If you’ve recently undergone gastric sleeve surgery, you’re probably familiar with the uncomfortable feeling of bloating. It’s a common issue many patients experience during their recovery. And often occurs due to a combination of factors like changes in your stomach’s size, gas buildup, and the adjustment to new eating habits.
While it can be quite uncomfortable, the good news is that there are effective strategies to help you manage and reduce bloating, allowing you to enjoy a smoother recovery.
In this guide, we’ll have a detailed discussion on how to get rid of bloating after sleeve surgery. So you can get back to enjoying your new, healthier life.
Continue reading to find out!
Causes of Bloating After Gastric Sleeve Surgery
Bloating is a common post-surgery experience, and understanding why it happens can help you manage it better. Here are some of the common causes of bloating after the surgery:
Adjusting to a Smaller Stomach
Your stomach has gone through a big change—literally. After gastric sleeve surgery, your stomach is much smaller, meaning it can’t hold as much food. If you eat too quickly or too much at once, the food might not settle comfortably, leading to bloating.
Gas Build-Up
After surgery, your digestive system might need some time to adjust to its new configuration. This can lead to a buildup of gas, which is a common cause of bloating.
Whether it’s due to swallowing air while eating or drinking, or from the natural bacteria in your gut breaking down food, gas can make you feel like you’re about to burst.
Changes in Diet
Your post-surgery diet is likely very different from what you were used to. Introducing new foods, especially those high in fiber or difficult to digest, can lead to bloating.
Foods like beans, broccoli, and carbonated drinks are notorious for causing gas and discomfort. Even though they’re healthy, your body might react differently after surgery.
Eating Habits
How you eat is just as important as what you eat. Eating too quickly, not chewing food thoroughly, or drinking liquids too soon after meals can all contribute to bloating.
Hence, it’s important to take your time, chew slowly, and follow your surgeon’s guidelines about when to drink fluids in relation to your meals.
Hormonal Changes
Surgery can cause shifts in your body’s hormones, particularly those that affect digestion. Hormonal changes can slow down your digestion, leading to a buildup of gas and bloating.
This is especially true for women, who may notice that their menstrual cycle or other hormonal fluctuations contribute to bloating.
Sensitivity to Certain Foods
After surgery, you might find that your body reacts differently to certain foods. Lactose intolerance, for example, is common after gastric sleeve surgery, even if you didn’t have issues with dairy before. As a result, eating foods that your body can’t easily digest can lead to uncomfortable bloating.
Immediate Remedies for Reducing Bloating After Gastric Sleeve
We’ve all been there. One moment you’re enjoying your day, and the next, you’re uncomfortably bloated, feeling like you swallowed a balloon.
The good news? There are some quick and easy steps you can take to deflate that bloated feeling and get back to feeling like yourself:
Sip, Don’t Gulp
One of the first things to keep in mind is how you drink liquids. After surgery, your stomach is much smaller, so gulping down water or other beverages can trap air in your digestive system, leading to bloating. Instead, try sipping slowly throughout the day. This gentle approach helps your stomach process the fluids more effectively without causing unnecessary gas buildup.
Walk It Out
You might not feel like moving, but a short walk can work wonders. Gentle activity encourages your digestive system to get moving too, helping to release trapped gas and reduce bloating.
Even just 10-15 minutes of walking can make a noticeable difference and relieve some of that tight, uncomfortable feeling.
Avoid Carbonated Drinks
This might seem obvious, but it’s worth repeating: stay away from carbonated drinks. The bubbles in these beverages can expand in your stomach, causing uncomfortable bloating. Stick to flat water, herbal teas, or electrolyte drinks to keep hydrated without the gas.
Watch Your Posture
Believe it or not, how you sit or stand can affect bloating. Slouching or lying flat can compress your digestive system, making it harder for gas to pass through. Try sitting up straight or even standing for a bit after meals to help your body digest more efficiently.
Try Over-the-Counter Gas Relief
If you’re really struggling, over-the-counter gas relief options like simethicone can be a quick fix.
These medications help break up gas bubbles in your stomach, making it easier to pass and reducing that bloated feeling. Just be sure to check with your healthcare provider before taking anything new.
Eat Slowly and Chew Thoroughly
After gastric sleeve surgery, it’s crucial to eat slowly and chew your food thoroughly. Rushing through meals or not chewing enough can cause air to get trapped in your stomach, leading to bloating. Take your time, enjoy your food, and give your body a chance to digest it properly.
Limit Foods That Cause Gas
Certain foods are known to cause gas and bloating, even more so after gastric sleeve surgery. Foods like beans, broccoli, cabbage, and onions are common culprits.
Hence, pay special attention to how your body reacts to different foods and consider limiting or avoiding those that seem to cause the most discomfort.
Lifestyle Adjustments to Prevent Bloating
Preventing bloating is all about making small, mindful changes to your daily habits. These adjustments will help your body adapt to its new normal and keep you feeling comfortable throughout your journey:
- Take smaller bites, chew thoroughly, and avoid rushing through meals to reduce air swallowing.
- Incorporate activities like yoga or meditation to reduce stress, which can disrupt digestion.
- Regular physical activity, even a daily walk, helps move gas through your digestive system.
- Sit up straight, especially during meals, to avoid compressing your stomach.
- Opt for looser clothing around your abdomen to prevent added pressure on your stomach.
- Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep to support healthy digestion and reduce bloating.
- Drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep your digestive system moving.
- Focus on your food and listen to your body’s hunger and fullness cues to prevent overeating.
The Bottom Line
Bloating after gastric sleeve surgery can be uncomfortable, but with the right strategies, it’s manageable.
From staying hydrated to adjusting your diet, and incorporating gentle exercise, you can significantly reduce bloating and improve your overall comfort during recovery.
However, as always, if you have any concerns or persistent symptoms, don’t hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider. After all, they are the experts in this field. Besides, regular follow-ups with them can help monitor your recovery and catch any potential issues early.
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