Obesity is a national epidemic in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than one-third of American adults are obese. Gastric bypass surgery is one of the best options if you want a long-term solution for obesity and obesity-related illnesses.
Recommended by the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric surgery, gastric bypass surgery has a very high success rate.
However, like any surgery, there are potential side effects associated with the procedure. One of them is gas.
Read on to know what causes gas after gastric bypass surgery and what you can do to get rid of it.
Why Does Gas Form After Gastric Bypass Surgery?
Post-operative flatulence is very common after gastric bypass surgery. It is caused by multiple factors, including surgical incisions, the new digestive anatomy, and changes in diet.
1) Surgical Incisions: The incisions made during surgery can irritate the stomach and intestines, leading to flatulence.
2) New Digestive Anatomy: Gastric bypass surgery changes how your digestive system works. The stomach is divided into two parts, and a small section of the small intestine is attached to the new, smaller stomach pouch. It can lead to bloating and gas.
3) Diet Changes: Post-operative diet is essential for the success of gastric bypass surgery. You must have a diet plan that includes small, frequent meals and fluids. Sudden changes in diet can cause gas.
What Can You Do to Get Rid of Gas Post?
You can do a few things to get rid of gas post-gastric bypass surgery.
1) Take Over-The-Counter Medications
Your doctor may give over-the-counter medications such as simethicone to help relieve gas pain. Simethicone is an anti-gas medicine that helps break down gas bubbles in your stomach.
2) Drink Lots of Fluids, Especially Room Temperature Water, and Avoid Carbonated Drinks
Carbonated drinks can cause bloating and make you feel full. Room temperature water will help to keep you hydrated and prevent gas. You can drink fluids like herbal tea, lemon water, and clear broth.
3) Eat Small, Frequent Meals Throughout the Day
It is essential to keep your stomach from becoming empty after gastric bypass surgery. When empty, the stomach produces more acid, which can cause pain. To avoid this, eat small meals every few hours. It will help keep your stomach full and reduce the amount of acid it produces.
4) Avoid High-Fat Foods, Dairy Products, and Artificial Sweeteners
Dairy items like milk, cheese, and ice cream are common gas-inducing foods. Many people who are lactose intolerant find that they experience more gas after consuming dairy. Artificial sweeteners are another typical gas-triggering food. These include sugar substitutes like aspartame, sorbitol, and xylitol.
5) Exercise Regularly
Exercises like walking can help to stimulate bowel movements and relieve gas pain. You can try yoga or different forms of gentle stretching. Contact Dr. Ramos Kelly for gastric bypass surgery in Tijuana. Our international metabolic bariatric center can help you achieve your weight loss goals. We offer the best weight loss surgery in Tijuana, Mexico.
