Diet and long trip

My father had the duodenal switch surgery a year or so ago.  He is doing great on his weight and it has helped him improve his health.  

I am taking him on a trip that is 8-10 hours away in a car.  He often has issues with having to go to the bathroom quickly.  My thoughts was he should eat lighter the day before with mostly high protein foods and some complex carbohydrates.  Is there any other suggestions?  Would immodium AD help? He claims even if he eats light he may have to go often.  He claims he has to go number 2, up to 10 times a day.

Thanks for any help.

Immodium might help. Eating light and protein only would also help. Limit carbs--sugar, flour, starches, fruit, etc. Also, taking more calcium citrate. Up to 10 times a day is not normal at all. 2 - 3 times a day is more normal and those are usually first thing in the morning.

--gina

I could live with him going 2-3 times a day.  My concern is that we will not be able to stop in time for him.

He's right about that. Once the urge hits, and he hasn't emptied his system, he will need to go quickly.

He shouldn't need to go that often. It sounds like he may have bacterial overgrowth of his colon, and might benefit greatly from a short course of flagyl. Suggest that he discuss this with his surgeon or pcp. It could make a huge difference.

I agree with the dietary suggestions already made, they should help, but they won't fix bacterial overgrowth.

Larra

What is his normal diet?  That might shed some light on his "going" issues.  10 times a day is NOT my normal.  When I WAS going that much, I had lactose intolerance from milk products.  Once I took that out of my diet and only used whey ISOLATE protein, things slowed WAY down. 

What he tells me he eats is unreal to me.  Here are some of the things he says he eats:

Breakfast - Bagel with cream cheese, peanut butter and ham.  Is one example.

He eats a ton IMHO.  I am a big guy and never have been able to eat what he eats when we are together.  My guess is he is eating 3500-4k calories a day.

I know it is usually special occasions when we get together.  But he will load up his plate with everything and eat what he can.  Then  wait a half an hour or so and eat the rest.  Then in another hour or so he eats again if there is anything out.

He is at a good weight according to his doctor.  IMHO he is eating to much fat and simple carbs.  But he is my father and he will do what he will do.

Another example was dinner a week ago.  He had 5 tacos, some spanish rice, bean dip and 2 large pieces of cake.

I would try to have him eat light for a couple of days before you go. It doesn't matter if he eats light the day of the trip it is
what he is eating 2 or 3 days before. Also plan to leave after his morning bowel movements, provided he goes regularly in the morning.

I would still try and look for places 2 - 3 hours apart you can stop at - maybe being pro-active about rest stops 
would help eliminate the sudden urges. 

Also just plan for an accident and don't make a big deal out of it.

If he is maintaining the weight he wants to stay at I guess there isn't too much you can say about his diet but
more food in, more poo out eventually.

Going that many times a day isn't normal.  I'd say it's probably something his body is reacting to.  See if he can't pinpoint that before you embark on your trip.  I suggest going a day or two eliminating:

• All dairy
• All white carbs like bread, pasta, rice, etc.
• Artificial sweeteners

Do this for a few days and see if there are changes.  If so, then you can start pinpointing what to blame.  You do this by introducing one thing at a time and seeing how the body reacts.

Other reasons may include a bacterial imbalance in the bowel, or a need for more calcium.