Question:
How Do I Expel Gas Orally Post Op If I Can't Burp Now?

I cannot burp, never have been able to! Sorry for the weird question! I don't know if there is anyone else out there with this problem... but I am worried I might get hurt if I cannot burp extra air out when I am post-op. Any ideas?    — Tim W. (posted on February 16, 2003)

February 16, 2003
A man who CANT burp ??? Will you marry me Tim :)
   — ruthie

February 16, 2003
well talk to your dr. i am sure he/she will have the answer. our bodies do have another way to pass the gas.... good luck!
   — nan K.

February 16, 2003
I couldn't burp before surgery and now I can get a few out when it's necessary. Still can do the recreational burping my brothers are so good at.... Oh, and the best way to dispel the gas is to walk around ALOT. This is a key to getting the gas out of your system.
   — Susan F.

February 16, 2003
I've never been able to burp either. Somehow, air just kind of gurgles up in my throat, and it's done. I've had a couple of instances where I WISH I could burp, but it passed. You'll be fine! :) ~Diana
   — Diana L.

February 17, 2003
Yikes. Good question. I was not a burper before surgery. Especially newly post-op, I had lots of pain and pressure from the excess gas. Believe it or not, water caused the most pain. It would get so bad that I would feel like I needed to throw up. Sorry for the following graphic details . . . but I would gag a few times and finally a BIG burp would be released. Now, when I get that feeling, I go to the bathroom and put my finger down my throat until I gag. I do not throw up, just gag. After I burp, I feel much better. This is actually my worst side effect so far. Knowing this, I would still have the surgery. I am 11 months out and have lost 111 pounds.
   — jm3218

February 20, 2003
I always wondered if I was the only person who couldn't burp! I didn't have any problems right after surgery, but I have found now that when I feel that pressure and know I need to burp, while I try and burp, I put a little pressure inward and upward on that hollow area at the base of my throat and the burp just comes right up (not a lot of pressure, just a light massaging pressure). I've been meaning to ask my doctor if this is OK to do once a day or so, but haven't got around to it yet. Once I was totally healed I felt the need to burp but couldn't -- I ran down my stairs to the laundry and the jiggling of jogging down the stairs brought the burp up. I thought it was a fluke, but find that if I really feel that pressure I can jog down the stairs and it works for me. Good luck!
   — Lynette B.