Question:
5 days post, full of gas, vomit

Hi. I am 5 days post op and have a few concerns. I had a lap rny and it went well. I haven't even needed pain meds since day 2. However, I have so much gas. If I drink slowly, I can feel it going down and then the gas bubble. I have been burping like crazy, get so tight in the chest area. Then when I think I am fine, relaxed and doze off, I throw up. It doesn't hurt or anything but I am worried about losing all that fluid. Sometimes I just throw up "foam" when I burp. Any advice, thoughts? Thanks a ton!!! JIll    — Jill E. (posted on June 7, 2003)

June 7, 2003
Hi Jill. I had my lap RNY in April, and I also had awful gas. It would growl in my chest and travel only up to my throat, and the tightness would last until I let out a 'normal' burp. If I didn't burp, it would progress to awful nausea. When you say you doze off, do you mean that you go lay down? If so, this could be making it worse. Stay upright, walk around, thump on your chest, whatever helps you get the gas out. The gas drove me so crazy that I would take a chewable GasX at times, and that helped. Are you only throwing up when you drink slowly, or at certain times of the day? Is it the same when you take many sips in a row, or just one sip? See if there's a pattern you can find (for me it was crankiest in the morning, and when taking pills), and go from there. If you can't keep anything down, ever, call your doctor! But if it's just a gas problem it WILL get better. Best wishes.
   — Judy M.

June 7, 2003
Get you some gas-x, quick, fast and in a hurry. I had that same problem and gas-x has become my friend. I have it everywhere around my house, in my purse and all my coats. Don't leave home without. But soon it will pass. Especially when you cut down on the clear liquids that has sugar alcohols in them, like jello and s.f popsicles. Hope this helps.
   — Ms. Ang

June 7, 2003
I am a 2 week post-op. I have had that burping feeling also. Since I have also had a history of esophageal spasms, I was able to identify this feeling quickly as spasms also. It comes from all of the changes that have been made and should get better in a couple of weeks. If the vomiting continues, it should be checked out. You really need your fluids.
   — Denise C.

June 7, 2003
After My surgery I had the "burping" feeling as well. I discovered for me that that was my bodies way of letting me know I was full. I cut down how much I ate a little and those problems passed. I was also throwing up the foam as well, and that stopped after I cut down. It gets better, so just hang on. I agree though about Gas-X it will be yours, and everyone one around you, best friend!!!
   — dkinson