Medically reviewed by Onikepe Adegbola, MD, PhD
Bloating and gas in the stomach are the most bothersome after-effects of surgeries. Acidity, stomach gas pain, and stomach bloating can all be symptoms of stomach gas produced by surgery.
It is always very relieving and reassuring to hear that these discomforting symptoms are all common side effects of surgery and that these symptoms are very transitory. Bloating peaks 2-3 days after surgery and diminishes after around three months.
What Causes Bloating After Surgery?
Here are some reasons why you may experience bloating after surgery:
- Disrupted Lymphatic System
Bloating and swelling occur when the lymphatic system is disrupted by surgery. It’s crucial to note that swelling is an integral aspect of your recovery and is essential for healing. A study titled “A review of the post-operative lymphatic leakage” was published in Oncotarget in 2017. The study showed postoperative lymphatic leakage causing bloating and swelling.
- Functions Of The Digestive System Slow Down
Medications, including anesthetics, pain relievers, and antibiotics, have a “braking” impact on the gut. A research study titled “The gastrointestinal tract after anesthesia” was published in the National Library of Medicine in May 1995. This showed people develop postoperative constipation, abdominal discomfort, nausea, and gastric distension.
- Intravenous Fluids
IV fluids are given to replace the body’s fluids and regulate minerals during surgery. While your body balances its fluid levels after surgery, the IV fluid can cause some bloating.
- You’re Not Moving Around
A study titled “Physical activity and intestinal gas clearance in patients with bloating” was published in The American Journal of Gastroenterology. The study showed physical exercise improves intestinal gas clearance and alleviates symptoms in people who have stomach bloating.
After surgery, your activity level drops for a good reason, as it allows you to heal without jeopardizing your results. However, a reduction in movement might lead to fluid retention. You may acquire weight due to not engaging in regular physical activities. Once you get the green signal to resume modest activities and exercise, you will notice that your weight returns to normal.
How To Get Rid Of Bloated Stomach After Surgery?
When it comes to post-surgery bloat, time is your friend. Most patients notice a significant reduction in bloating within three months, while others experience bloating that comes and goes for up to a year after surgery. The following are some suggestions for reducing bloating and stomach discomfort:
- Take A Walk
While you may believe it is best to relax after surgery, experts recommend that you go for a brief, gentle walk if you have the physical energy. A simple walk will assist in relieving constipation by encouraging bowel movement in the body, softening the muscles, and releasing stomach gas. This is recommended only if you are physically fit enough to go for a walk.
A research study titled “The effect of a short-term physical activity after meals on gastrointestinal symptoms in individuals with functional abdominal bloating: a randomized clinical trial” was published in Gastroenterology and Hepatology From Bed to Bench in 2021. At least a 10-minute slow and easy walk, especially after meals, benefits from the breakdown of food and improves digestion. However, avoid any vigorous physical activity for the first week or two.
- Raise Your Legs
Leg raising exercises are simple and often advised by doctors to relieve stomach discomfort caused by gas. To do this
- Lie down on your back with a pillow under your knee.
- Raise one leg towards your stomach with the knee bent
- Hold the position for 10 seconds and then gently relax.
- Repeat the exercise with the second leg for a total of 5 rounds.
The slow, soft movement will contract and expand the abdomen muscles and help the gas in the stomach pass through the digestive system. You can try this exercise 2-3 times a day to get relief from stomach gas after surgery.
- Rub Or Gently Massage Your Stomach
You can also massage or rub your stomach with your fists to relieve the discomfort produced by bloating in your stomach. Apply gentle pressure on the right side of the stomach with your left fist, then roll the fists across the abdomen to the left side of the stomach. Remember to apply gentle pressure to the extent that the body can tolerate it.
A study titled “The effects of abdominal “I LOV U” massage along with lifestyle training on constipation and distension in the elderly with stroke,” published in Complementary Therapies in Medicine, showed the benefits of massage in relieving bloating. The massage will rejuvenate gut muscles and speed up digestion, releasing stomach gas and alleviating stomach agony, bloating, and discomfort.
