Loud Stomach Growling After Gastric Bypass

Question Below Submitted By:  

Dottie (a patient from South Carolina)

I had the gastric bypass done in 2004. Within the past 2 years I noticed that I can hear my stomach emptying (loud growling / gurgling) and my food moving through my intestines.

It is so noisy that when I am in a quite room (classroom) everyone can hear my stomach gurgling. It sounds like liquid emptying into a glass bottle.

I have doubled my Prevacid to try and see if that helps. When I eat I feel so bloated that I have to undo my pants.

I wanted to know if this can be fixed.

I was not sure if I can get a sleeve done and if that will help. I had a ROSE procedure done about 3 to 4 yrs ago and was told that it does not work. I am lost… please advise.

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01.

Expert Responses to the Question Above

Surgeon response to "Loud Stomach Growling After Gastric Bypass"

by: John Rabkin, M.D., Pacific Laparoscopy

Dottie,

The symptoms which you are describing are quite common in all people, even those who haven't undergone bariatric surgery!

However, as you describe your symptoms as being quite severe and dating to the time of your procedure, they may be related to a partial small bowel obstruction.

This may cause fluids behind the partial obstruction to 'back up' and then 'squirt through' the area of partial obstruction creating the discomforting gurgling sounds that you describe.

One investigation which you could consider would be do undergo an abdominal/pelvic CT scan to look for dilated small intestinal segments. Alternatively, an upper gastrointestinal fluoroscopic study may identify an area of partial obstruction.

If an obstruction is identified, surgical repair may address your symptoms.

In the absence of a mechanical cause of your symptoms, you may find that certain foods exacerbate the problem and you may find some relief with avoidance of those foods.

Similarly, anti-gas medications such as Simethicone may be of some benefit to you.

John Rabkin,
M.D.Pacific Laproscopy

(click here for Dr. Rabkin's full bio & contact info)

DISCLAIMER: This educational advice is based on the depth of your question and the details provided. The above should never replace the advice of your local physicians as they have the ability to evaluate you in person.

02.

Patient Responses to the Question Above

loud stomach

by: nina

I also experience the embarrassing sounds rather I eat or not along with right after I'm eat I'm in restroom relieving my bowels sometime excessively, w blotting, pain it doesn't matter what I eat. It's been since 09 for my surgery

SAME

by: Ivette

Hello Dr. John Rabkin,

I too experience the same thing, and yes it did happen before my surgery it wasn't as LOUD, or EXCESSIVE like it is now. I could drink water and my stomach would start gurgling loud noises. No matter what I do eat, drink and I watch what I eat and I only drink water besides my almond milk for my shakes its the same rumbling, gurgling, loud noises.

I've had a Abd CT and no evidence of obstruction. It so depressing, and frustrating!

Gurgling

by: Wanda

I had my bypass 2 years ago and I also have the growling and gurgling in my stomach. It is very embarassing. I asked my surgeon about it and he acted like he never heard of it.

All he said was be mindful of what you eat. What kind of answer is that? I'm not too fond of my surgeon.

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[ Last editorial review/modification of this page : 05/24/2021 ]

* Disclaimers: Content: The information contained in this website is provided for general information purposes and your specific results may vary depending on a variety of circumstances. It is not intended as nor should be relied upon as medical advice. Rather, it is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between a patient/site visitor and his/her existing physician(s). Before you use any of the information provided in the site, you should seek the advice of a qualified medical, dietary, fitness or other appropriate professional. Advertising: Bariatric Surgery Source, LLC has entered into referral and advertising arrangements with certain medical practices, original equipment manufacturers, and financial companies under which we receive compensation (in the form of flat fees per qualifying action) when you click on links to our partners and/or submit information. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Read More

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