Question:
Okay, I've looked for an answer in the DB but can't find it... GAS!
I am 5 months post-op Lap RNY. I am behaving diet and exercise wise, and have lost about 72 pounds. Protein min. 50 g/day, carbs around 70/day, calories 700/day max. BUT I am gassy. REALLY gassy. The worst is at night, and my husband will not sleep with me now. He goes to bed with me so I will stop bugging me but he gets back up after I nod off and heads to the couch. When I wake up in the middle of the night he is in the living room. It is so bad that the smell wakes ME up! HELP! Is my marriage going to survive this???? I am scared too because I had pancratitis 2 years ago, and was very gassy before I got deathly ill. FYI I still have my gallbladder but we are positive there are stones in there - doc says no surgery until I have an attack. Another FYI, my blood sugar has been extremely low... down in the 50's daily (I used to have them in the 300's). I asked my PA about the hypoglycemia, but he says, in a nutshell, "eat more often". So I do, but nothing has changed. Any sage advice would be appreciated! Thanks, posties! -Shelli — kultgirl (posted on September 10, 2002)
September 10, 2002
Hi...Boy can I identify with you. I am at about the same stage as you, 5
months, down 72#, enough gas to heat my house. This is working for me:
Cut carbs and esp. breads and things with yeast, also really watch the
sugar (that will also affect your hypoglycemia), drink mucho water (am told
we should drink ounces equivalent to the excess pounds we carry), up your
protein (try for 60-80 a day)and what really has helped: a supplement from
GNC: Enzymes. I take two tablets a day after meals and it really is making
a difference. Also just something to watch: if particularly gassy, watch
gas producing vegetables and foods and very spicy food then reintroduce in
moderation. Hope it helps you. I know how you feel. Mine gets so bad,
the dog leaves the room at times. : ) My best to you!
— AJC750
September 10, 2002
Shelli, I haven't experienced this yet, BUT, my girlfriend had the surgery
4-5 months ago and she complains about the gas and says its
overwhelming...Her dtr gave her a perscription and I haven't heard her
complain about it in a month. Good Luck!
— heathercross
September 10, 2002
I've been through the same thing (and really only when I lay down at
night)and now at 7mo. out it's not too bad anymore. Absolutely no simple
carbohydrates (noodles, bread, sugar), and take CharcoCaps. Lots and lots
of CharcoCaps. It's activated charcoal. If you can get it down, there is
also Charcoal Plus. It's a honkin' big pill, but it has an enteric coating
to make sure it isn't released until it gets into your small intestine
where it will be the most effective. I know your pain and tell your
husband that my husband knows his pain! Get a fan and open a window. Might
as well not spray anything 'cause that'll just make it worse. Good Luck!
— Carolynn J.
September 10, 2002
P.S. The Symethicone in anti-gas formulas is for stomach gas, like belching
and will not do anything for you.
— Carolynn J.
September 10, 2002
I have no problem with gas now but about a month ago I went on vacation and
it was the first time I allowed myself simple carbs(bread,pasta &
rice). For one week I ate what I wanted in the carb department and if
anyone had lit a match we would have been blown to the moon. Vile stinky
loud gas that was constant. When I got home I was back on track, no simple
carbs and the gas went away.
— Alison N.
September 10, 2002
AH HA! I don't want to hear another word about how only 'those DS people'
get smelly gas... And, it will calm down over time. Meanwhile, try to
eliminate sugar, white flour and any thing with yeast...see if that don't
help... Good Luck!
— merri B.
September 10, 2002
You might want to consider readjusting the number of carb grams per day.
Sounds kinda high. Also, I DON'T dump on sugar but when I eat too many
carbs (pasta, etc.), I get LOTS of gas. Phew!
— Marti R.
September 10, 2002
Shelli, I agree with everyone's response, but have one other thing to
add...artificial sweeteners. I have found that not only do they stimulate
my appetite, they cause trmendous gas accompanied by pain. Especially one
called Maltitol and another called Sorbitol. These are found in sugar free
chocolate candy among other places. I can't eat broccoli either. Leafy
green vegetables are a problem as well. I stick to green beans and
cabbage. The only potatoes I eat are sweet potatoes and I limit those to
just the weekend for a treat. I stick to protein and some of the
rice/pasta in a Lean Cuisine. Hope this helps.
— Teri D.
September 11, 2002
hi, i have heard that the product called bean o helps with this
problem. it has enzymes in it your intestins need. can be taken
several times a day up to 3x the amount prescribed for a normal
person at a sitting. of course ask your doctor.
— kimberly T.
September 11, 2002
Hi there, I know this is a stinky subject but its one I have been
researching lately too. I found in the DB that there is a product called
Devrom (sp?) that is supposed to help with the odor. It is a pill that is
an internal deodarant of sorts. You might want to check it out. I also just
started taking an Enzyme pill from GNC-the manager at the store suggested
it to help digest foods as it seems like I am missing one/more of these
enzymes now. This may be similar to whats in bean-o. And I completely feel
for you on this one-I understand that you are not talking about just
regular gas that we all have and have had in the past. This is a new form
of lethal gas as I call it and it truly can damage relationships (the bed
sleeping issue). I am now 11 months post op and just starting experiencing
this "worse" gas since my gall bladder was removed a couple
months back. I just started taking these pills (the charcoal and the
enzymes) and I am testing them now. Email me in a few days if you want to
know how they are working-but I am going to post it on my profile too
because this is something many people are concerned about (and you were
brave enough to bring up!)I ordered the Devrom too-I will try anything at
this point! I should have them in a week or so. But to avoid getting bashed
here by someone (as I always tend too), I would suggest asking your doctor
about it too.
— Alli B.
September 11, 2002
Thanks everyone! I appreciate your help.
— kultgirl
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