Question:
Do you still have gas pain with an open RNY?

   — Joni H. (posted on February 16, 2001)

February 16, 2001
I had no gas pain that I recall. Our surgeon does not require a bowel prep, either, so I think that helps. We just stop eating or drinking at midnight the night before surgery.
   — vitalady

February 16, 2001
Oh Lord Yes! major gas pains, this is a common side effect of any bowel manipulation and general anesthesia. A kind and wise woman on this website recommended to me when I was suffering with gas-it was worse than the incisional discomfort- a vibrating heating pad from Sunbeam. She told me it was 24.99 at KMart. My wonderful Mom ran to Kmart and obtained the heating pad-it worked wonders! Another great suggestion was simethicone, known as Mylicon or Gas-X also worked well. It would be a good idea to have these things on hand prior to surgery. Good Luck!
   — Margaret S.

February 17, 2001
Hi! I just read this and I had to respond. I had TERRIBLE gas pain after my open RNY. I had very limited pain from my actual surgery(ie the incision) but the gas was horrible. My surgeon told me to eliminate all dairy products and take Gas-X for the gas. This was extremely helpful! And the chewable Gas-X actually tastes good too!
   — Nikki (.

February 17, 2001
The only discomfort relating to gas was experienced by others around me. Even if they couldn't see me, they could still sense my presence. Of course, I always blamed the dog.
   — [Anonymous]

February 17, 2001
In reference to the gas pains after surgery. I had surgery in Aug. for acid reflux. I still experienced the gas pains due to the anesthesia for several months. The larger you are the more you need and the longer it may stay trapped inside. This dsn't mean this happens for everyone but it certainly did for me and it wouldn't suprise me if it happened for my upcoming surgery. In reference to gas within the stomach. I suffer from Barretts esophagus and RNY is successful with this also because the gas really can't build up (unless drinking soda)and backwash back up the esophagus damaging it. Don't know how true this is but this is what I was told.
   — Linda M.