Gastric bypass is a type of weight-loss surgery that usually bypasses a portion of the and creates a new, smaller stomach pouch. Less food is eaten and weight loss occurs. Normally, a large portion of the digestive process takes place in the small intestine, but in gastric bypass patients, undigested food goes farther than it normally would, and a common side effect is involuntary, painful flatulence. Although it may be impossible to eliminate all gas, there are steps you can take to reduce it.
Instructions
1. Write down what and how much you eat each day, and mark when you experience gas. Certain foods may cause an increase in gas, such as beans, broccoli and cabbage. Limit foods that you determine cause gas.
2. Eat and drink small portions. Eating large portions will cause the food to ferment in the large intestine longer, increasing the production of gas. Discuss specifics with your physician.
3. Chew thoroughly and eat slowly. Eating fast increases the amount of air swallowed, increasing gas. Also, chewing food well makes it easier to digest and move through the digestive system.
4. Use a product containing an anti-gas enzyme, such as alpha galactosidase. These are often available over-the-counter in liquid form. Use it on tend to cause gas, such as beans.
5. Talk to your doctor about starting an exercise program. Once you get cleared by your doctor, work your way up to 30 minutes of aerobic exercise, such as jogging, aerobic dance classes or swimming. Exercise helps the digestive system work more effectively, which may help reduce gas.
6. Determine whether you are lactose intolerant. After gastric bypass surgery, some people will develop an intolerance to products such as milk. If gas pains become more severe after eating foods such as yogurt, milk and cheese, consider substituting different foods, such as lactose-free milk. If you do reduce dairy, talk to your doctor about calcium supplements.
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