Need Help, Lets talk S**t

Ok guys, I hope someone here has the answer to this. I was presented with an interesting question that I forgot to talk to my surgeon about at my appointment today. Colon Polyps (sp?) are common in my family and they can/are caused by food staying in the colon for a longer than normal period or time. Since I now eat very little food, I don't go nearly as frequently (not constipated, just don't need to go 2 times a day or more like I used to).  The question is, does this surgery make a person more susceptible to polyps? The assumption is that since I am taking in so much less food, it takes longer for the waste to build up and be passed on (leaving food/waste in the colon for long periods of time). I hope this makes sense. I am still in my twenties and don't think I have to worry about this for a while, but was just curious.

Statistically you're probably too young to be concerned.  Than again, I had a friend who was 22 years old and had a colonoscopy because he was having weird digestive problems and had blood in his stool.  It ended up being a major case of lactose intolerance and after he stopped eatting dairy products, his problems went away.  But, while he had the procedures, they found 2 polyps which were removed and tested clean for cancer.  Also, some of the causes of polyps are behaviors that you're getting out of by having WLS.  Fatty diets, no exercise, being obese... major causes for them.  WLS (hopefully) corrects those issues for you.  So, if you don't have symptoms now you might consider getting checked later in life.  If you do have symptoms, bloody stools, constant diarreha/constipation, anal bleeding, you might consider a colonoscopy or barium enema now.  If they remove any they'll test for cancer.  If you have a family history, that's also a concern.  Atleast if you get checked now during your surgery period, you know that the changes you're making in your life for the better can give you some relief that you don't have to worry about a polyp problems until your 30-40+.   I don't think the issues of your food building and staying in your colon post-op is really an issue because you should still be having bowel movements regularly post-op (just the amount is less).  If you aren't, its a concern and you might talk to your doctor.  Odds are they'll tell you to start putting more fiber in your diet if you don't have any other symptoms.  More veggies, fiber supplements... all will make you go every day. 

Hmm, I had (noncancerous) polyps removed just before my WLS, at a rather young age.  I was operating under the opposite assumption.  That is, before surgery, my colon was like grand central station; I was eating so much it spent most of the time at capacity.  Post-op, once I empty it, it takes a good while before traffic starts building up again.  Plus, while I go less frequently, I still go pretty often (and in less volume), so I think normally its pretty empty. It is an interesting question, though.  I am scheduled for a follow-up screening in six months or so, and I'll try to remember to ask the doc what he thinks and if he thinks I should take any particular precautionary steps.  He knew I was getting WLS last time, though, and he seemed to suggest that my problems might go away post-op.

I think you need to change the topic line to read..."Lets Talk S**T" great question....let us know what the doc says....I think no problem...but great question Russ

Do report back any info you get from your doc on this one. I have no info, just the thought- Fiber! It’s "the Colon’s Chimney-Sweep." Higher fiber, some lower carb higher fiber cereal… Anything that claims to be- "Colon Blow!" Once a day is the statistical norm for Non-operated on digestive systems. I’m right on that target number. Regular as a clock with my dietary intake, And thus output…. Early on (even the first 6 months) There can be wild bouts of Diarrhea and/or Constipation And they can change from one to the other in an instant. However, once your diet evolves to a Healthy balanced intake Of Fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-glycemic Carbs, etc… The "traffic" moves at a fairly steady pace right at the expected speed limit. The biggest indicator that someone will develop polyps in their future Is if they developed them in their past…. Hope the New Nutrition and lifestyle changes Brought about by the WLS actually change this tendency for you. It actually should. Eating healthier lower fat foods and more fiber Is the "recipe" for colon health. Best Wishes- Dx

Cool signature line DX Kinda pushing the envelope man.