Diarrhea and burping!!! Anyone else?

This is my first time posting. I am 3 weeks post op, and have been burping since my first day post op. Same symptom I had before surgery (that's how my GERD used to manifest---no heartburn, just burping). Very embarrassing. Feel like a barking seal. Also the diarrhea. Every 15 minutes I'm spitting out something. (sorry to be so graphic, but hey, if you can't share this stuff with fellow patients, who with???) I mean, just bending over to pick the cat dishes can be a minor disaster. I went back to work Monday the 18th but have been home since. Talked to my doc and he doesn't know why I should be having the diarrhea. And it's not always true diarrhea, but just incredibly frequent little poops! Still just as annoying. Afraid to go to the store for fear it will strike. Anyone else have or had this problem early on? If this is fairly common or normal, I would feel more at ease knowing so. Please, I'm getting very depressed. Also very tired and weak; I guess that's to be expected.

Yes on both counts! Your body is adjusting to the major work you just had done. My surgeon told me that some of us adjust a little differently than others. Just give your body time to get used to the fact that you have parts that aren't being used anymore. The diarrhea can also be attributed to your new diet. I have noticed that if I am having a rough day and stick to more liquid type foods that my bowels are a little um... looser. The depression is common too. Things will get better for you, just hang in there! Keep coming here and if you have local support groups, go to those as well. (((hugs))) Nicole 6/7/05 Lap RNY 312/264/150

I had my surgery a week before you & I burp like mad too. Although it doesnt bother me since I heard that many distal patients have it come out the other way.... As far as the loose stool, I had it awful from the antibiotics in the hospital. & than I got it too. I think its just out new pipes figuring things out. Some people get awful consitpation. It could be milk, or any dairy you may be eating too. Try a lactose free product. I have also heard that some become lactose intolerant. & That would be a sign. Good luck to you. I hope you feel better.

Me too with both those things. My burps sound like an animal in heat! I have frewuent bouts with the bathroom too. I try to look at my diet when that happens and eat the things I know work for me (like soups). Some days are just days I have to stay close. it is all an adjustment and I know we will be better soon! Hang in there!

Hi, I would definitely limit milk and try replacing it with Latose free milk to see if that helps. My doctor said some latose intolerant folks can still tolerate cheese though. Many patients develop lactose intolerance after this surgery. If you have a nutritionist, I would talk with them. They would have other suggestions as well. As far as the depression, it hit me very hard after this surgery. I had to go to my PCP and begin on an anti-depressant to help. The emotional aspect of this surgery was very, very hard for me. I am doing 100 percent better now though. But, it takes several weeks for medications to get into your system. I did not realize that depression was common after this surgery (or any major surgery), so If it continues with you I would not put off going to see my doctor. I have also heard of others who were already on an anti-deppresant and had to change formulas or type since they felt like they had stopped absorbing their medication. For example, switching from a time released version med to the regular taking it twice a day instead for better absorption. Hope you get better soon. I am so sorry that you are having problems. Sincerely, LMW

Sharon.... EMBRACE THE GAS!!!! When I was done with surgury I didn't pass any type of gas for almost 4 days. When that type of pressure builds up inside of you around damaged insides...ouch!!!! Under no cir****tances should you hold it in, no matter which end it is coming from. I flactulate in public at this juncture because any amount of gas causes pain pain pain. Good Luck!!! Nick

I was eating alot of SF popsicles post op and that was making me have diarrhea. good luck Joni

I tend to burp after having solid foods -- especially if I did not take time to chew eat bite where it will slide down like liquid. Also - - if I lay down right after eating, the burps MUST come out before the pain of the build up is released. I went through the diarrhea thing post op -- and learnt that even though I loved milk prior to WLS, I may be be lactose intolerant now. My nutritionist says for me to try the sweet acidophilus milk, soy milk, or lactose-free milk since she wants me to get my milk products in...so I guess I will try this as I am able to get to the store to buy some. She also told me to eat the low-fat cheese (add it to low fat meats, soups, whatever I can get it on). I am having problems getting all my protein in because - - I just don't like the burping and the build up in the chest after eating until all the burps are out. It's easier for me just to drink the protein drinks and have that be my meals...but I know I need to get the regular foods worked back in and just not depend on my protein drinks for all of my food/protein needs. As far as the Sugar Free popsicles....my nutritionist says these are "freebies" because they don't have much of anything in them, are cold in this horrible heat we're having...so.....I eat one on the way into work, one when I get home, and at least another before I go to bed....just anytime I feel that I need something cold (other than water or flavored water) and not something with a lot of calories or something I will have to count as food. My nutritionist said that the Sugar Free Jell-O, Sugar Free Puddings, and low carb/sugar yogurts are good if you need a pick-up. We have to watch the carbs, and the double digits in sugar, and see if stuff has protein in it or not (since we need to be getting our protein in). Best of luck and hang in there.