Question:
Terrible gas pains. Please help.

Sorry the other question didn't get finished before I hit the go button. I am having horrible gas pains, day and night. What am I dong wrong and what can I take for it? Could it be a food. I am not eating any legumes, little bit of milk products. Seriously, this pain is worse than the surgery. Can you help?    — [Anonymous] (posted on February 16, 2002)

February 15, 2002
Hi! The pharmacist recommended Mylanta Gas for me and it really helped. BUT, where is your pain and how far out are you? Are you constipated? I had terrible pain under the right rib and thought it was gas but the surgeon said it was from the retractors used to spread the ribs to get a better viewing area. (I had open). It took about a week to go away. Call the surgeon and check with him. If it is something simple, it will make you feel better. If not, he can get a handle on it now. Good luck.
   — grammie5

February 15, 2002
Try walking around, that will help and then pass it dont hold it back. Are you sure its gas pains, you might want to give your DR. a call.
   — KAREN T.

February 16, 2002
Without a doubt, call your doctor. I had what I thought were horrible gas pains day and night the week before Christmas. It turned out to be appendicitis... the pain never did travel down to the lower right side. After my appendectomy, the pains started up again a few weeks ago. This time it was gallstones. So, sometimes it isn't just gas pains! Had my gallbladder out a couple days ago. Haven't had any pain since! I am 6 months out of open rny and down 94 pounds.
   — Pamela F.

February 16, 2002
Post op gas is definitely one of the WORST side effects of this surgery. The pain is absolutely unbearable at times. I no longer eat brocolli or too much salad. I have been keeping it under better control lately with dietary changes but sometimes it sneaks up anyway. Phazyme makes an ULTRA formula thats pretty good. Beano (before you eat something that causes gas) is good too. But most times the only thing that helps is I lay on the floor and put my knees to my chest. Then my DH pushes my knees into my chest and kind of rocks me. It gets the muscles moving in the abdomen and then the gas moves. Taking deep deep breathes also makes it move. Feel better!
   — Jeannet

February 16, 2002
I know when I was about 2 months post op I had these horrible pains that would require me to lie down on my belly on the hard floor after I ate, until it passed. I told another post op about it and she sneered at me and said get some Gas-x. I was a little indignate, after all I know what gas feels like. But, I took her advice and WOW...she was right. I had to double dose it, but it worked for me. I did eventually stop getting the horrible pains and I haven't needed any Gas-X for months now. I do get gas, but the normal passing on it's own kind...lol. I would just double check with your surgeon to be safe. Hope this helps. Kim Open RNY 7/17 -87
   — KimBo36

February 16, 2002
When I don't get enough water in and get too much fiber in, I get HORRIBLE pain that travels through my digestive system along with my food- it can last 1-2 hours. Of course, it doesn't happen much cuz now I watch my fiber intake and keep my water up, BUT, what has helped me in the past is 1. Immodium AD- helps the cramping- check to see if your doctor allows this! and 2. an hot water bottle also helps to relax my system. Good Luck- I know it hurts!
   — M B.