What this experience covers
This experience addresses one of the most commonly asked but least discussed questions about LIS surgery: what happens with gas control afterwards. It is a composite drawn from many anonymised accounts.
The pattern
Why gas control can change
LIS works by cutting a portion of the internal sphincter muscle. This muscle contributes to the resting pressure that keeps the anal canal closed. When that pressure is reduced — which is the therapeutic goal — gas control can be temporarily affected.
What people describe
The most common experience:
- Reduced ability to hold gas in the first few weeks after surgery
- Less warning time — feeling the urge to pass gas and having less ability to delay it
- Difficulty distinguishing between gas and other sensations in the early recovery period
- Gradual improvement over weeks to months
People describe this as one of the more anxiety-inducing aspects of recovery — not because it is medically serious, but because of the social implications.
The timeline
- Weeks 1 to 2: Gas control is often noticeably reduced. Many people describe accidental gas passage, particularly when sitting, bending, or after meals.
- Weeks 3 to 6: Gradual improvement for most people. The sphincter adjusts to its new resting pressure.
- Months 2 to 3: Most people describe gas control as largely returned to normal or near-normal.
- Long-term: For the large majority, gas control returns fully. A small number of people describe ongoing minor changes.
When it persists
A small percentage of people describe ongoing changes in gas control beyond the typical recovery period. If this is your experience, discussing it with your surgeon is appropriate — further assessment can determine whether additional management is needed.
What people wish they had known
- That temporary changes in gas control are common and expected after LIS
- That it improves for most people within weeks to months
- That the anxiety about it was worse than the actual experience
- That it is worth mentioning to the surgeon if it persists beyond a few months
If something about your recovery does not feel right, or you just want reassurance about what is normal, our chat can help you think it through.
When to contact your doctor
Seek medical attention if you experience:
- Difficulty controlling bowel movements (not just gas)
- Gas control that is not improving after several months
- Any continence concerns that are affecting your quality of life
- Other post-surgical symptoms — bleeding, pain, or fever