How do you get the air out of your body after surgery?

September 22, 2025 •

5 min read

Following minimally invasive procedures, many patients experience discomfort from trapped gas, a common side effect of the carbon dioxide used during surgery. Understanding how you get the air out of your body after surgery is a key step toward a more comfortable and faster recovery.

Quick Summary

Managing post-surgery gas pain involves gentle movement like walking, staying hydrated, and avoiding gas-inducing foods and drinks. The body will naturally absorb the surgical carbon dioxide over a few days, but these measures help accelerate the process and ease discomfort significantly.

Key Points

Gentle Movement is Key: Walking and changing positions stimulate your digestive system, helping to release trapped gas and reduce bloating.
Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of still water and herbal teas like peppermint or ginger to aid digestion and promote gas absorption by the body.
Adjust Your Diet: Temporarily avoid gas-producing foods and carbonated drinks. Eat smaller, more frequent meals and chew thoroughly.
Optimize Your Position: Use pillows to prop yourself up or lie on your left side to encourage gas to move and relieve pressure on your diaphragm.
Consult Your Doctor: Before using any over-the-counter gas relief medications, speak with your surgeon to ensure they are safe for your specific recovery.
Recognize Warning Signs: Know when to contact your healthcare provider for pain that worsens, fever, or other symptoms that could indicate a complication.

Understanding Post-Surgical Gas Pain

Gas pain after surgery, especially a laparoscopic procedure, is a well-known phenomenon. During a laparoscopic surgery, the abdominal cavity is inflated with carbon dioxide (CO2) gas to create space for the surgeon to see and operate. While most of this gas is removed at the end of the procedure, some residual gas can remain. This CO2 is then absorbed by the body over time. However, before it dissipates completely, it can cause significant discomfort, bloating, and even referred pain in the shoulders or chest. This happens because the gas irritates the phrenic nerve, which is located near the diaphragm and is connected to nerve endings in the shoulder area.

Why CO2 is Used Instead of Air

Surgical teams use carbon dioxide specifically because it is more soluble in blood than regular air. This means the body can absorb and expel it more quickly and safely through the lungs as you breathe. If regular air were used, it would take much longer to dissolve, increasing the risk of complications.

Proven Methods to Relieve Trapped Air

Gentle Movement and Walking

One of the most effective and universally recommended remedies is gentle movement. While it might seem counterintuitive to move around when you are in pain, a short, slow walk can make a significant difference.

Walk frequently: Aim for short, frequent walks around your room or house as soon as your medical team gives you the green light. Even a few minutes of walking can stimulate your digestive system.
Change positions regularly: Avoid staying in the same position for too long. Gently shifting from lying down to sitting or standing can help move the trapped gas.
Avoid strenuous activity: Listen to your body and do not overdo it. The goal is gentle movement, not a high-intensity workout. Pushing too hard can strain your incision sites.

Hydration and Diet Modifications

What you consume plays a crucial role in managing post-operative gas.

Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of non-carbonated, room-temperature fluids like water or herbal tea (peppermint or ginger tea are often recommended). Staying hydrated keeps your digestive system moving and helps your body process and expel the gas.
Avoid carbonated beverages: Sodas and sparkling water introduce more gas into your system, which is the last thing you need. Stick to still water and non-acidic juices.
Eat slowly: Chewing your food thoroughly and eating slowly reduces the amount of air you swallow, preventing additional gas build-up.
Avoid gas-producing foods: In the first few days after surgery, it's wise to avoid foods known to cause gas, such as beans, broccoli, cabbage, and fatty or fried foods.

The Importance of Positioning

Proper positioning can offer immediate relief from gas pain.

Elevate your upper body: If you are resting or sleeping, prop yourself up with pillows to a semi-reclined position. This can prevent gas from collecting under the diaphragm, which is a common cause of shoulder pain.
Lie on your left side: Lying on your left side can help facilitate the movement of gas through your intestinal tract, as it follows the natural curve of your colon.
Gentle rocking: Some people find that gently rocking back and forth while sitting can help dislodge and move trapped gas.

