Question:
This is not a questions I feel comfortable asking many people

but.. when I have a BM it is the consistency of whipped cream. It actaully floats on the water. I know this is gross and I am sorry but is this normal? I am more than a yr PO and it has been like this for a while. Plus I go at least once a day, and sometimes more. I hear many complaining about constipation, and I do not wish that I was, but wondered how different I am. Thanks    — [Anonymous] (posted on February 25, 2002)

February 25, 2002
First of all, don't be embarrassed. This is one of those facts of life! As far as the consistency of your BMs, get used to it. I'm a year post-op, too, and mine are pretty much the same. One thing I've noticed, though, is that carbs cause the diarrhea. If I eat mostly protein through the day, I have firmer BMs that are less frequent ... but if I cheat and have a few pieces of chocolate, watch out toilet! LOL
   — Terissa R.

February 25, 2002
I can't imagine how you know the actual consistency, but, that aside, people with WLS will have two kinds of poops: floaters and sinkers. Floaters happen after eating something high in fat (remember your science class, fat floats, oil on water?). Sinkers happen when you eat something no so high in fat. Remember the malabsorption component causes alot of the fat we eat to pass through instead of being absorbed. That which now passes through used to end up on our hips. Also, that "lightness" that makes it whipped cream-like (as vs. pudding-like) comes from the gas that is trapped in it. Who knew there could be such diversity and fascination with our own special creations? This reminds me of that potty training tip of having your toddler examine and name their "creations". One inventive mother suggested naming them after all her in-laws. That having been said, know that you are not alone. Good Luck!
   — merri B.

February 25, 2002
I learned during my research on seeking a healthy lifestyle that if it sinks, you're lacking fiber. If it floats, you're getting enough fiber. Just my 2 cents worth here. It is amazing tho how we eat like birds and poop like elephants!
   — [Anonymous]

February 25, 2002
I too, agree with Merri. It's the fat in your diet. That being said, I had to relate a question that was on my pshyc eval before surgery...it actually asked it I looked at my feces before flushing. At the time, I thought it was the most "stupid" question I ever heard but, when I asked about this, they said that the normal answer was "Yes". It means that you have a healthy attitude and curiosity about your health. That's a good thing I guess but I still think that the question sound crazy when asked in that context. See? You are completely normal but eating too many fats. Good luck and happiness.
   — Barbara H.