Question:
Is gas a major problem after RNY?

Just curious, is post-op gas a major problem after RNY? Does it have anything to do with what you've eaten prior to surgery? I'll be on clear liquids the day before surgery, will that help alleviate any gas problems?    — Lacy G. (posted on October 29, 2000)

October 29, 2000
I am 11 days post-op and experienced a little gas in the 4-5th day in the hospital. The nurses kept asking if I'd had any gas as that part of the system is the last to awake and start functioning again. I have more than usual amount of gas several times each day, not un-comfortable, since my BM's resumed. I think it is a lot of gas and it is very foul...perhaps a part of the healing process internally. I recent read another posting from a man who had excess gas and was questioning when it lessened during the healing process, so it must be a common occurrence.
   — Thom C.

October 29, 2000
The ONLY time I've had gas with surgery was in the olden days when I did the clear liquids before. My bariatric surgeon does not have us "purge" before surgery, so I had no more than normal gas. However, we are not subjected to any milk products and are encouraged to move about. Not long walks, frequent walks. Back in 1973, they did the full purge, so I was EMP-TY. Didn't move much, and they started us on milky diet, so I killer gas that paralyzed me with pain for 3 days. YOW! I have had 6 or 8 abdominal surgeries since then and you wanna see someone who ASKS to get up? Here I am. OK, I'm ready! Stand me up! And clear liquids ONLY. Milk generates gas for a normal system! Make it easy on yourself.
   — vitalady

October 29, 2000
Lacy, I had gas and gurgling going on the first week but I think that was mostly from the air in my abdominal cavity after surgery and my digestive track waking up again. I was advised by two members of the nursing staff to have Gas-X on hand in case I did experience gas. They had both had the open RNY. One had gas and one didn't. The first trip out on broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, etc can be a gassy experience.
   — Nanette T.

October 29, 2000
Major gas is not a problem post op what happens is that after the surgery they actually wait untill you pass gas (medical term is flatus) this shows that you intestines are starting to work again this is a good sign.
   — debbie P.

October 29, 2000
Following my proximal RNY, I only had the usual/normal post-op gas that hits you on the 2nd - 4th day after surgery. I had no pre-op diet restrictions, and ate a regular meal the night before surgery. I was on a full liquid diet for the 1st 3 weeks post-op, then advanced to regular food. I experienced some gas at that time, but only for the first day or two of "real food"...no problems in the 6 months since.
   — Diana T.

October 29, 2000
Everyone is different. I am 6 months post op and I didn't have any problems with gas right after surgery. But soon as I could eat food I started having problems with gas, and I still do 6 months post op. A lot if gas. And also since having the RNY I can't belch anymore. I guess that is why I have more gas LOL Open RNY 4/18/00 81 pounds & 65 inches gone. 19 pounds to my goal.
   — Betty H.