I didn't have bad post-surgical gas pain. So that ended pretty quickly after surgery. I was feeling terrific until yesterday when what I am assuming is gas pain took over my abdominal cavity. It is a constant dull ache - up under my ribs on the sides, across the middle of my back, a feeling of needing to burp, but not being able to. My stomach looks puffed up. I'm so uncomfortable! I am still on Clear liquids and Protein shakes only. I have used two GasX strips, but I am not sure they are doing anything. I don't think it's constipation as I seem to go once a day and it's fairly normal, given I'm still on liquids. Breathing in deeply doesn't feel good nor does drinking my liquids and Protein Shakes. It feels like there is no room in me. Walking doesn't relieve it.

My fear is, what if I'm suddenly lactose intolerant? I love dairy and never had a problem. My surgeon's instructions say use GasX if I experience gas when I start soft foods Monday, but I didn't expect this before then.

Did anyone develop gas a few weeks on? What helps you with gas pain that isn't a result of the actual surgery?

That sounds like what I experienced with a gall bladder attack. I just found this description online: "One of the most common and evident symptoms of gallstones is pain that begins in the upper right portion of the stomach, under the ribs. This belly pain will radiate outwards, moving gradually to the center of the belly or upper back." Not to scare you, but it might be something to consider. I think you should call your doctor; if it's a gall bladder attack, they can diagnose it by doing blood work/testing within about 12 hours of the pains.