Don't Understand the Probiotics Thing at all...Probiotics for Dummies

You are a kinder person than me, clpeltz.  I am exercising great restraint, holding my tongue here....

Don't hold your tongue for me.  If I misunderstand something, isn't that the point of this board?  I don't think ridicule or sarcasm is necessary, is it?  

I'm sorry.  I just find it unfathomable that someone would voluntarily have such a major abdominal surgery, believing the surgery would induce diarrhea severe enough to cause major weight loss.

First of all, I can't believe I'm even responding but, that's not what I'm saying and, maybe its post-surgery sensitivity but, I'm feeling like I'm being ridiculed.   I've read so many stories about diarrhea, pooping, etc... fat by the tons in the bowl, I had braced myself to combat some diarrhea. I ordered the Poo Pourri and the Ozium in preparation.  Since I am having the opposite experience and, rarely going at all, the purpose of my question was trying to understand if maybe that experience has the potential to come later or, if there were others like me.  I return to work next week and was worried about that.  

I certainly understand how my body has been reworked and how the surgery works.  I am also just anxious about the mountain I have to climb.  I'm no lightweight, like some and, I want to feel like I'm making progress.  

I don't profess to be all-knowing, which is why I don't hesitate to ask questions, maybe even dumb ones.  As an educator, I teach my students that the only dumb question is the one that's not asked.  I just assumed that that same courtesy extended to this board but, perhaps I was mistaken. Thank you for being so encouraging.

Not everyone take probiotics. Some people don't see the need or don't see a benefit.

Nobody I've seen takes it just for diarrhea although many people talk about less gas and
less smelly gas. The idea is to help your stomach handle foods better. This early out you
don't really know what trouble foods you will have - if any.

If you are a "just in case I have a problem" type person you might want to start. Some people 
start for just that reason.

I don't take probiotics but I do try and get in "active culture" yogurt which does the same thing
except at a much lower dose and a smaller variety of the bacteria. I like Chobani Greek for the
active cultures and protein. I came out of the surgery lactose intolerant and I think this helps
moderate the effects. If I do take some milk (less gas, less diarrhea). That result leads me to believe
it helps my over all stomach health too.

As for the poo/weight loss. You have already seen that is a non-starter issue.

At this point you might be better off talking about what you are eating and how much since you aren't
having a problem with the coming out part. Are you getting enough liquid, all your protein, have you started
some of your vitamins??? 

Don't freak out because your not having a problem. One of the main reasons to post is you want advice about a problem.
Just because you see a lot of poo posts doesn't mean everyone has issues. Although most people usually have at least one story to add. 

Thank you, Pete.  I think  because I read so many stories, I internalized that it was a part of the process.  Thank you for the time to you took to patiently clarify for me.  I do appreciate it.  

I have too much weight to lose to waste time doing the wrong thing.  I'm just trying to make sure I'm on the right track.

Be blessed.

Only time I take them is if I am having really stinky loose stools.

I would checkout DSfacts.com and do some research. The reason some of us have stool issues is due to what we eat. Some of us tend to eat too much fat or carbs or we are not taking enough calcium or iron to regulate us. You will lose weight regardless of whether you have loose stools or solid. You are mal-absorbing and eating less therefore you will lose. If you are lucky enough to not have loose stools then, YAY! Unless you get constipation then it is possibly that you are dehydrated or not eating enough fat. It is all about balance. Please do some research on your surgery. Even with a year of research I still had/have questions on and off. Learn all you can about how it works so you can work it...work it!

Please don't let other people make you feel stupid When I read your question I didn't even focus on the diarrhea issue. There are some who just have a hard time saying something nice without trying to sound like they know everything about this surgery and they expect the same out of you. I studied this surgery inside out for months and still had questions. You learn line upon line, precept  on precept. Some thing you learn you will forget and learn over again. Some things you will learn from first hand experience. I had my surgery 4 months ago and I am still learning as I go along.I certainly don't pretend to have any sage advice for anyone- just my opinion. Maybe in a few years that will come and hopefully I will have the patience and kindness to share with those who are asking what you are asking today. In the meantime just know that there are many on this site who are non judgemental and will answer your questions with love and kindness. Good luck with your probiotics!!!

Sharon

Amen!  I couldnt agree with you more...  GREAT supportive advise....