Question:
Having trouble getting liquids down is this gas?

I wrote before about pain in my side and had that answered. I am 11 days post op, no problems so far. I am still onliquids but since yesterday have not felt like I could drink anything. I feel bloated? gassy? even up into my throat. Also the pain on the left next to my belly button is getting sharper, also the pain to the left by my ribs. I am burping A LOT but that's not even helping. I will call my doctor tomorrow and ask if it does not clear up, any similar situations??? Oh I also have no problems with bowel movements and I have been eating the same diet for the past 11 days.    — Mandy M. (posted on June 23, 2001)

June 24, 2001
Mandy, I would like to know what your doctor has told you about your pains, gas, bloating, and burping. I am almost 6 weeks post-op, down about 60 pds from 437, and am having a horrible time with burping and some bloating. I found that, when I am bloating, if I stick to the liquid diet for a day or two that I have bowel movements and the bloating goes away. This has only been since being allowed a regular diet after the first month. I still don't have much appetite so returning to all liquids etc. for a day or so is fine. Hope things are progressing well for you.
   — Rita J.

June 24, 2001
Hi Mandy - I had the exact pain you're describing until I was 4 weeks post op. My surgeon said the left side, especially near the belly button and ribs, is where he did most of the "work". I carry a lot of weight in my breasts and I found that if I supported my left breast with a pillow while sitting in my recliner or while laying in bed I got tremendous relief. I realized that the weight of my large left breast was pulling down on the incision and surgical area causing terrible pain. I even had to walk around the house holding my left breast up for weeks and even though it sounds silly, it made that terrible pain go away so I didn't care what I looked like. It took me a long time to figure out what the problem was and maybe you're having the same trouble. Hope this helps.
   — [Anonymous]