Graphic Question

Hello everyone, I had my lap RNY on 8/11 and overall, I fell fantastic! Our program requires that all patients be on a liquid diet for two weeks post-op. This includes, sugar-free popsicles, water, decaf tea, crystal light, jello, broth and also the infamous protein shakes. I have been sticking to this diet faithfully. Well....here goes the problem.... My bowel movements are disgusting. Pure water. No substance at all. Now, I know this is how they should be seeing how I am not eating anything. But this morning, I went to stand up and I got a sudden urge to go to the bathroom. Long story short; I didn't make it. I went all over my floor, myself, etc. Is it normal to get these sudden urges and have such little control?? Has anyone else experienced this? Also, a little reassurance about the bowel movement consistency would be appreciated (they are supposed to be so watery, right?) Thank God for this board! Denise

OMG! This happened to me Saturday night! I felt just the tiniest urge to go, but figured I could wait until a commercial. After all, it wasn't like severe cramping or anything. Then BAM! I got up from the couch and got 3 feet from the toilet. I have now learned that if I even *think* about it, I'm going straight to the pot. Hell, I'm half afraid to sit on the couch and just fart anymore! *LOL* Mine are pretty watery too. I'm sure it's normal since you're not putting anything with any substance in your body. I never thought to ask if it's normal to not have the control. I guess I just assumed it was since they did play with my colon a bit while they were in there. If you are truly worried, call your surgeon's office. They get paid GOOD MONEY and they do expect to get calls from patients with concerns. No matter how silly (or embarrassing, or gross) it may be. Or, you could always post to the main forum. I'm sure there is at least 1 doctor on there. I know there are 1 or 2 that post regularly on the Ohio State forum. ~Shelly

Thanks, Shelly. When you say yours are "pretty watery" do you mean total water or some substance? LOL, I can't believe the way I am asking these questions! I agree that I will call my surgeon. He has been wonderful and encourages his patients to call for anything, but I figured I would ask on the boards first. Hugs, Denise

Ok, I'm about to get TOTALLY graphic here *LOL*.... When I first started having them, they were like pure water, only yellowish. Once I started on some soft foods, there was a little more to them, but it is still what I'd call diarrhea. FTR, I think in a place like this, complete honesty (no matter how embarrassing or gross it sounds) is a MUST. If folks really want to help others out, they need to tell it ALL! I personally have never had a problem with being graphic and gross, so it's nothing for me. I hope that helps! ~Shelly

Oh my gosh Shelly, you had me cracking up. I am right there with you. I think that this happens to all of us but nobody mentions it. Best of luck to you on your journey. Sheri from SC

i had my surgey on the 12th of august my first bm was on monday the 16th pretty solid 2nd one on the 17th kinda of watery loose but not smelly or anything

Thats one thing I noticed too, now when my body says go I better be near a washroom. I hear that passes though once you move to more solid foods. Mine are really watery with a bit of substance. My diet though includes creamed soups which might be the reason for that. Good luck Patty

I'm having the same problem. I'm also afraid to fart. You just never know. I hope it doesn't continue too long, I'm going back to work next week. Laurie

I'm preop and LOVE that we can ask these questions on OH's boards...hey, we only understand what the heck we're going through (well, not me YET, I go in for surgery in 13days!) But, thanks for all the details - somethings are experienced by many, but not all "mention" it because its either gross or embarrassing. Good to know that honesty is definitely a part of this support group. adios, norma g.

There's a name for that..... G.B.L. Gambled But Lost hahahahaha If you think it's air... don't take that chance... hahahahahaha GRIN Rhonda