I went for VSG surgery two days ago and this gas is unrelenting.

I’ve been walking every 1-2 hours & taking chewable Gas-X every 4-6 hrs or so, but it is still so awful. I’ve been staying on top of getting fluids down, but it’s so hard, because each sip feels as if it shifts the gas pain.


How long was it a problem for you, and what did you do to get rid of it?

It lasted about a week, so hang in there. Chewable gas-x is your friend, but do you have anyone that can help you by pounding on your back? Think burping an infant- it helps so much. I also tried to make myself burp (results may vary and include vomiting, so don't do that all the time...), but it did eventually go away. If it's pain in your shoulder, a heating pad helped with that.

Good luck; I remember how much it sucks. But you will get through it very soon. ❤️

Thanks that helps. I am 9 days out and gas and bloating have been the worst! What about general abdominal swelling and tenderness not just at the surgical sites but all over?

As a big time reader of this site - I have read the average to be 10 days - Some like me had little issues after 2 days and some have gone 3 weeks

Keep moving Keep moving bend twist move - The tenderness is there as you heal - will lesson each day. Plan on a month

Use CBD cream to help with the tenderness in those areas

58 minutes ago, Angelove22 said:

Thanks that helps. I am 9 days out and gas and bloating have been the worst! What about general abdominal swelling and tenderness not just at the surgical sites but all over?

It really depends on if you are letting yourself heal. My scars occasionally twinge even though I'm five months out. The swelling went down for me after about three weeks, but at that point, my gallbladder was failing, so the tenderness didn't go away for me until after I had that removed. The beginning is hard, but you just have to take care of yourself. Keep hydrated, keep on walking every day, and make sure you are getting sleep. ❤️

On 05/27/2020 at 10:53, Sammi_Katt said:

It lasted about a week, so hang in there. chewable gas-x is your friend, but do you have anyone that can help you by pounding on your back? Think burping an infant- it helps so much. I also tried to make myself burp (results may vary and include vomiting, so don't do that all the time...), but it did eventually go away. If it's pain in your shoulder, a heating pad helped with that.

Good luck; I remember how much it sucks. But you will get through it very soon. ❤️

Thanks. That makes me feel better. My friend came with me to get the surgery so she’s been helping with the chest/back PT portion. I’ll just keep doing what I’m doing then and plan on it being bothersome for a week or so.

For my hysterectomy the bad part of the gas was about 48 hours. But it is so painful for me now with the sleeve surgery that is takes my breath away. I have done every single think that could have heloed and have walked a hole in the floor since just after surgery. It is disheartening to have this much pain not even directly related to the surgery ?

Try using a heating pad. It helps and is comforting. Did you receive the little breathing toy you blow in and keep the little ball up (spirometer)? Using it frequently requires you to take deep breath before blowing. This pulls your diaphragm down and helps moves the gas around. It is really supposed to prevent pneumonia but found this suggestion elsewhere and found this helpful.

Sent from my SM-T580 using BariatricPal mobile app

7 hours ago, over65 said:

Try using a heating pad. It helps and is comforting. Did you receive the little breathing toy you blow in and keep the little ball up (spirometer)? Using it frequently requires you to take deep breath before blowing. This pulls your diaphragm down and helps moves the gas around. It is really supposed to prevent pneumonia but found this suggestion elsewhere and found this helpful.

Sent from my SM-T580 using BariatricPal mobile app

Oh trust me, I have used the heating pad - and meds, and stretching, and walking, the breathing exercises, and exercises to open the chest, and... ☹️

I am both in healthcare and a prior researcher and so I even went to the scientific lit to find answers, but little helped. But I believe it is getting better now. Of course it is also a matter of nerve irritation and it is possible that lasted longer than is typical. I have to wonder if the surgeon took the usual steps to clear the gas or if maybe he was in a hurry (this being a business as any other and with the income stopped for months here).

I did order a new, softer heating pad so should I need one again there will be a nicer and more comfortable one! ☺️ Thank you for caring.