Question:
Sorry to be kind of gross................

But do any other long term post ops have extremely smelly gas? I am 17 months post op and just over the past few months my flatulence has become almost unbearable to my family! To me, it DOES smell different than it used to. My husband always makes a big deal about it and says how awful it is. I agree with him, but it's getting to the point of being annoying because of the flack I get for it! Now I try to go into the bathroom or run outside - if I can make it - so that my family doesn't harrass me about it !! Has anyone else had this problem, or does anyone have advice? I haven't changed my diet at all, I eat the same things as I always did. Thanks!    — michelle T. (posted on July 22, 2003)

July 22, 2003
I remember reading somewhere that this happens to some between 12 and 18 months and is do to the redevelopment of the bowel as it adapts to the new system in place. That your actually digesting/absorbing more of what you eat and that's what causes the bad odor. I've noticed the last couple of months (1 year out now) that mine bowels have gotten more pugent, but haven't noticed it in the gas YET :>)
   — [Deactivated Member]

July 22, 2003
I only have this when I eat white carbs, sugar, or some sugar-free foods. And when it happens, YES it is nasty. But I can avoid it by avoiding the foods. Try keeping a little diary to see what foods/food types are causing it, then avoid those like the PLAGUE! LOL Chances are it'll be stuff you really shouldn't be eating anyway. At least, it is for me!
   — ctyst

July 22, 2003
Yep...the gas has gotten worse. For me I know it has a lot to do with eating lot of carbs. But I can hold my gas all day long at work for obvious reasons. As soon as I get in the car, all the way home and once there...I'm like a little pot bellied stove just tootin away. I think it is affecting my relationship with my hubby. Kind of hard to be romantic with someone who's fartin all the time <heavy sigh> dont know what to say or do. I find I just cant run to the bathroom every time I want to pass gas, i'd be in there most of the time.
   — SARose61

July 22, 2003
Good Lord, yes...if I eat the wrong things (carbs or sugar), I am guaranteed gasseousness a hour or so later, that can take paint off the walls. I keep an ungodly supply of Gas-X (actually the Walgreens version which is exactly the same as the original, but about $4.00 cheaper) plus Devrom around. They work really quickly to stop the gas in its tracks. I carry them with me in my purse, too, just in case. But I know what you mean...Phew! Sometimes it's just <b>MUTANT</b>...LOL. Hugs, Joy
   — [Deactivated Member]

July 22, 2003
ditto with rosemary vasquez, it's if she just wrote down my life. my doctor said to use products like gas x which you can get in generic form from just about everywhere and my doctor said i could use up to three times the amount listed per day. good luck...kimberly open distal rny 11/12/02 -111lbs
   — kimberly T.

July 22, 2003
Devrom tablets are wonderful to control odor. It's an over-the-counter product so you don't need a prescription. Lot's of WLS patients use it and sing it's praises! You can find it by searching Google for Devrom or you can mail order it by calling 205-838-3130. Hope it works for you! Another good solution is a spray called Smells Begone. I heard about it on this site and order it from <http://www.vermontcountrystore.com/prdSell.asp?ProdGroupID=13021&DeptID=1316&CatID=17475> I pour some in a small spray bottle and keep it with me, just in case... I also buy the solid for the bathroom. Tom
   — Tom Barton

July 22, 2003
Sorry, here is the link where you can buy Smells Begone online: <http://www.vermontcountrystore.com/prdSell.asp?ProdGroupID=13021&DeptID=1316&CatID=17475> Tom
   — Tom Barton

July 22, 2003
Well. . . something is keeping the link from posting. Sorry. Email me if you want the link. [email protected]
   — Tom Barton

July 24, 2003
YOUR not dreaming my bowels and gas can be so bad I carry matches with me to cover the smell.I do not know what causes the bad odor but I am going to try devrom.
   — Bennett F.

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