- Use A Heat Pack
A study titled “Application of a Heat- and Steam-Generating Sheet Increases Peripheral Blood Flow and Induces Parasympathetic Predominance” was published in Hindawi Publishing Corporation in 2011. The study concluded that hot packs enhance peripheral hemodynamics and autonomic modulation and create a favorable environment for easy gastrointestinal movements. Patients who have undergone abdominal surgery or suffering from constipation would benefit from this.
Applying a heat pack to your belly for 10-15 minutes is another way to relieve bloating after surgery. Wrap the heat pack in a towel and apply it to your abdomen. This will relax abdominal muscles and allow stomach gas to pass through more easily. Apply the heat pack for only 10-15 minutes at a stretch after surgery to avoid excessive swelling. However, if the heat pack provides relief without any complications, you can use it twice a day, with an hour between applications.
- Dress Loose And Comfortable
While you may believe that this is an ineffective method for releasing gas in the stomach, try it at least once. Clothing has a significant impact on stomach comfort. The garments are excessively tight and exert pressure on the abdomen, causing gas problems.
As a result, it’s best to dress loose and comfortable following surgery to avoid putting strain on the abdominal muscles and allowing trapped stomach gas to pass through the digestive system. Until at least 1-2 weeks after surgery, wear pajamas, non-elastic clothing, jumpers, pullover dresses, and any other cozy attire.
- Sip Hot Peppermint Tea
One of the most effective home treatments for indigestion is peppermint tea. Peppermint has antispasmodic and relaxing qualities, promoting healthy digestion and preventing gas blockage in the stomach. Peppermint effectively relaxes the stomach muscles and increases bile flow, which aids fat digestion. Alternatively, boil a few peppermint leaves in water for 15-20 minutes, drain the concoction, and drink it hot after each of your three meals.
Conclusion
Although it’s discomforting, post-surgical bloating and swelling are a normal part of the healing process and will go away with time. If you have any questions or concerns, talk to your surgeon. They can assist you throughout your entire post-operative journey and help you heal faster.
References
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Hosseini-Asl, M. K., Taherifard, E., & Mousavi, M. R. (2021). The effect of short-term physical activity after meals on gastrointestinal symptoms in individuals with functional abdominal bloating: a randomized clinical trial. Gastroenterology and Hepatology from Bed to Bench, 14(1), 59–66
Lv, S., Wang, Q., Zhao, W., Han, L., Wang, Q., Batchu, N., Ulain, Q., Zou, J., Sun, C., Du, J., Song, Q., & Li, Q. (2017). A review of the post-operative lymphatic leakage. Oncotarget, 8(40), 69062–69075. https://doi.org/10.18632/oncotarget.1729
Nagashima, Y., Igaki, M., Suzuki, A., Tsuchiya, S., Yamazaki, Y., Hishinuma, M., Oh-Ishi, S., & Majima, M. (2011). Application of heat- and steam-generating sheets increases peripheral blood flow and induces parasympathetic predominance. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine: ECAM, 2011, 965095. https://doi.org/10.1155/2011/965095
Official Journal of the American College of Gastroenterology. (n.d.). Lww.Com. Retrieved June 4, 2022, from https://journals.lww.com/ajg/pages/default.asp
Ogilvy, A. J., & Smith, G. (1995). The gastrointestinal tract after anesthesia. European Journal of Anaesthesiology. Supplement, 10, 35–42. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/7641642
O’Neill, T., & Crawford, J. (n.d.). Michigan bowel control program -1. Umich.Edu. Retrieved June 4, 2022, from https://www.med.umich.edu/1libr/MBCP/AbdominalSelfmassage.pdf
Turan, N., & Aşt, T. A. (2016). The effect of abdominal massage on constipation and quality of life. Gastroenterology Nursing: The Official Journal of the Society of Gastroenterology Nurses and Associates, 39(1), 48–59. https://doi.org/10.1097/SGA.0000000000000202
Villoria, A., Serra, J., Azpiroz, F., & Malagelada, J.-R. (2006). Physical activity and intestinal gas clearance in patients with bloating. The American Journal of Gastroenterology, 101(11), 2552–2557. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1572-0241.2006.00873.x
