bm's floating?

This subject isn't the prettiest; but my mother says I need to find out what is wrong. She says when your (poops) float all the time it's a sign of liver problems. Is this true? What test do you request to be done? What caused this to happen? Am I lacking in some nutritional level? I go tomorrow for my first Iron infusion at the hospital; due to getting results from my blood work up; but this topic was never brought up by me or asked by me. Help...please?

This is what I have found so far... Floating stools: Stools that float are generally associated with some degree of malabsorption of foods or excessive flatus/gas. Floating stool is seen is a variety of different situations, the majority being diet-related or in association with episodes of diarrhea caused by an acute gastrointestinal infection. A change in dietary habits can lead to an increase in the amount of gas produced by bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract. Similarly, acute gastrointestinal infections can result in increased air/gas content from rapid movement of food through the GI tract. One misconception is that floating stools are caused by an increase in the fat content of the stool. In fact, increased air/gas levels in the stool make it less dense and allow it to float. Another cause of floating stools is malabsorption. More than two weeks of diarrhea with floating stools is often seen in people suffering from malabsorption, a dysfunction in the GI tract that affects the body's ability to digest and absorb fat and other food. Increased levels of nutrients in the stool (those not absorbed by the GI tract) are supplied to the normal bacteria that live in the gut, which in turn produce more gas. This results in more air/gas- rich stool that floats. Dietary changes, diarrhea, and malabsorption can cause floating stools. Most causes are benign and will resolve when the infection ends or the bacteria in the GI tract become accustomed to the changes in your diet.

Thanks for the info..... You got me wondering with your question since mine ALWAYS have floated since my surgery... I never really thought about it though..... Makes sense.... Have a good week.... Shawn M.

Thanks! Needing all the help I can get, all the way up to Sept 9th. I go in for my tummy tuck and I have been a bad girl all summer. No work outs, eating everything, putting on weight. Want to loose 10lbs prior to surgery and get by gut in shape. Been having intestinal issues, bowel issues, bloating. Just want to be back on track once again. I have not been on in a long time and came back for support. I see this is typical and it's not just me. We will all be fighting obesity for the rest of our lives. Thank you, and you have a good week as well.

How very interesting!  I had no idea floating stool was something to even think about.  I definitely have a lot of gas (usually no smell thank goodness) now though which seems typical but now I understand why.  I didn't know it was because of malabsorption.  The odd thing is I've noticed this more now (nearing the two year mark) that I did in the beginning so I'm not sure I subscribe to the resolving when the GI tract becomes accustomed to it. 

Anyway, thank you for the information!!

Corinna Q

Dr. Oz, from Discovery Health, does a whole thing on how healthy poops should be! I agree it's not the prettiest topic, but you can tell a lot of things from poop!

 

http://health.discovery.com/fansites/dr-oz/dr-oz.html

 

His book, You:  The Owners Manual is a great guide to your body's physiology.  It is written well and is easy to understand.