Question:
Uh... Smelly Bowel Movements

Embarassing topic, but reality. Haven't seen anyone discuss this. I hope I am not unique but the smell of my feces and flatulence is not what I expected. In fact, I didn't expect a change in bowel movement smell. But I hate it and often feel embarassed. Does anyone else have this problem? Is there a remedy for it? There is some pill out there that I bought (starts with a "D"; cant remember what else), but in order for it to work, you have to take a pill everytime you put something in your mouth or the whole effect is lost... each and every time. I just couldn't keep up with that.    — poodie (posted on December 11, 2006)

December 11, 2006
Its probably because you are now eating almost exclusively protein (especially animal protein) and very little fruit or vegetables. You might want to ask your nutrtionist if there is something you can do to alter your diet somewhat. You might also want to try some activated charcoal tablets which may help.
   — jhelfdo

December 11, 2006
This is actually worse for me when I eat fruit. And it has never gone away! There seems to be no solution at all, but there are days when I have less gas than others. One of the things my research has brought up is that there are many prescription meds (including protonix!) that CAUSE gas. I also believe that dairy and all types of sugar, including sucrose and fructose, create problems for me. I am actually much better off when I don't eat carbohydrates and DO eat protein, only. Just one woman's esperience..thanks for listening!
   — roseanneporcelli

December 11, 2006
Devrom will help! It may take away all of the smell or just a bit. I just let it flow getting back everyone who has gotten me before!!
   — Michael Eak

December 11, 2006
I'm 5 months post-op and I experience this too! It can be very embarrassing...I just spray a freshner a lot! It doesn't seem to matter what I'm eating...My problem is even worse because I still can't wipe myself easily; I have to shower a lot! :O(
   — zoeysgrami

December 11, 2006
Ann, I am 5-1/2 years out and this has been a constant problem for me. It is just awful! I was in a small jewelry store in Albuquerque with many small rooms, I was all alone in one of the rooms and let a little gas out, then of course left so no one would know it was me. Well, my sister wandered in that room, and two employees walked in behind her, she knew right away who the culprit was but heard one employee say to the other "Oh no, it smells like the plumbing has backed up again! That's just an awful smell!" My sister had to leave she was laguhing so hard (gagging a bit too, from the stench). Anyway, I digress, nothng has helped me, it's bad all the time, worse when I am doing more protein than my 3-30g shakes a day, and also with dairy. It's a totally personal experience as to what might make it worse, all I can offer is keep good air fresheners nearby. We've found the All Natural Brand to be the best for us. It comes in Lemon Mate, Grapefruit Mate, Orange and Lime Mate. I've become the master of "empty aisle" farts and can disappear very quickly if someone happens to wander in the same aisle. All joking aside, it is embarrassing and often tiring, not just for me but for my spouse, he just gets tired of the smell when I am having a day of high production of gas. Devrom didn't help, Gas-X either, but remember each person's body reacts differently so don't hesitate to try some of the suggestions. If there is one thing I know about this surgery after 5-1/2 years is there is no "one size fits all"! Good luck! Anita
   — ALF

December 12, 2006
I have this problem mostly when i drink alot of diet sodas. But when i stop and start drinking Tea The gas pretty much stops too. And I drink about 6-7 32 ounce cups of tea in a day.
   — mystic0619

December 18, 2006
There is an excellent product called "Just a Drop" that I just found out about and ordered from their website. I'm having my surgery January 15th and had heard about this "problem" so I wanted to get this beforehand. It really works great. It comes in a little bottle and you can easily carry it in your purse or even your pocket. You add a drop to the toilet before you go and it totally masks the smell of #2 ; ) Their website is http://www.justadrop.net, you can get two for $16.99. Hope this helps!
   — stlstresn