5 days post-op and I haven't passed any gas or been burping. Is that bad or should I feel lucky? Does that meen my surgeon did a really good job? Should I take the gasX and force it out? I'm not in any pain......Anyone?????

5 days post-op and I haven't passed any gas or been burping. Is that bad or should I feel lucky? Does that meen my surgeon did a really good job? Should I take the gasX and force it out? I'm not in any pain......Anyone?????

In general it takes a couple of days to work function in proper manner. Some pass gas in one day, some in three or four or it could take a week. Some have burping shortly, some subsequent as well. It counts on your digestive tract and the kind of surgery performed. Complications may slow down or halt the process.

Any persevering with a anxiety about difficulties should communicate her/his surgeon ASAP and not depend on online advice.

My surgeon told me if I was having problems passing gas, I could use 1 oz of Milk of Mag. or 10 oz of Citrate Mag. or Ducolax Tab. I also know others who have used Benefiber. I didn't have a problem passing gas but wanted to let you know some of your options. Have a great day!

If you aren't in pain, don't worry about it. Before the band, if you went days without "passing gas" would you have freaked? Probably not!

Be glad you're pain free, relax, and enjoy!

Not to ask to me TMI but have you had a bowel movement? As a post op nurse on of things we keep an eye on is your BMs as anesthesias put your gut to sleep. If this is the case (no BM) I would call your doc, if your having BMs all is good. Good luck.

Crystal

Opioid based pain meds (like vicodin, lortab, hydrocodone) can also be very constipating and may require intervention if you take it consistently (ck with your doc, don't self-medicate)

I was banded Monday and have been passing serious gas, but have not had a BM.....I wasn't a daily BM person before, but I think it has been years since I have gone a full week without one. I haven't taken my meds in 2 days, so should I just wait or call the dr?

I didn't have gas until the third day and then it was a doozy. I took Gas-X which helped but walking was better. I still have gas every once in awhile.

As for bowels, I was always a 1-2 times a day person and now I'm once a week. This bothers me greatly. I have begun the Fiber, stool softner, Water, with a little MOM and seem to be getting better. At least I hope so. At support group Benefiber and Equate Fiber pills were recommended.

As long as you are passing gas, you should be ok-it takes some people a few days to have a BM, but passing gas indicates an "awake bowel". It will come. But no passing gas and no BMs 5-6 days post op definately indicates a call to the doc for intervention. Good Luck all.

Crystal