How to Get Rid of Bloating After a Hysterectomy

Bloating following a hysterectomy is a common, albeit uncomfortable, side effect of this type of surgery. Bloating is in part caused by both constipation and excess gas that is frequently associated with abdominal surgeries. Most doctors advise that post-hysterectomy bloating will resolve itself with time, but this time frame can vary from person to person. There are steps patients can take to help minimize bloating after a hysterectomy 1.

Purchase simethicone tablets to help relieve abdominal gas. Simethicone also comes in liquid form and is readily available over-the-counter at any drugstore without a prescription.

Foods That Cause Gas, Belching and Heartburn

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Add flax seed to your diet, either in breakfast cereal or mixed in with other foods. Flax seed is high in fiber and can help get your system going to relieve constipation.

Take a stool softener to help loosen stools to help them pass and relieve constipation. Stool softeners should only be taken on a doctor's recommendation.

What Causes Abdominal Bloating After Eating?

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Increase your fluid intake to help flush your system of excess toxins that can increase bloating. At least eight six-ounce glasses of water are recommended daily.

Avoid foods high in sodium as well as beverages with caffeine. Sodium-rich foods and caffeinated beverages like coffee, tea or soda can make you retain excess fluids.

Tips

Resume regular exercise as soon as your doctor gives you the green light to do so. Regular exercise is a great way to strengthen your core stomach muscles, which suffer during the hysterectomy, as well as to relieve constipation that causes post-hysterectomy bloating.

Warnings

Prolonged absence of or rare bowel movements, a condition referred to as illeus or prolonged bowel laziness, should be brought up to your doctor. These symptoms could be an indication of a pelvic infection, an internal bleed or other injury.