How common is diarrhea?

I just left my visit where they went over the liquid diet. I'm scared to death that I'm going to have an accident at work. The liquid diet scares me, and I'm afraid of developing chronic diarrhea after surgery (I read a thread about this on here once). How common is diarrhea, both pre- and post-surgery? Part of me wants to back out of the surgery just because I'm afraid of this, so I'm pretty bothered.

I have IBS-C so I generally have the opposite problem. My constipation got worse on the liquid diet, because there's no fiber to speak of in the protein shakes. I should have added some in with metamucil or something, honestly. Everyone's different, but I've seen WAY more people complaining of constipation than diarrhea. Except if you happen to dump, of course. But that's a different matter entirely.

I would suggest that you test a liquid diet over the weekend sometime when you can stay close to home and see if you're going to have diarrhea, since it's causing you anxiety.

In the beginning I think it may be common as our body gets used to our new system. After the initial shock, the only time I have had this issue is when I consume too much sugar. It is completely under my control. I choose to eat correctly 99% of the time so this is rarely an issue for me (once or twice a year, maybe).

That's what scares me, that it will be common following surgery. I know everyone would be embarrassed by an accident, but with the group I work with...I would be mortified. Maybe that says more about my work environment than it should. Still, I appreciate the feedback.

Mine was bad for about a week post-op. As I introduced new foods, I only tried them at home. I never ate anything new if I were at work. Seriously, for most of us it is not an issue.

I'm not sure why you'd worry during the liquid diet stage, but maybe I'm missing something?

As far as after surgery (I had RNY), I would say that I easily fall into the other category of having to use something to help me 'go' more than anything else. I eat a very low carb diet, so I don't get the fiber I used to get. Miralax is my friend

I had my gallbladder out 15 years ago, the issues with diarrhea were MUCH worse with my body getting used to not having the GB to regulate things than after this surgery.

I don't push sugars, and have never dumped, so I can't speak to how that works.

I'm leaning towards RNY myself. Your results are amazing. Any general tips?

Thank you. I've worked hard to get where I am, and it's funny because even after you lose all the weight, you still find ways to beat yourself up.

Here are my tips. I'm still pretty new to this, only just shy of 18mo out, but here's what I've learned:

Your NUT (Nutritionist) isn't always right. Just shake your head, smile and pretend you're agreeing with them.

The vets on this board (those many years out) know a lot, and I tended to listen to them more than my NUT.

Your doctor's program probably has a +/- 65% excess weight loss goal for you. Shoot higher, you deserve it.

You can attain that 100% excess weight loss goal by listening to folks on here, and staying committed.

As Grim likes to say "Be a machine" until you get to a healthy weight goal. There will be time to eat things you miss later. Until then, just do it.

Join the daily menu post and glean as much as you can from those that are in Maintenance and doing well.

Remember, the HARDEST part, by FAR... is your brain. It doesn't get operated on. This part sucks, apparently for life.

And good luck!

If you are truly worried about the whole messing your pants thing, go buy a package of those Depends underwear things... although, honestly, I think that there are very few people that have actually had a huge problem with this, especially long term.

I had IBS with diarrhea pre-op. It's completely under control now that I'm not eating any grains. I actually swing the other way, and tend to be a little constipated. My surgeon told me that most people will eventually have the same regularity that they had pre-surgery.

During the liquid diet, I never had diarrhea. I did have liquid BMs (because there wasn't anything solid to come out) - but there was never any cramping or sudden urges. I did have one accident. I thought it was gas, and it wasn't. That was after drinking something with Splenda. I can't handle it, but hadn't checked the label.

Thank you for your answer...did you just keep an extra set of clothes on hand? That's my fear...