Medications and Supplements

For some patients, over-the-counter (OTC) medications can provide additional relief. Always consult your surgeon before taking any new medication post-surgery.

Simethicone (Gas-X): This medication works by breaking up gas bubbles in the stomach and intestines, making them easier to pass. It does not affect the CO2 absorbed by the body from the surgery itself but can help with digestive gas.
Peppermint oil capsules: Some find that peppermint oil capsules, taken under a doctor's supervision, can help soothe the digestive tract and relieve gas.

Comparison of Gas Relief Methods


Method	How it Works	Pros	Cons
Gentle Movement	Stimulates intestinal motility and promotes gas passage.	No cost, highly effective, aids overall recovery.	Requires some mobility, can be uncomfortable initially.
Dietary Changes	Prevents the formation of additional intestinal gas.	Easy to implement, promotes healthier eating.	May limit food choices temporarily.
Positional Changes	Uses gravity to aid gas movement and reduce diaphragm pressure.	Immediate, non-invasive relief.	Not a permanent solution, requires position changes.
OTC Medications	Breaks up gas bubbles in the digestive tract.	Fast-acting for digestive gas.	Does not address surgical CO2, requires doctor approval.

What to Avoid During Recovery

Using straws: Sucking on a straw can cause you to swallow excess air, contributing to bloating and gas.
Excessive straining: Avoid straining during bowel movements, as this can put undue pressure on your incisions.
Constipation: Constipation can exacerbate gas pain. Follow your doctor's recommendations for managing bowel regularity, which may include stool softeners.

When to Contact Your Doctor

While gas pain is a normal part of post-surgical recovery, some symptoms warrant a call to your healthcare provider.

Severe, worsening, or sudden sharp pain.
Fever or chills.
Signs of infection at the incision sites.
Nausea, vomiting, or an inability to pass gas or have a bowel movement.

A Smooth Path to Recovery

Recovering from surgery, whether laparoscopic or otherwise, takes patience and self-care. By taking proactive steps to manage post-operative gas, you can significantly improve your comfort and focus on healing. Remember to prioritize gentle movement, stay well-hydrated, and choose your foods wisely to encourage your body to naturally expel the trapped gas. Consistent communication with your medical team is your best resource for a smooth recovery journey. For more detailed information on post-surgical care, it is always wise to consult reputable medical guides, such as those provided by institutions like Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.

Conclusion: Your Journey to Comfort

The road to recovery after surgery can be made much more comfortable with the right approach to managing common side effects like trapped gas. By understanding how you get the air out of your body after surgery through gentle movement, careful hydration, and mindful eating, you empower yourself to take control of your healing process. Stay patient with yourself, follow your medical team’s guidance, and know that each gentle step and conscious choice is helping you move toward a full and comfortable recovery.

Frequently Asked Questions

For most people, the worst of the gas pain typically subsides within 24 to 48 hours after surgery. However, some mild discomfort and bloating can linger for several days as the remaining gas is fully absorbed by the body.

This is a common phenomenon known as 'referred pain.' It occurs when the residual CO2 gas used in laparoscopic surgery irritates the diaphragm, which shares nerve pathways with the shoulder area, making your brain interpret the pain as coming from your shoulder.

To minimize gas, it's best to temporarily avoid gas-producing foods like beans, cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, onions, and lentils. Fatty, fried, and heavily spiced foods can also slow digestion and increase bloating.

Simethicone (the active ingredient in Gas-X) works on gas in the digestive tract and can help. However, it's critical to check with your surgeon before taking any over-the-counter medication to ensure it won't interfere with your recovery or other prescribed medicines.

Yes, peppermint tea is often recommended as a natural remedy for gas and bloating. The compounds in peppermint can help relax the digestive muscles, allowing trapped gas to pass more easily.

Sleeping with your upper body elevated, using pillows, can be helpful. Additionally, lying on your left side can help guide gas through the intestinal tract. Find a position that is most comfortable and avoids putting pressure on your incision sites.

While there's no instant cure, combining gentle walking, drinking plenty of non-carbonated fluids, and using proper positioning can help speed up the process and provide quicker relief from gas pain. Always follow your medical team's specific instructions.