Question:
Why am I so gassy?

For the past week, I have been so gassy and swollen and hurting. Also there are times when I eat and when I am done I don't feel well and break out in a cold sweat. What is this and why is this happening? I have not been eating anything that I can think of that would make me gassy. I am scared that something is wrong. Any clues? Thanks in advance.    — dixieb (posted on August 13, 2003)

August 13, 2003
I don't know why all the gas, but it's common. The cold sweats are common too. For weeks after I ate all I wanted to do was lay down till it passed. It does get better. You didn't say how far out you were.
   — Yvonne G.

August 13, 2003
You don't say how far out you are, but when I was a new post-op first learning how to eat again I always felt sick after a meal. I would get nauseous, hot, and feel just plain awful. Occasionally I would get very bad gas too, and I burped a lot. A couple of months later, I can eat pretty much whatever I want as long as I don't overdo, and the episodes of nausea and yuckiness after eating are few and far between now. But sometimes overeating just the slightest bit will make me feel just terrible for a half hour or so. It doesn't take much. Other than that, it is hard to say what else might be going on with you without knowing when you had surgery. Can you give a little more info?
   — MomBear2Cubs

August 13, 2003
Hi Dottie, I don't know if you use straws to drink your fluids, but I hear they can cause excess gas.
   — Myrna E.

August 14, 2003
Hi Dottie, From your main page it looks like you had your surgery in Feb. Gas is not uncommon. For Gas, try GasX. I have periods when a food doesn't give me gas, then a day later when I eat the same thing - I get gas. Tomatoes, milk, certain veggies - anything which "ferments" can cause gas. Next for the cold sweat - if it is happening after you eat, it sounds like you could be dumping on something. Sugar is not the only thing which can cause dumping. Some people dump on fats and carbs as well. If you are concerened that your health may be compromised, take a few minutes & call your surgeons office. For gassy food insights you may want to speak to a dietician. If your surgeon does not have one, call a local hospital and ask to speak to the dietician. My best regards -
   — M B.

August 14, 2003
I am sorry...I am almost 6 months out...
   — dixieb

August 14, 2003
Gassy from which end? I have found that I have more intestinal gas (and smelly also) since surgery. Think about the fact that your plumbing has been rearranged and shortened so it comes out faster now.
   — ChristineB