Stomach noises, gurgling, growling after weight loss surgery

Is it normal?

It is quite common after weight loss surgery (sleeve or bypass, it doesn`t matter) to have stomach growling or throat gurgling.  The noises can be very loud, causing embarrassment to the patient as it is almost impossible to predict when it will happen, and it doesn`t always depend on whether you are full, or hungry, or in the process of eating. They just happen and may be heard even several feet away. Our recommendation is to take it with a sense of humor, as this is just a side-effect of weight loss surgery, there is no surgical complication, and you are doing nothing wrong.

What is the cause?

There are several reasons. It seems that throat gurling at early recovery stages is caused mainly by stomach swelling (typical during the first 8 weeks post-op), stomach acid that contributes to the stomach swelling, and the reduced size of the stomach pouch. The smaller, tighter, more swollen the stomach is, the more difficult it is for the liquids and food to pass through it. Think of a small funnel. At the same time, your small stomach is pushing the air through. This process has now changed as well.

Lower stomach noises coming from the intestines at early or later recovery stages are caused by the interaction between gastric gas and gastric acid, in addition to your new stomach adjusting to the new diet, as well as your intestinal flora being rebuilt. The surgery and a round of antibiotics cause a major disruption in the healthy bacterial gut flora, it takes time to get back to normal. Many notice that they experience more noises only after eating or drinking something specific. Listen to your body and eventually you may figure out a pattern and avoid certain combinations of foods or drinks.

What to do?

• Antacids. In many cases, stomach noises can be controlled by taking antacids. This medication is required for all weight loss surgery patients for a minimum of 2 months post-operatively taken twice a day, but if you continue experiencing loud stomach noises after this period, try taking antacids again for 14 days and see if you achieve improvement. Antacids will reduce stomach inflammation and that should reduce stomach gurgling.
• Probiotics. Strengthen your digestive system with the use of probiotics daily (some find papaya enzymes also helpful), they will help to rebuild your intestinal flora much faster.
• Avoid. Avoid carbonated beverages (even simple water with gas), chewing gum; be careful not to swallow air when drinking or eating; avoid spicy foods or foods with too many ingredients, high in fat or carbohydrates that could worsen the symptoms. Don`t forget to wait at least 30 minutes to drink liquids before and after meals. Chew food very thoroughly, do not drink or eat too much and too fast.

Will it go away?

Stomach noises tend to be louder and more frequent during the first few months post-op. During the first few weeks throat gurgling is very common, and at later recovery stages lower stomach noises (intestinal growling) may bother you from time to time. But as more time goes by, such noises become less and less frequent and less loud. Will they go away completely? It is very individual, some barely experience these symptoms, for others they go away completely very soon, but even people who have never had WLS experience stomach noises. Let’s just say eventually they will reach a normal level and you will stop noticing them.