Question:
Has anyone experienced painful bloating?

At 9 months out, I began experiencing extremely painful bloating and gas. In the beginning, my bowels weren't moving very well. I used a so-called mild laxative for awhile. Since then, I have tried the following: Probiotics (still use every day, helps bowels move) Rolaids complete gas-x charcoal tablets lac-taid maalox mylanta Sometimes it feels like the food is just sitting in my stomach, and not digesting properly. The only way I can relieve the pain is to belch, and sometimes the belches smell like food going bad. I'm now 15 months out from surgery. Still no relief. My bariatric surgeon thinks I'm just eating too much. But this occurs even after just drinking Sugarfree Carnation Instant Breakfast. I am miserable.    — Vickey B. (posted on November 10, 2003)

November 10, 2003
Vikey, I have a friend who experienced something very much like you are having. Her name is Gina, and if you will email me at [email protected], I can find her email address for you. You're in my prayers! dina
   — Dina McBride

November 10, 2003
I started having the same symptoms at about a year out. I am 18 months post now. I had constipation and when I would eat I would feel like I ballooned up. Very bloated. I also had the burping. My doctor ran several tests but he finally said that he thought I had an Internal hernia. These were all symptoms of this kind of hernia. I had surgery last week to fix it. I feels tons better now. My intestine had moved up through a hole and was resting around my stomach. I hope you feel better soon. Let me know if there is anything I can do.
   — [Deactivated Member]

November 10, 2003
Try skipping milk for 48 hrs and see if that helps. It kind of worries me that you are taking Tums-like things on a regular basis. That can interfere with your normal vites, and potentially cause oxalate type kidney stones. Have you had a scope to be sure your pouch is still completely normal? Whenever i hear the word bloat, I think "milk" first, then other sugars. The NSA CIB still has about 7g sugar and with a cup of skim milk, that's 19g. Another 6-7g of sugar and you've got a Milky Way worth of sugar.
   — vitalady

November 10, 2003
I agree with Michelle, it sounds like lactose intolerance which can develop at any time. A 48 hour milk free period will answer the question. 300/169 10/23/01
   — faybay

November 10, 2003
I agree with Michelle, it sounds like lactose intolerance which can develop at any time. A 48 hour milk free period will answer the question. 300/169 10/23/01
   — faybay

November 17, 2003
Thanks to everyone who answered my question. I knew one of the common after-effects of WLS can be lactose intolerance, but I guess I was in denial because I love dairy so much. It actually took about 72 hours before the bloat went away after cutting out the dairy. Plus, I'm still having some Reflux. Started OTC Prilosec on the 3rd day of my dairy-free diet. From the third day on, I have felt wonderful. Thank you thank you...
   — Vickey B.