Reduce offensive flatulence after weight loss surgery
It is quite common for gastric bypass, gastric band, and gastric sleeve weight loss surgery patients to report an increase in uncomfortable bowel distention and frequent release of foul, unpleasant gas. Some patients report that the gas problem is so offensive that they suffer from chronic embarrassment that leads to isolation. By its nature, gastric surgery changes the human digestive process and increases the appearance of gas. Additionally, patients undergoing weight loss surgery follow a high-protein, low-carbohydrate diet that is also known to cause gas. Understanding the causes of excessive flatulence is the first step in implementing therapies to reduce the occurrence and offense of this natural body function.
High protein diet: Weight-loss surgery patients who follow a strict high-protein diet frequently report excessive flatulence beyond the 14 releases per day that adults with a healthy digestive tract experience. During digestion, proteins are broken down with the secretion of hydrochloric acid that allows the activation of pepsin, an enzyme that digests proteins. Patients undergoing weight loss surgery are deficient in hydrochloric acid or pancreatin when their intestines are shortened or prevented by surgery. Therefore, gastric acids and enzymes to facilitate complete digestion are deficient and excess gas can be produced. A high protein diet, by nature, is a low fiber diet. The absence of adequate fibrous carbohydrates causes waste material to move too slowly through the large intestine, leading to constipation and flatulence.
To reduce the occurrence of flatulence associated with a high-protein diet, stay hydrated by drinking at least 64 ounces of water a day. The water will help move food through the digestive and intestinal tracts avoiding the accumulation of gases. Eliminate processed meat, cold cuts, beans, tofu, and soy products from the diet for several days until symptoms of chronic flatulence are reduced.
Sugar substitutes: Weight loss surgery patients are strongly advised to eliminate sugar and sweets from their diet. Many people include products labeled “sugar free” in their diet to satisfy cravings for sweets. Sugar-free products use sugar substitutes, a term to describe sugar alcohols such as mannitol, sorbitol, xylitol, maltitol, isomalt, and lactitol, which provide bulk and sweetness to cookies, hard candies, sugar-free gum, jams and jellies. Sugar alcohols evoke a low-glycemic response because the body absorbs them slowly, making them slower to enter the bloodstream. However, the side effects such as gas, abdominal discomfort and diarrhea are so extreme that regulations require that food labels state that “excessive consumption may have a laxative effect.”
To decrease the gas associated with sugar alcohols, eliminate or reduce your intake of foods that contain sugar alcohol. Do not exceed the serving size on the package of candy made with sugar alcohol.
Therapies to reduce offensive flatulence: The following therapies may be effective in reducing embarrassing and uncomfortable gas and bloating associated with diet after gastric weight loss surgery
Beano: a few drops help prevent gas formation. It is not effective in preventing bloating and gas pain, however it will prevent passing gas or flatulence.
Chamomile, ginger and papaya teas: good digestive aids, nerve tonics and pain relievers and cramps.
Peppermint oil: relieves flatulence and related pain.