Question:
How does WLS affect you if you have Irritable Bowel Syndrome??
How does WLS affect you if you have Irritable Bowel Syndrome?? I have never posted here before, but have been reading these pages. Now, I am in the "pre-op" stages, but am very concerned this surgery may make my IBS worse rather than better. Anybody have the same problem? — Marcie M. (posted on January 4, 2002)
January 4, 2002
Mine vanished. Looking back, I can see it was misdiagnosed. actually. The
symptoms can mimmick lactose intolerance, which I found I was JUST before
my WLS. Since my doc forbids milk, it was no big deal. But since losing
the milk, I also lost the miseries.
— vitalady
January 4, 2002
I had a terrible time with IBS for 20 years. It was unpredictable and
painful. There was no rhyme or reason as far as what I ate was concerned,
no food always caused it and no food never caused it. It even happened when
I had eaten or drank nothing at all. Since having my RNY nearly a month
ago, my IBS seems to have basically disappeared. I did have loose stools
till about the second week. I chalk that up to the fact that I had just had
major abdominal surgery and also to the fact that I was on an all liquid
diet. But there was no cramping and little urgency. I do use milk in small
quantities and that hasn't affected me at all in this respect. Life with
IBS was so limited for me, it was always a worry whenever I left the house.
I've turned down opportunities to go on trips because of my fear of not
being near a bathroom. I'm newly postop and I hope and pray that this is a
permanent benefit of WLS for me. If all that came out of this surgery was
my freedom from this condition, then that alone would make it all
worthwhile. Good luck to you. You are in for all kinds of good things in
your life as a postop.
— Donna L.
January 4, 2002
My story is identical to Donna's previous response. I had IBS for over 15
years, could never identify a "trigger" for the episodes, and
also could never find any help or relief for the symptoms. I had my RNY 22
months ago, and the IBS completely disappeared the day of the surgery and
has never returned. I can't guarantee the same wonderful results for
everyone, but this has been just one more in a long list of miraculous
benefits that have come my way since the surgery. I wish you the same
great experience!
— Diana T.
January 4, 2002
I too have suffered with IBS. It would frequently wake me up in the middle
of the night and keel me over in pain. There were no obvious culprits,
tried to figure it out. I eliminated all common known causes like milk,
caffeine, greasy foods, stress, to no avail. WLS has cured me from IBS
along with many many other ailments, and I am only 2 mo. post-op. I drink
milk daily in small quantities and have no problems. Life is good.
— Cheri M.
January 5, 2002
I am 3 weeks Postop. I still have Diarrhea from time to time, but I no
longer have the cramping, and the hot/cold sweats I used to get when I had
to go really bad all of a sudden. Now I know when I feel like I have to go,
and just go. It no longer sneaks up on me, and causes me pain like it used
to. I think yours will get better too.
— sbinkerd1
March 31, 2005
Hi All...I am pre-op, in the very first stages. This question intrigued me
because I too suffer from IBS. However, I notice mine is triggered by
stress. Therefore, I'm actually afraid it will get worse after the surgery
because my body will have been under so much stress. I'll have to remember
to post here after and let everyone know.
— ShelleyLuvsMinPins
March 31, 2005
Still have it. Almost 3 years post-rny. Triggered by stress. Oh, well.
— dibie1221
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