Weird question re: ab muscle tightening / guts

Hi folks, 

I'm still in the process of researching abdominal work and fighting the insurance fight. 

Over the past six months or so I've turned into a runner.  I've been training for a 10k event in April, but wound up running a 10k last weekend because my legs felt so good. 

The problem I'm having with my runs is... well, the runs.  Not to be gross, but my guts do NOT appreciate being jostled about.  I run one street with my house planted in the middle and just go back and forth because I'm so scared of being far away from home.  It's causing some real problems for me.  

I was thinking today... would abdominal muscle tightening help prevent some of the organ jiggling that happens when running?  I feel like my whole abdomen jiggles about when I run (despite the shapewear I use) and it HURTS.  Both PS's I saw said they'd strongly recommend muscle tightening given the fact that I've carried a child and was morbidly obese for so long.  I do strength exercises, but it still feels very weak.  

If there's any actual benefit from plastics in terms of exercise and gut comfort, I'd love to know about it.  

Any thoughts, particularly from those that have had abdominalplasty with muscle tightening? 

Thanks,
Michelle

Hi Michelle, 
I'm thinking that even if you have some muscle tightening done that you're still going to have the same issue.  I am not a runner although I am very interested in beginning a couch to 5k and have bought a book on the subject very recently.  My best friend is a marathon runner and I know she has this issue ... she's never been overweight or pregnant.  I think it's pretty common.  If you google "runners diarrhea", you'll find plenty of results:
http://www.ehow.com/how_4838741_prevent-runners-diarrhea.html
http://running.about.com/od/illnessesandrunning/ss/embarrassing_3.htm
http://www.livestrong.com/article/325924-exercise-induced-di arrhea/

Here's an excerpt from the book I bought, "Runner's World - Complete Book of Women's Running":

Diarrhea
If you have to make frequent pit stops during your run, you're not alone.  It's not unusual for runners to be afflicted by diarrhea and other gastrointestinal distresses.

Cause:
Troubles usually occur during lengthy or strenuous exercise, when blood is pulled to the muscles, leaving an inadequate supply in the intestinal tract.  These problems are more common in untrained runners than in highly fit athletes.  The bad news: Research has shown that women are afflicted more often than men.  The good news:  A little preemptive attention can alleviate the problems.  

Treatment:
Maintain proper hydration; dehydration exacerbates reduced blood flow.  During marathons and long runs of several hours, consume a sports drink to keep up your electrolyte levels.  Don't eat foods that are high in fiber before working out: Fruit, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains are notorious troublemakers.  If you must have coffee or tea - both of which pack a double whammy of diuretic and laxative effects - try to give yourself a half-hour before running, which should allow time to hit the bathroom before hitting the road.  Finally, avoid nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as aspirin and ibuprofen, which can also exacerbate alterations in the blood flow to the gut.  

Good luck with your running and your quest for PS.  I love reading stories of people becoming athletic like you are... it is really encouraging to me.  I am really want to give it a shot.  

Thank you so much for the response, that was very helpful!  

I'm not married to the idea of being a runner.  There are other activities I enjoy, it's just a matter of figuring out what works the best for me and what I'm most comfortable with.  I'm going to give it some more thought and time and we'll see where I wind up. 

Good luck to you with your goals... becoming more athletic has been a wonderful experience as a result of weight loss.  :) 

I had my intestines twist , and they told me it was because of the WLS that there was more room in there to move around, but I cant hear mine or feel it but I did have muscle tightening 2 years ago. so I aked the PS if there was anything else he could but he said no.
I am sure that the muscle tightening that I did have done 2 years ago has helped the situation
Susan