Key Takeaways
- Gas is a common side effect after bariatric surgery due to digestion, diet, and gut bacteria changes.
- Avoiding foods that increase gas production and getting regular exercise can offer some relief.
- Persistent or severe gas symptoms may indicate a complication.
Gas is a sometimes unexpected side effect of bariatric surgery, but it’s actually quite common.
If you find yourself feeling extra gassy, or if your gas is extra odiferous, you are not alone.
The changes made to your digestive system during surgery, along with your new way of eating and alterations to your gut microbiome, can all cause you to feel extra gaseous (and extra self-conscious).
We know this is a problem you don’t want to deal with (and neither do your loved ones, co-workers, and people on the elevator with you).
So, set your worries aside because we’ve tackled this uncomfortable subject and put together a mostly polite guide to help you understand why you are more gassy and what you can do about it.
Table of Contents
What Causes Gas After Bariatric Surgery?
Everyone has gas in their digestive system from swallowing air while eating and from the normal food fermentation process.
So why do you feel extra gassy? Well, it’s for several reasons.
First, your digestive system underwent a remodel during bariatric surgery. These alterations lead to changes in how your body digests and absorbs certain foods, which can cause more gas. Over time your digestive system can adjust to its new normal, but this may take a while, and really there is no way to rush it.
Second, after surgery, your dietary changes typically include an increase in protein and high-fiber foods. High-fiber foods are more difficult for your body to break down, and as they do break down, they ferment, which, you guessed it, causes more gas. Many bariatric patients turn to bariatric protein shakes and bariatric protein bars to meet their protein goals, which can sometimes contribute to gas, especially if consumed quickly or in large amounts.
Third, having bariatric surgery changes your gut microbiome. Your gut microbiome is a collection of good bacteria in your digestive tract that helps break down foods and do other essential functions. Changes to your gut flora (another word for microbiome) can cause an increase in sulfur production during digestion which can lead to extra gas and stinky farts. For some, adding a bariatric probiotic may help rebalance gut bacteria and reduce gas.
Why Do Bariatric Patients Have So Much Gas?
The answer to this question starts with malabsorption.
After bariatric surgery, your digestive system has trouble absorbing nutrients like it once did. This, of course, can benefit your weight loss goals but may negatively affect your gas supply. These foods that don’t digest and absorb as well, eventually reach your colon and spend some time fermenting. Fermentation brings on the gas.
Also, some people have trouble tolerating lactose after bariatric surgery. Lactose is a sugar found in milk and dairy products. Even if you never had an issue before, a glass of milk or cup of yogurt after bariatric surgery may be a culprit for gas. Bowel problems after bariatric surgery may also occur due to changes in the digestive tract and nutrient absorption, adding to this issue.
Adding bariatric vitamins, particularly bariatric multivitamins and bariatric multivitamin with iron, can help address nutrient gaps that arise from absorption issues while also ensuring you get the vitamins and minerals you need to stay healthy.
Another offender is swallowing air. Eating quickly or not chewing your food thoroughly can lead to more gas going down with each bite. This air eventually collects in your digestive tract and adds to your gas problem. Some bariatric patients find that bariatric vitamins chewable or liquid bariatric vitamin options can ease digestion and help reduce swallowed air, especially if traditional pills feel uncomfortable or lead to bloating.
Foods to Avoid for Reducing Gas
Before we dive into specifics, we want to clarify that each person is different, and what works for one person may not work for you. These foods are common gas-causing culprits, but they may or may not be an issue for you.
It might take some experimentation to discover which foods you need to reduce to help ease your overly gassy self.
- High-FODMAP foods: This is a fancy term for carbs that ferment in your gut. These foods include beans, certain vegetables, and some fruits. To decrease gas, try easing up on some of these foods.
- Carbonated beverages: While sparkling waters and bubbly sodas may be refreshing drinks, they can also be a gas source in the digestive system. Skip the fizzy drinks if you want less gas.
- Artificial sweeteners: Sugar-free products often contain artificial sweeteners like sorbitol and mannitol. While it may be tempting to go for the sugar-free options, check the ingredients because these sweeteners can cause some serious gas.
How Long Does Gas Last After Bariatric Surgery?
Gas discomfort after surgery may last several months or longer, depending on how your body responds to the surgery.
The initial gas problem that happens during surgery may only last a day or two. During the procedure, your surgeon may put some gas in your abdomen to help open your abdomen and see the structures better.
While this may help your surgeon perform an excellent procedure, it can leave you feeling pretty gassy. Often, this gas can travel up to your shoulder area and be quite painful. Walking right after surgery helps ease this discomfort, usually within a day or two.
As your body adjusts to your newly remodeled digestive tract and your new way of eating, it may take several months or longer for you to notice a decrease in your gas.
While this can be frustrating, embarrassing, and a nuisance, hang in there and know that less gassy days are ahead.
But remember, having a cheat day or indulging in some gas-producing foods may cause a comeback, just to keep you on your toes.
How Do You Get Rid of Trapped Gas After Gastric Bypass?
Physical activity, especially walking, is your best friend when it comes to helping you expel gas after bariatric surgery.
While you are in the hospital right after surgery, make it a goal to walk in the halls at least three times each day. Also, make sure you frequently change positions in bed, as this can help prevent gas from getting trapped.
When you get home, gradually increase your physical activity to walk off that gas.
Also, as we’ve been talking about, watch what you are eating and limit or avoid gas-producing foods.
If your gas is really bad, you may benefit from over-the-counter remedies such as simethicone or activated charcoal. These medications help break up gas and make it easier to pass.
When to Seek Medical Advice?
While gas after bariatric surgery is typically an annoying but common side effect, sometimes it can signal something more serious.
If you’ve made the adjustments we’ve discussed and are still dealing with persistent gas, it’s a good idea to discuss this with your healthcare provider.
Severe abdominal pain, especially if accompanied by vomiting or fever, is a red flag that something is wrong and needs immediate attention.
Also, if you experience a rapid weight loss or see blood in your stool, either black and coffee-ground-like or bright red, notify your healthcare provider immediately.
Conclusion
Having an increase in gas after bariatric surgery may be an unwanted and uncomfortable side effect. Unfortunately, it’s pretty common.
Adjustments made to your digestive tract during surgery, your new eating plan, and changes to your gut microbiome are to blame for this.
Symptoms like constipation after bariatric surgery, diarrhea after bariatric surgery, dry mouth after bariatric surgery, and the phenomenon known as foamies after bariatric surgery may also arise due to these adjustments, making it essential to monitor your body’s response.
Over time, your digestive system may naturally decrease its gas production. Making simple lifestyle changes like regular exercise and avoiding foods that cause gas can help this sometimes embarrassing situation.
However, don’t hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider if symptoms persist or become severe.
If you want to learn more, why not check out these articles below:
- Dumping Syndrome after Bariatric Surgery
- Hungry after Bariatric Surgery
- Nausea after Bariatric Surgery
- Heartburn after Bariatric Surgery
References
Diet and nutrition after gastrectomy: Your plan. (n.d.) National Cancer Institute.
What are your tips and tricks to post-bariatric success?