Does anyone know about the use of charcoal capsules to relieve gas? A friend shared that they are very effective and natural opposed to using gas-x or other products?

I've used them in the past and they were effective. I was banded 2/15 and not only did I have extremely bad gas pains post-op, but lots and lots and lots of gas for about 6 weeks. It was awful. If I tried to hold it in (at work, etc) the pain would kill me but if I let it out, I would die of embarrassment. I took alot of phazeme (sp?).

Sorry to be so graphic but I thought I would go crazy. Everything gave me gas, no matter what I ate. Then, all of a sudden, it just stopped about 1 1/2 weeks ago. I get it occassionally but it isn't ruining my life!

Try the charcoal. It certainly can't hurt.

I've used them in the past and they were effective. I was banded 2/15 and not only did I have extremely bad gas pains post-op, but lots and lots and lots of gas for about 6 weeks. It was awful. If I tried to hold it in (at work, etc) the pain would kill me but if I let it out, I would die of embarrassment. I took alot of phazeme (sp?).

Sorry to be so graphic but I thought I would go crazy. Everything gave me gas, no matter what I ate. Then, all of a sudden, it just stopped about 1 1/2 weeks ago. I get it occassionally but it isn't ruining my life!

Try the charcoal. It certainly can't hurt.

Were your gas pains VERY painful? I was banded April 11, and the pains just haven't gotten much better since surgery. I never thought they would last this long or still be this painful! Did your pains ease up with time or just go away? Thanks, I'm going crazy!

My gas pains were so painful I thought I was having a heart attack. No kidding. I nearly called my sister in the middle of the night to take me to the hospital but I just kept walking, for hours, and it finally went away.

This happened almost every night for several weeks. I took Gas-X, phazeme, used the heating pad and everything else I read about on these boards so I thought I was prepared. But I wasn't. It was awful. I would walk all through my house every night to help with the gas. I nearly wore a path in my hardwood floors!

But now, hardly any gas at all. Life is much easier now. Hang in there, I promise it will go away.

Thanks, I will go to the health food store and pick some up as most people on this site state the gas pains are difficult to manage and you were not too graphic, fore-warned is fore-armed! I take an express bus to work each way for about 90 minutes, that is gonna be interesting (smile)