Dealing with Excessive Gas After Ileostomy Surgery - Need Advice

I had surgery on Feb. 15 and am adjusting to my permanent ileostomy. One constant issue I'm dealing with is gas. The bag is always puffed out and is sometimes like the Hindenburg! I'm afraid it's going to blow! I have a lot of gas no matter what I eat, and I'm not even trying to eat any particularly gas-inducing foods like broccoli or cabbage yet.

I've tried Gas-X and Lactaid, but they don't seem to do much. My GI just told me about Atrantil. Anyone have luck with that, or any other solutions? Thanks.

Are you drinking any carbonated beverages like Coke, Dr. Pepper, or carbonated water? Some drinks can do it too. I had to stop my beloved Diet Coke due to too much gas.

You're still in the early days. Things will change as your body adapts, but gas will always be an issue to one degree or another. I have found that the best way to control ileostomy gas is with diet. If I want to minimize the bloats, I try to avoid anything made with corn and any other gas-producing foods during the day. At night, I don't really care and I am fond of my corn chips with hummus. I am up a couple of times a night anyway and I don't particularly mind burping my bag at that time. I also avoid carbonated beverages of any kind. Easy for me to do, as I have been a water-only drinker for years. :-)

I do take generic Imodium, which has an anti-gas component. But, I can't see where that part does much good against tough guys like corn.

Welcome to the group and our world. Lots of great people here. So, feel free to chime in with whatever questions or advice you may have yourself.

Daniel

And... let's not forget the appliance if it has a closed system or filter.

I know those filters clog... may not even be worth having it... but everything helps.

I agree with what everyone has said above about controlling gas diet-wise - liquids and solids.

There is also the thought, as with non-osties, if you inhale too much while eating, it can also cause air exiting the pooper chute.

Always chew, chew, chew, and chew.

Welcome. Keep us posted.

Colostomy or ileostomy: Alcoholic drinks, carbonated (fizzy) drinks, baked beans, cabbage, cauliflower, cucumbers, onions, milk and dairy products, nuts, radish, soy, sprouts, apples, asparagus, drinking straws & chewing gum (you'll swallow more air), melons, mushrooms, corn, broccoli, spinach, cheese, root vegetables.

When I was in the hospital, my bag kept filling up with gas. My culprit was drinking with a straw. The problem is normally gas-producing foods or swallowing air.

..Nailing it again. That's it. In a nutshell. Boom!

Change of subject - I saw you mentioned in another thread about having dizzy spells and passing out. Doctors were puzzled. It was decided a low carbohydrate issue? Can you PM me if you like the details and tests and the name of this issue? A friend is going through this right now. She just called me.

Doctors are puzzled with her too.

Thanks.

Hi PP, welcome to the site. What others said pretty much covers it.

I have always avoided anything carbonated, and never drink from a straw.

Wait, gas? Regular or high test? Bottle that stuff and sell it. Talk about a side gig. 🤦

 

Have you tried Beno before you eat