Question:
How do post ops deal with gas and dating??

I am still pre op. I was wondering....once we lose weight and get back into the dating scene, how do you deal with the gas when you are on a date?? I plan on keeping my surgery to myself for personal and private reasons. Maybe if the relationship got serious I would then tell them..but until that time, how can we control the smell, or just the gas? I don't want to drive the guy away! LOL I hear so much about the gas that comes along with surgery that I'm afraid to even think about dating !    — [Anonymous] (posted on October 19, 2001)

October 19, 2001
I am 1.5 years out and NEVER have gas, unless I eat sweets. Perhaps you'll find those foods that affect you and avoid them and it won't even be a problem. Good Luck!
   — ZZ S.

October 19, 2001
I asked my doctor about the possible gas problems and he said that he can prescribe something that will help with the gas that will thereby help with the smell. I also talked to some patients that say that they atleast take one dose per day and that has cut back signficantly with gas and foul smelling BMs. Also, I was told that not all patients will suffer from gas problems, so hopefully you won't have to worry about it.
   — A V.

October 19, 2001
I just wanted to let you know, I have never had gas since I had my surgery in April, 2001. I do not have foul smelling bowel movements either. This does not occur in most people that I have met. It was duscussed in our local support group and out of 40 people only about 5 had that problem.
   — Tammy J.

October 20, 2001
I had my surgery on July 12 2001. I still havent had any gas and 100 lbs gone forever. Good luck and dont worry not everyone gets the gas.
   — Kathy H.

October 20, 2001
Simply say that you have some minor intestinal problems, if the subject comes up. My hubby has Irritable Bowel Syndrome and has lots of times when under slight stress where he need to RUN to a bathroom. Simply saying that he has some minor intestinal problems has been his way to deal with it in business situations for years---it is one of those subjects that polite well-mannered people just don't ask for more details. Don't be embarrased about this, many people have food allergies or take medications that cause "bathroom" problems. I'm 7.5 weeks post-op and haven't had any bad gas problems, the diabetes meds I was on prior to surgery rally gave me bad gas----my hubby noticed that things were a lot better since the surgery! Actually one of the best part of the surgery is that you do get regular, but smaller and less frequent bathroom visits!
   — Sue F.

October 20, 2001

   — [Anonymous]

October 22, 2001
I'm only gassy if I eat any milk products(I'm lactose intolerant) or if I need to have a BM, if I can't go I use a glycerin suppository and I get rid of the gas and the BM. If you're gassy stop the milk products and see if there's a difference.If you're not used to eating beans, try beano. Once your body gets used to eating beans on a regular basis many people find that they won't make them gassy. For me I stay away from milk products and the first sign of gas, I hit the BR.
   — Helen B.