Sleeve gastrectomy is a successful weight-loss procedure. Following the gastric sleeve, many people notice excessive burping or belching. Excess gas is annoying at best and agonizing at worst, particularly if you’re still recuperating.
Even when it does not cause pain, it frequently causes humiliation. For people attempting to reduce weight, this can be a huge challenge because they are frequently already self-conscious about how they are regarded. As a result, it’s critical to locate gastric sleeve gas treatment that suits you following surgery.
To start with, it should be noted that burping is a natural bodily function that aids in the removal of absorbed air from the belly. A tiny amount of air is swallowed with each swallow.
The accumulation of air extends the upper region of the stomach, causing a momentary release of the channel at the bottom part of the gullet, allowing the entrapped air to escape. This is the most common kind of gastric burping, and it can get worse following a sleeve gastrectomy.
Supragastric burping is a sort of burping that occurs in conjunction with burping air from the belly. In this kind, the released air is drawn into the throat shortly before it is ejected out, rather than coming from the stomach.
High supragastric burping is nearly always the cause of severe burping in normal people, not gastric burping. The sleeve gastrectomy has no effect on this sort of burping.
Stomach volume is lessened after a sleeve gastrectomy, resulting in smaller meals and an early sensation of fullness. Although the stomach heals and adjusts to its latest shape, it becomes firmer and less extensible during the first 6 months or so.
As a consequence, most people have excessive burping following the operation. Burping can occur on its own or in conjunction with discomfort due to acid overflow.
This is particularly visible in the first six months and gradually improves as the belly softens and becomes more flexible. So, after a sleeve gastrectomy, how can you get rid of the gas? You can try the following:
- Slow down and consume your meal gently.
- Do not eat too much; keep your quantities in check.
- If your surgeon says its okay, take probiotics.
- Eliminate things that cause gas, such as alcohol and lactose.
- Take a cup of ginger or minty tea.
- Consider taking a magnesium tablet.
- Inquire with your surgeon about any drugs that might help you avoid gas.
Table of Contents
Is Burping Normal After Gastric Sleeve Surgery?
While the gastric sleeve is an effective weight loss surgery, many patients report an increase in burping. This burping is a natural physiological reaction.
It helps expel ingested air by relaxing the valve at the lower end of the oesophagus. Patients experiencing more burping may feel as if they have trapped wind in their stomach, which can cause a feeling of burping.
Excessive belching is the body’s way of eliminating trapped air. It may come from swallowing air to neutralize the acid, which collects in the stomach. Excessive belching can occur after gastric sleeve surgery, but it’s perfectly normal and will go away within a few days.
This is often caused by GERD or an incorrectly performed hiatectomy. Fortunately, the effects of a gastric sleeve surgery are relatively mild and can be minimized with lifestyle changes and medications.
If belching is a problem, there are ways to reduce the frequency. One way is to limit high-fat foods. Consult a dietitian to determine the amount of fat you should consume. Another way to reduce belching is to slow down while swallowing.
Also, chewing your food thoroughly and drinking liquids slowly will help to reduce air swallowed from the stomach. Lastly, drinking non-carbonated, sugar-free liquids can help to reduce belching. If you are drinking liquids through a straw, you may swallow extra air in the process.
Some patients may experience acid reflux after gastric sleeve surgery. As previously mentioned, this occurs despite the surgery being highly effective for acid reflux.
It may also occur after patients undergo gastric sleeve revision. A gastric sleeve can also be used for revision of GERD. A revision of gastric sleeve surgery does not require further stomach reduction. However, patients with GERD may experience acid reflux after gastric sleeve.
How Do I Stop Burping After a Gastric Sleeve?
The size of the stomach has changed after gastric sleeve surgery, which can lead to burping. Eating too quickly or swallowing air while eating can also cause burping. Eating slowly, chewing food thoroughly, and avoiding carbonated beverages are all important ways to lessen burping. It can also be beneficial to consume liquids after meals rather than while eating. It’s crucial to adhere to the post-operative instructions given by the surgeon for managing the symptoms and allowing the stomach time to adjust to its new size.