IBS and surgery

ok, so this is the third time that I have tried to post this, so let's hope it works this time.
I have IBS and am worried that it will get worse after surgery.  Did anyone have IBS prior to surgery?  I just hope that it gets better after surgery because it is getting to the point now that I can't eat any vegetables without excruciating abdominal pain. 

I don't have IBS but after going through the nut classes pre-op and talking to the surgeon I don't think you have to worry. Protein is always first and everything else is a filler. We take multivitamins so you will get your nutrition. My nut said you only need meat the rest of your life after surgery. So if that doesn't affect you then you are fine. Hopefully you'll hear from someone with IBS.

 I'd have an honest conversation with a NUT that has at least a clue about IBS. What foods set you off may or may not be necessary, depending on what other sources you're getting your nutrition from and how your labs demonstrate any deficits. Any plan your surgeon follows may need some modifications to not have you in pain but also not have you malnourished.  Also having a GI specialist tracking your IBS may be helpful to have on your team. I don't have IBS but my husband has Ulcerative Colitis so am fairly versed in the field.

I have IBS and am 2 months out from surgery. I'm having no issues with it now. I used to take drugs several times a week for the IBS but haven't taken anything since surgery. I can't say for sure since I'm only 2 months out but the surgery seems to have really helped my IBS.

But I agree you should talk with a dr or nut about it. But folks really don't know much about it except for anecdotal evidence. I did a search on WLS and IBS and basically, there is nothing out there scientifically that says it helps or harms.   I guess it is the same advice we always get for IBS: avoid your triggers.

thanks for the advice.  I will talk to my dr. about it, but feel better now.

Hi Rhoda... yes I had IBS before my surgery.  I asked my surgeon about it ... and he told me that it should no longer be an issue after surgery.  I have to say, I am 4mo post op and I have not had any problems at all. The issue that I have mostly now with my stomach is the awful gas and rumblings I get when I eat.. its  hard to explain.. as soon as I eat certain things.. like fruit.. I can feel it as it goes down.. it causes instantanious gas pain and bubbles in my pouch.  but as far as the IBS, no more problems.  Of course I am sure everyone is different.. but I highly doubt it would get worse.  tc

Joanne

Hi,

I do have IBS, and have had it for years. I was never on any medication for it. When I went for my consultation with my surgeon, he said that with the RNY I would be taking the chance of having chronic diarrhea. For me, mine was bad when I was really stressed out, and certain foods. I don't have chronic diarrhea(thank god), but I was will to take the risk because my insurance only paid for the RNY or DS. I really didn't have any other options. I wasn't in a position to pay cash for the sleeve. I still  have some problems with it. It is better then before surgery. I tend to not eat the things that bothered me before surgery and if I do, I make sure I'm at home. Good luck with your surgery. I would make sure you talk to your doctor or dietitian.