Passing gas?

Anyone have tips for the 1st post op "toot". I really feel the need, but am scared, and don't want to strain (not suppose to strain). But it is right there- I have been up walking a little this morning to try and get it to pass. I don't want to take any gas-X until after I've passed a little.

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Originally Posted by mandals0810 Anyone have tips for the 1st post op "toot". I really feel the need, but am scared, and don't want to strain (not suppose to strain). But it is right there- I have been up walking a little this morning to try and get it to pass. I don't want to take any gas-X until after I've passed a little.

I took GasX right away and it was very helpful. I'm confused why you want to wait?? It's not a laxative. And it works fairly quickly.

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Originally Posted by Kelly G I took GasX right away and it was very helpful. I'm confused why you want to wait?? It's not a laxative. And it works fairly quickly.

I'm just really not sure if I needed to actually pass gas before I took the gas-X. I haven't passed any since before surgery. I know passing it is a big deal after any type of abdominal surgery.

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Originally Posted by mandals0810 I'm just really not sure if I needed to actually pass gas before I took the gas-X. I haven't passed any since before surgery. I know passing it is a big deal after any type of abdominal surgery.

It took me until post op day 1-2 to get going. My dr allowed GasX right away, I took some after surgery! Make sure you walk every hour, I set my phone alarm during day. I did tiny Laps around my house. I sipped on Sprite soda too which made me burp which helped too, especially after DaVinci. That gas is trapped everywhere. You may feel it around your neck and shoulders soon too. I even felt short of breath at first, kinda freaked me out. Take that Gas X!

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Originally Posted by Kelly G It took me until post op day 1-2 to get going. My dr allowed GasX right away, I took some after surgery! Make sure you walk every hour, I set my phone alarm during day. I did tiny Laps around my house. I sipped on Sprite soda too which made me burp which helped too, especially after DaVinci. That gas is trapped everywhere. You may feel it around your neck and shoulders soon too. I even felt short of breath at first, kinda freaked me out. Take that Gas X!

Thank you! I finally did pass a little air, and then took a gas-X. I've not had the dreaded shoulder/neck pain yet. I'm about 24 hours post op now. My surgery was at 7:10 yesterday morning.

I honestly think the majority of my pain is from gas... Ugh- lol

Hi mandals0810, welcome to the other side!
Regular exercise has always been my doctor's top recommendation for getting the gas out, so make sure you're getting up and moving around every so often; also try peppermint tea or fennel seeds. Also avoid gassy foods, including legumes, onions and garlic, cabbage and its relatives, cucumbers, melons, pears, and artificial sweeteners. Others have reported sitting on the toilet to pass gas; try sitting with your knees drawn into your chest, and your feet elevated on a low stool, which straightens the rectum, enabling easier passage. If you're constipated, that may be a contributing factor; what ultimately worked for me was a green smoothie with cherries and ground flaxseeds. Best wishes for your continued recovery!

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Originally Posted by TitanicPrincess113 Hi mandals0810, welcome to the other side! Regular exercise has always been my doctor's top recommendation for getting the gas out, so make sure you're getting up and moving around every so often; also try peppermint tea or fennel seeds. Also avoid gassy foods, including legumes, onions and garlic, cabbage and its relatives, cucumbers, melons, pears, and artificial sweeteners. Others have reported sitting on the toilet to pass gas; try sitting with your knees drawn into your chest, and your feet elevated on a low stool, which straightens the rectum, enabling easier passage. If you're constipated, that may be a contributing factor; what ultimately worked for me was a green smoothie with cherries and ground flaxseeds. Best wishes for your continued recovery!

Thank you TitanicPrincess113. I actually feel better when I'm up walking. Not as painful. Trying to not over do it. Your tips are great!