Can't burp! Is this normal?

[Neila 4]

I had my surgery yesterday (January 14). I am doing great on pain, but I cannot burp. Has anyone else had this? It is driving me crazy!!

Otherwise, the surgery was great. The only pain I'm really having is gas pain in the left side and left shoulder, and a sore throat from the breathing tube.

I am taking Gas-X, but I would love to be able to have one giant Elf-sized burp! Is this normal? Is there anything you can do to make yourself burp? How long should it take post-op?

[drea1019 9]

Hi congrats to you. I am about 4 wks post op (1 month) I have the same issue..not that I was a big burp person before..but I know I haven't had one either..I'm curious to see what suggestions you receive.. again congrats on your surgery.

[Leepers 1,195]

I TOTALLY felt that way after surgery. I felt like I wanted to let out one big ginormous burp but couldn't. That feeling lasted a couple of weeks. Now, a month later I still don't have big burps like I used to . I have little burps when I'm eating.

I felt like the band changed the whole pressure system inside my esophagus. It probably did. Now the gas from your stomach can't escape upward through the smaller hole. Also, I haven't had any carbonation or been eating like crap to cause big burps.

That uncomfortable feeling will pass.

[kimk1999 450]

Yeah I felt the same way. I even had my fiancé tap on my back to try to burp me. After five mins I said don't worry about it. Gas-x and heating pad on the shoulder is how I made it through. It was still quite uncomfortable. I think that feeling mostly lasted about 5 ish days. Then on and off for another week but not nearly as bad.

[BillieG 81]

When I had my tubes tied I suffered from shoulder pain for weeks! Now after the lapband I feel lucky to not have that experience. However, I wonder if the gas just got trapped in my belly because that is where all of my discomfort is... I am still super bloated and have difficulty passing gas or consuming enough liquids for the day due to the "full" feeling. I hope it goes away soon because it does not feel good. (it is tolerable though...)