This topic is about dealing with gas issues in an ostomy bag, especially during the holiday season. An ostomate is seeking advice because their pouch keeps inflating with gas, and neither dietary changes nor anti-gas tablets seem to help. Here are some suggestions and insights that might be useful:

1. Keep a detailed food diary. Even if it seems like your diet isn't the cause, certain foods or even having an empty stomach can lead to more gas.

2. Adjust eating habits to reduce swallowed air:
- Chew your food very thoroughly.
- Try not to talk while eating.
- Avoid drinking through straws, carbonated drinks, chewing gum, and consuming too many sweets.

3. Some people find relief with over-the-counter simethicone products, like Gas-X.

4. Integrated pouch filters often don't work well. If you use a two-piece appliance, you can "burp" the pouch by briefly separating the coupling to let the gas escape.

5. Consider adding an external vent, such as the OSTO-EZ-VENT valve, to the upper part of the pouch. Many users report that it allows for easy, mess-free gas release without leakage, although some stoma nurses advise caution.

6. Be aware that gas volume can differ between colostomies and ileostomies and may increase with high-fiber "healthy" foods.