FWIW, I used to put a few drops (not the full recommended dose) of Simethicone in all my 5.5 mo bottles before a feed, and last week stopped cold turkey bc we went out of town and I did not mention it to my in laws who were watching the kids.
The lack of the simethicone had absolutely no effect on her. She has no increased gas or discomfort. Basically, she has grown out of the problem, and I was probably just using it to make myself feel better.
So, try cutting back and see what happens. Use the money you save to buy more baby food, right?