Hi everyone,

I was banded on 11/1/07. I've lost 10lbs since then but not for reasons to be proud of. I have had excruciating gas pains everyday. Sometimes in my gut, shoulder, and jaw. Othertimes in my hips and down my legs. Drinking makes it worse. My surgeon is very strict about what we are allowed to have after 5 days. He is insistent on liquid shakes for the next 2 weeks. The shakes in his office sent me into the bathroom for hours. Waited 24 hours and tried again. Same thing. Yesterday the gas was so bad that I could barely sip water. I spent a few hours last night in the ER on an IV. They x-rayed the band and found a huge gas bubble. Tried Mylanta and Gas-X but this sucker won't pop. Everyday, I'm wondering why I voluntarily did this to myself. Anyone else had such awful gas pain? What did you do?

Hi Cindy, sorry to hear that. I was banded the same day and other than the first 2 or 3 days, all has been well... no gas pains. If you do a search for "gas" you'll fin heaps of posts on the subject. I haven't read of any as bad as you though. Keep us posted.

Cindy, my advice to you is walk, walk, walk. I was also banded on Nov 1. I required 2 days of IV's post op, because any sips of liquids would cause spasm. I use CPAP and my Dr. thought perhaps this aggravated the situation by passively forcing air into my esophagus while I slept. After that the gas was trapped and I was quite uncomfortable, walking "encourages" the intestines to get going after anesthesia. Additionally I was given a dose of steroids IV to help decrease swelling in my band area so I could take fluids. Make sure the fluids you are taking in are at least room temp(it's a relative term, my room was about 60 degrees) if the fluids are cold it encourages spasms. Hang in there it will pass. I also questioned why I would do this to myself at one point, I was so frustrated, doing everything I was told and not getting anywhere. 1 week post and I am only down 3lbs but very thankful for that and I feel great. I went home from the hospital 8lbs heavier than on admit, in part to all of the IV's I received. Like I said hang in there, this is just a small portion in you life and like my Mom used to say "this too shall pass". You will look back in a few months and realize it was worth the few days/weeks of discomfort to regain control of your life. Keep walking and I hope that gas bubble takes a road trip south very soon.

Kathy

Banded Nov 1.

Tampa, Fl

Dr. Aguilla

i was banded on Nov2 and i have the same problem gas and i will say the walking help but theback pain are crazy i go today for my week checkup will see how much i have lost so far.

I was banded 2 days ago. The gas pains can be fairly bad and overwhelming. I use gas-X to help break it up, laying on your side helps it to escape, too. And the big thing is walking. I wander through the house and that seems to help expell the gas, too. All I keep envisioning are all of us November dates walking around letting them rip!!

I wonder if you are sensitive to the sweetener in the shake. I know that sorbitol gives me gas and diarreah REALLY BAD. Check the ingredients and give him a call.

I had terrible gas pains... they sent me back to the hospital... walk as much as possible, hot showers helped to take my mind off of it... and laying on my left side really helped for some reason. My dr. says when they get bad lay down but keep your butt in the air b/c air rises and it will get it back to your belly.. try that.... but the left side worked the best for me....

Thanks for the help everyone! The gas pains have eased up a bit but not gone. The doc got some new shakes in his office. One is like chicken noodle soup. Not great but not horrible. I'm starting to get hungry. Why do some doctors allow their patients to eat mushy by now and others like my doc insist on liquids for almost 3 weeks?

Cindy i know exactly what ur talking about.. im in so much pain im starting to regret it!!!! I knew this wasnt going to be a piece of cake but the gas pains are horrible!! and for some reason I cant burp them out I've been able to let them out the other way!! let me know if you find a cure for it

I put a heading pad around my neck, mainly for my shoulders and that was helpful.

Anitak,

So sorry that you are experiencing what I went through. But guess what?! The gas pains are gone! They went away a few days ago. Just woke up one day and they were gone. You were just banded a few days ago and this is the worst of it. In another week, this will all be behind you. I promise that it will get better. The surgeon pumps tons of carbon dioxide into your abdomen when he performs the operation and some people take more time to expel it than others.

Hang in there!!

Cindy

try the mylicon baby gas drops ask your doc first but its worth a shot

Thanks Cindy I feel a little better today, I slept really good last night didn't wake up once!!! I finally bought some Gas-X and it helped!

Glad you're feeling better Anitak! Gas-X can be a lifesaver. Right now my biggest problem is hunger. Next Monday I get to go on mushies. Can't believe how much I'm looking forward to that. Got my mini processor ready to go!

My hubby had lap on Monday and he had terrible gas too. Walking helps. Gas was gone by Wednesday but he was up 4 hours after surgery walking or should I say schuchin down the hall like a little old man. But today was a different story. He his plumbing shut down. He was miserable, cramps, profuse sweating and dizzy. We got scared. Dr. recommended purne juice and drink more water! He was dehydrated. Well it worked. Just thought I would warn you to drink plenty!

I used a back vibrator on the spot that was affected, and it helped to disapate the bubble. I just have a little one from bed bath and beyond. It gave me pretty quick relief!