Let's talk about our bowels

So, some topics are safe to discuss here and some are safer discussed with members of the medical community. I'm choosing to ask questions here, since I am guessing there is at least one other person dealing with what I am dealing WITH. Since surgery back in February, my bowels have been pretty regular. This was never a problem before. I move my bowels almost once a day. Here's what's new and sometimes difficult. My bowel movements are very pungent and large. I also am finding that I cannot "hold it" like I was previously able. When I have to go, I better go...or something bad happens. Of course my BM's are softer than BS (before surgery). Who else is willing to admit to having similar questions about their bowel habits? Denise

So far, so good. I'm pretty much the same as pre-op; occasionally I do experience the urgency you describe, but it's only sporadic so it's manageable. Can't imagine discussing this with anyone but you guys! Julie

Denise, I've been very regular, but occassionally have the extreme sense of urgency. I find that if I had eaten sugar alcohols the day before can make this much worse or if I have eaten more roughage (like salad). I'm super sensitive to sugar alcohols so only eat them in minimal amounts if at all. I try to find things that have Splenda in them as I have no problems with that. I have heard that odor can be a problem. The store here on OH has Devrom tablets that is an internal deordozier. Here's the link: http://obesityhelpstore.com/nutrition.html I have heard many positives about this product. Mary

Denise, My bowels are also very regular as well, and I think mine also seem quite large for what I've eaten. I think that part of it is the malabsorption we have post-op as well as the amount of liquids we drink that makes them soft (mine are really soft anyway). I also experience the urgency. At least 3 times a week when I'm on the treadmill I need to get off and go to the potty. I get the cramps that tell me it's going to be happening soon and that I better get somewhere NOW. In fact, I was really afraid of that during my race, so I ended up taking Immodium twice the day before hoping that would help. I was lucky that I had a BM before the race (a much firmer one, I might add) and didn't have to worry about it, but it is one of the most difficult things I've dealt with. I haven't noticed the pungent smell very often, but I also don't remember to think about what I may have eaten to make them that way. I am doubtful that there's really anything we can do about it. I look at it as just one of those things that is different post op. Linn

Oh, I had another thought. There might be something about the amount of milk products we eat as well. I've heard that a mild lactose intolerance can also cause some of this, but I'm not willing to give up my yogurt or latte's. Linn

Denise, I have noticed changes. I go every other or third day. I notice the change in appearance since surgery. My movements are soft and long and narrow. I ocassionally have some leakage but I notice that is attached to poor eating of sweetner (other than Splenda). The gas is attributed to too much of one thing in a day. If I eat right and avoid too much of any one thing I am fine which is most days, thank goodness.

NOPE not diarrhea, hard stools. Milk and some vitamin supplements do me bad. Vary brands of supplements and eat a variety of foods.

I wish that my bowels were regular. I have tried everything but mine are so hard and I have to give myself an enema to get things going about every third day. Usually the day after the enema I'll have a really large BM. I think I may be setting my self up for dependency on enemas but can't seem to go any other way. Joanne 233.3-158.5