Question:
Have your bowel habits changed post op? If so, how?

I have Irritable Bowel Syndrome and on meds for it daily. Prior to the meds, I had a horrible time everyday!! Does your bowel habits change post op? Are they more or less? How long does it last if it is more? Is it permanent? Anyone w/ IBS that is post op? How did surgery affect your bowel habits?    — kathy S. (posted on June 11, 2000)

June 11, 2000
When I was in the hospital and a few days after I came home my bowels were watery then about two weeks after surgery my bowel were hard as rock even if I forced it out my hemmroids would come back and cause bleeding. Needless to say i was hurting bad. I was reading other people post it that were having the same problems, and they said to get some LBS. I did and havent' had a problem since. Now I am not a doctor and your problem may not be the same as mine. But it worked for me. If it is not the same as mine I would ask my Doctor before using any products. Which I did.
   — Sharon T.

June 11, 2000
I was diagnosed with IBS 8 yrs before I had surgery. Through a series of amusing coincidences, I discovered I was lactose intolerant just before my WLS. You know, it was funny, but the very DAY I stopped using milk products, my IBS vanished. Since I dont' touch any milk products now at all, I haven't had those symptoms AT ALL, unless I got into milk products carelessly. Since milk adds wt, I can do without it nicely. I did have the D, somewhat, during my first year, but then, I am very distal. After that first year, though, it was just the opposite. I think I've tried ever "helper" ever made, but no luck. Recently, I discovered the protein bar of my dreams and I seem to be experiencing utter normalcy now. Coming up on 6 yrs post-op for me. My husband is 5 yrs post-op and he has been, shall we say, indisposed a lot of the time. Doesn't seem to matter WHAT he eats or avoids. His bowels work like a too well oiled clock. He can live with it, especially after watching me suffer with the flip side!
   — vitalady

June 11, 2000
I had my gall bladder removed 15 yrs ago and began to experience significant diarrhea immediately following meals. The surgeon at that time said that was to be expected and no one had identified IBS at that time. Over the years, the problem became worse and worse, until I was diagnosed 2 yrs ago with IBS. My particular problem has never been related to lactose-intolerance, although it might be helpful for you to explore whether that is an issue for you I was placed on Questran which helped somewhat...I understand there are some newer drugs on the market now that are even more effective. Then I had my lap RNY in March and am completely "cured"! In fact, in the couple of weeks post-op, I was beginning to obsess about constipation. It had been so many years since I had experienced a normal bowel movement, I didn't know what to do. I went from several episodes of diarrhea a day to normal bowel movements 2-3 times a week. Good luck!
   — Diana T.

June 11, 2000
I had my gall bladder removed 15 yrs ago and began to experience significant diarrhea immediately following meals. The surgeon at that time said that was to be expected and no one had identified IBS at that time. Over the years, the problem became worse and worse, until I was diagnosed 2 yrs ago with IBS. My particular problem has never been related to lactose-intolerance, although it might be helpful for you to explore whether that is an issue for you I was placed on Questran which helped somewhat...I understand there are some newer drugs on the market now that are even more effective. Then I had my lap RNY in March and am completely "cured"! In fact, in the couple of weeks post-op, I was beginning to obsess about constipation. It had been so many years since I had experienced a normal bowel movement, I didn't know what to do. I went from several episodes of diarrhea a day to normal bowel movements 2-3 times a week. Good luck!
   — Diana T.

June 11, 2000
Unfortunatley before insurance pays for such an expensive surgery, they want to see that you have tried all other ways possible to lose weight. I had to do the same thing before I was accepted. Luckly I had tried everything out there. The insurance company is thinking before we spend out all this money lets pay for her doctors visit to get on Zenical or Merrida that will help you lose weight. Hopes this helps you out some.
   — Barbara P.

June 11, 2000
Hi, I don't have IBS but I cnn say that since the surgery, I don't have a bowel movement NEARLY as often as I did pre op. Pre op I would go at least once a day, now I go, oh maybe once every other day or every 2 days. Now, depending on what I eat will determine if I have diarrhea...since I don't have my gallbladder any kind of fat ladden food will just fly through me, so I try to avoid it at all costs. I was told by my doctor that I know I'm eating "well" if my stools are "formed". Sorry to be so graphic but I guess it's to be expected, right? :) Hope this helps you out. Good Luck...
   — Marni

June 13, 2000
Personally, my bowel habits did change quite a bit after surgery. I find that I experience a lot more gas problems than I ever did before surgery and get more diarrhea too. I also do go at least twice a day, although not as much as before. It might depend on what type of surgery you are having, whether you have significant changes in your bowel habits. I would talk to your doctor about it and maybe the surgeon, if you have one. Good luck!
   — rinnchris

May 23, 2002
Before surgery I had a problem with diarrhea mostly every day with whatever I ate. Now after surgery I can't seem to go at all, which ended up making me impacted just this past week and it was one of the most horrible feelings in the world. I called my doctor and now I have to take 2 tablespoons of Milk of Magnesia like every 2 days until I get regular.
   — Rhonda W.