An indelicate question...

Hello everyone-- I am new to this forum and have enjoyed reading many of your experiences. I am a month post-op and have dropped 51 lbs. I am working out again daily and am feeling great. I am still struggling with hunger, but I realize it is in my head. My big problem has been gas and I am sorry to be so blunt. I was never overly gassy before the surgery, so I am really noticing the change. Is this normal at the beginning? Again, my apologies for being so direct, but I am passing gas 6 to 7 times an hour. If this is normal how long until it will pass? Many thanks!

Welcome to the VA board!  glad to see a new face! I hate to tell you this, but many of us have that same problem!  I am almost 3 yeas post-op and still suffer almost daily.  Several months ago I discovered a product called Devrom that REALLY helps with the odor problem.  I wouldn't try it without asking my doctor, being so newly post-op, though.  If you want info on how to get it, message me and I will give you the info. "How long until it will pass?"    In a few minutes, I guess!!  (Sorry--couldn't resist that one!) Take care, JoAnn

lol! I am also sorry to be the bearer of bad news but I think most of us are much gassier since surgery........ You have done very well in your month and as you gain more experience you will find out which foods give you more gas than others. Then you can plan what to eat and when accordingly - although it is not an exact science...... As for when it will pass............. for some of us it hasn't ................ Your doctor may be able to prescribe some odor blockers but it is not likely at this early stage. It will also get better when you are on more solid foods........ and your stomach  gets used to them

Welcome and congrats on the weight loss.................. Ok...for me...if I've had the wrong kinds of carbs I will clear out a room.  And that's the ONLY time I get like.  But, I've heard that it is pretty normal for some...just not me, unless I'm eating the wrong garbage.

Good am - a chuckle I've got right now....honestly the ladies who've responded before me are right. Its natural especially early on and I'm going to be 5 years post op on the 29th of this month and as Jill mentioned if I'm eating the "bad" carbs its not pleasant to sniff. WALK IN FRONT OF ME! LOL! Anyhow - just be careful of what you are eating & speak with your doc. There are remedies. All best...Happy New Year!

Yup same here, it has calmed down somewhat but still there.  Like Jill if I eat what I am not supposed eat it is really bad as Jill said I can clear out the room.     Anna

Congrats on your weight loss and welcome to the VA board.  I am a bit more gassy since surgery but not horribly so, there are times when it is bad though.  Check with your dr. for something that might help. As for your head hunger, some advice from my experience.  At a month out when I returned to work, my hunger issues got really bad.  After some research on my eating schedule, work schedule, activity schedule and talks with my nutritionist, we discovered that hunger was a real issue for me, it wasn't in my head.  I have two jobs, and an busy schedule with other activiities and work outs etc.  3 meals and 2 protien drinks was not enough for my body and metabolism that early out.  I needed more in order to keep my self going.  Low blood sugar problems also contributed to this.  Ended up having to change it up from the normal plan that my dr. & nutritionist recommend.  You may want to talk to your team about it. Happy New Year!

Welcome! You've received some really great responses already!  I must tell you though that I got LESS gassy after surgery (I now realize I probably ate too fast pre-op)....now it only hits if I eat certain foods. SO, I guess I tell you that to say, everyone is different....just hang in there and learn your new system.

It's nice to read all of your responses. Welcome to the board! My experience has been a good one, I guess.  I haven't had gas - except for the ride home from the hospital.  And like Amber said, the bumpy ride home helped immensely. It's non existant - unless involuntarily while sleeping???  Who knows? Also, I have no appetite.  I love not having an appetite.  Seems to make things so much easier. Cravings are something different for me.  I crave some things that I'd never wanted before the surgery.  Peanut M&M's, black olives, bread...These are what I struggle with. So...I guess we all have our struggles. I love reading about everyones experiences... xo J