Question:
foul smelling gas and bowel movements

I am 2 and a half years post op. Usually I have normal bowel movements and little gas,but for the past month I have had very bad smelling gas and several bouts a day with loose stools that also smell very bad. I haven't made any changes in my diet that would cause this problem. Any suggestions of how to stop it or ideas about what might be causing it would be appreciated.    — Lois S. (posted on July 16, 2002)

July 16, 2002
Hi! I'm only 7 months out but I remember being told to watch foods with sorbitol or manitol in them. White Bread is one food with sorbitol. They can cause excess gas and diarhea. I can't eat bread or buns if I am going anywhere.
   — grammie5

July 16, 2002
I have the same problem with sorbital....no diet drinks or sweetners for...they really cause me problems. I also just found out that my gallbladder is going bad...I wonder if this has anything to do with it...I see my surgeon Friday, will have to ask about it!! Good luck, Karan E
   — chance2lv

July 17, 2002
If nothing has changed with your diet, you may have a "bad" bacteria in your gut that is causing the gas and diarrhea. You may need antibiotics from your doctor in order to clear it up. <p>The best thing I've found to combat gas is activated charcoal capsules. They can be found at any pharmacy. They work when nothing else will. I've tried Beano, Gas-X, acidophilus, papaya enzymes, and nothing helped until I tried the activated charcoal.
   — artistmama

July 17, 2002
For bad bacteria in the digestive track, I would try some Acidophilus first.
   — Danna B.