on liquid diets for 3 weeks. Liquid, meaning anything that you pour through a strainer and comes out you can have, but I guess each doctor is different. Just try liquids for a while and see how that does. Good luck!
   — [Anonymous]

December 24, 2001
Eggs?, holy gas-a-matic! I would get gas from eggs before my surgery.The gas pain was my biggest nuisance but got it under control quickly. I became lactose intolerant for a week or two post and just chewed a Lactaid with my first bite. Also I was on liquids for about 3 weeks,it might be too early for soft foods.You will get better, I am 4 weeks post and cant wait to get back to work...Good Luck,Greg
   — Greg S.

December 26, 2001
My Doctor requires his patients to be on liquids for 2 weeks, purees for 2 more weeks and then soft foods like noodles ground beef ect for the next 4 weeks. He said he had a patient who didn't follow this because someone on the internet told her they were allowed to eat and she ended up with 3 painful ulcers.
   — Candace F.