Post-op gas and diarrhea

I had RNY 5-25-05. Dr. said everything was "Perfect." Got home Friday afternoon and since then have had extreme (and I mean extreme!) gas often followed by a small amount of loose diarrhea. My belly also seems to be quite bloated. I am taking Roxicet and Pepcid, plus some Simethicone to help the gas, but it doesn't seem to be consistently better. I can drink water and tea ok, but anything else is replusive! I don't want to be a wimp but is this normal? If it is I'll suffer it out. If not I need to know what to do. I eagerly await advice based on someone else's experience. Thanks, Debs

Are you walking? I know that would help for me,everyone would tell me to walk walk and walk,drink plenty of water.I hope things get better for you as the did for me xoxoxo Rosie

Ha Ha it's a trip huh? I am having the same symptoms. Im taking liquid Zantac 2 teaspoons in the AM 2 at night. I have been walking 1/2 mile since day 3 in this nice humid Florida heat. This morning I did a mile ! Meals so far today consisted of: 8oz cup decaf B 45 oz of water 6 oz protein shake B 12 oz protein shake L 8 oz soup ( broth ) D 6 oz sugar free pudding D I think we are looking at about 400 calories so far and I will have another protein shake at about 8pm for a snack ( dessert) I'm still bloated too but as you say the gas is working it's way out. I have been sipping very slow and used a baby spoon to slowly eat my pudding. Feeling nice and full not uncomfortable..... I hate this freakin drain...very hard to take a shower and keep it from dangling or dropping and pulling at my skin. I think I need a shower valet to stand in there and hold it for me while I wash Ken

Regarding the drain: a friend of mine passed on a little advice... If your drain is like mine, it has a little tag-like loop on it. Even if doesn't, you should be able to figure out a way to rig it. Get some yarn, 3-4 feet, depending on your height and comfort level, loop the yarn through the tag-loop thingy and tie the ends together. You can put the yarn over your neck like a necklace during your showers and don't have to worry about the nasty little thing swinging and dangling around... Hopefully, you'll get yours out soon. When I did, it was wonderful! Didn't even hurt! Becky -14lbs, 11 days out!

Ahhh I get it...sort of like post op Bling Bling Good idea....since I dont knit I will try some fishing line.....hope I dont hang myself Thanks Ken

There ya go, a badge of honor, so to speak.... Be careful with that fishing line... You know how that stuff likes to tangle...

Hi Ken: I'll hold yours if you hold mine I'm so jealous....I'm 4 days post-op and only on clear liquids. You can having pudding I don't get that for another week and a half...ugh. But I understand the drain problem...it's a pain in the butt. I have mine pinned to my undies. Jean Lap RNY 5/24/05 255/248/150

Debs: I had mine on 5/24 and this kicked in on second day. It was very dark as well. They decided it was my body getting rid of "old blood" (lovely conversation we're having here LOL). You're also adjusting to surgery and eating a liquid only diet....so liquid only is normal I wasn't given anything for gas but I'm thinking next week I'll have to ask. I have GasX and may try that. If you don't feel any better by Tuesday I'd give the surgeon a call just to see what he/she has to say. In the meantime, sugar free popsicles are going down really well with me. And I've found broth works better if it's not too hot. Hang in there..... In the meantime, enjoy the comfort that getting rid of that gas brings. Jean LAP RNY 5/24/05

Hey Debs, I had my surgery on May 20th and I had the same thing. I went home from the hospital on the 23rd and for the next 3 nights i took my previcid at night before bedtime although I needed to wake a few times during the night to just wander the house for about 1/2 hour. Last night I did not have to do this. I see I am having little burps after anything I drink. The poopie reminded me of my daughter's when she was born, black, tar like and STINKY! (Sorry) Today, (day 8) it is not diarrhea but soft and only once a day for the last 3 days. It is getting better. I actually had some mashed potatoes today, everything I eat had never tasted better than it does now! As far as my drain, the hospital gave me one of those shoe string like long necklaces you would use to hang glasses or keys on and I pin my drain to it while I shower. Good luck to you. I am like 3 steps ahead so ask me if you would like... Janey LAP RnY 5/20/2005 264lbs

My surgery was on 5/23 and I was home on Wednesday. My belly is also full of gas and it constantly growls or something like that. I have diarrhea that is loose as well and reminds me of my children's first movements. Black or very very dark. My dad says its blood from the surgery and my husband says its old fecal matter. either way, I'm tired of passing tons of gas and making noises. I drink crystal light out of a sippy cup and strawberry jello is working as well. But most other things (broth) are not very good. How's your pain? I'm feeling pretty good but very tired due to the lack of food. Looking forward to more than clear liquids!!! Lynette