Question about bowel movements...

Goodness, this isn't a subject I could talk about with just anyone. I'm a little concerned about my BM's. Mine barely have any color anymore. My sister told me that was a sign of Gall bladder problems. I really was hoping that I wouldn't have any gall bladder problems, since I'm loosing so slowly. I haven't had any other signs. I was just concerned about the color. I'm blushing now... this is so gross and embarassing. I'm still constipated about 2 times a month. My SIL who is about 16months PO said she never has a problem. She goes about 2 or 3 times a week, but never constipated. She swears by the Mott's unsweetend applesauce. She eats it everyday, whether she wants it or not. I'll have to give it a try. Debbie -56

Don't be embarassed. this is the only place to ask those questions. i wish i could answer your question but don't have a clue. i still have the constipation and have a BM about every 5th day but doesn't seem that different in color. i am taking a stool relaxer nightly but it doesn't seem to have helped me to go more frequently so i guess there is nothing there. i am losing slow also so hoping to not have the gallbladder problems for a while if ever but i guess we won't know until it hits. just for your own piece of mind you might want to call your doc but i imagine you have already thought of that.

Definitely don't be embarassed! First of all - I had my gallbladder taken out a couple of years ago. I don't remember having any discoloration in my stool @ that time. I don't remember that being any type of "symptom" - but I could be wrong. I really wouldn't worry about it unless you start having pain or discomfort. But, if it would make you feel better - you can always call your doc. I'm still having big time problems with constipation. I've tried all kinds of things & although I have found things to make me go once (like milk of magnesia, or smooth move tea) I've yet to find anything that works enough to help me go regularly (I was told not to take the other stuff on an everyday basis). But 1 to 2 times a week is becoming my routine. And when I do go - it's definitely nothing like before surgery I had never been constipated in my life - until after surgery!!! If you decide to ask your doc - let me know what they say - I'm really curious. (now I'm blushing because I'm concerned about "your" bm's ) You're doing great! Big Hugs Amanda -64

I think it depends more on what you're eating. I've noticed that when I eat a lot of yogurt or other dairy products, mine are also lighter-colored. When I eat veggies, they end up the veggie color. I drink lots of fluids too, and I think that also makes them lighter. It certainly helps me be regular. Add that to the exercise, and I'm very thankful that constipation isn't one of the problems I tend to have. Linn 241/171/130

My Dr has me on URSO 250 to help prevent the formation of gallstones, I take it just once a day and so far have no problems. I know I have some problems with constipation from time to time have you tried to add benefiber to your protein shake? We were also told we could use colace when needed for constipation. Nancy -71

I had my gall bladder out years ago. My BMs are very light in color now, so I don't think it is related to gall bladder disease ... if in doubt tho, check with your doctor. Don't be embarrassed. I'm very regular, miss a day here and there but normally daily like before. I do eat veggies (salads) and fruits (watermelon, cantalope) in limited amounts. The couple of days I was constipated I took Benefiber and it sure did help. Mary

Know what I noticed? That we all have the same things happening to us at the same time. Mine too are lighter in color. It is because of what we are eating. I have constipation too. ugh. Now here's the kicker (talk about embarrassing) mine are like LOGS! Hell, the whole tree even. I keep thinking, how can I put out so much? I am not eating like I used to so my BM should be smaller. It isn't. Some days I have no problems but I have more problems than not. *sigh* frustration. Joanne

ditto! Infrequent and odd. Julie

I don't seem to have a problem with color but I do not have frequent BM's. In a week I have 3 at the most.....and sometimes it takes a bit to get out. Not quit constipated but not normal either.......I just thinks its because the foods I eat, not as much fruits and fiber as before. But I do want to share something I read about the Atkins diet, concerning the color of BM's.....I read that when you consume higher amounts of protein, you BM's can turn lighter in color, even almost milk white.....not always but it can.........it means your system is doing its job, and even the smell can seem extremely worse at times (sorry!!). So, really I wouldn't worry about it.........of course unless you get pain or uncomfortable with it, call your doctor. And I always try to remember, we don't eat as much as before, so things are different. Tracie - 81 lbs (still)

No, not embarassing but I WISH I was constipated. I have diaherra like no ones business. Usually, about 3-4 times a day. I take Immodium everyday.