Question:
Why do I have oily bowel movements?

I am almost 14 monthes out and have been experiancing Oily bowe movements. Does anyone know what this is or where I can go to learn more about it. I have lost 150 pounds and am about 8 pounds from goal. I have no problems with this issue, just would like to know what it is and if it is normal. Thanks, in advance.    — Dana T. (posted on January 27, 2004)

January 27, 2004
According to your profile, you had the distal RNY. That means you are absorbing very little fat in your bowels. It is the same with the DS surgery. 80% of the fat is bypassed and excreted. Also, since you are only a couple months out, you will experience this for awhile. I am over 2 years post-op, and I still get oily bms when I overindulge on fatty foods. That is a good thing. It doesn't end up on my hips. It just goes right through me. <p>You will need to be careful for the first year and be sure to carry extra underwear in case you have an "oil slick" (orange oily discharge) when you're away from home. It's a bummer when it happens, but it does happen less and less often the further post-op you are.
   — artistmama

January 27, 2004
Oops! I thought you were only 2 months out, but you're 14 months out. But the answer is basically the same...it is oil (fat from your diet that is passing through undigested). Best wishes to you.
   — artistmama

January 27, 2004
Hi Dana- Give or take a few pounds and a few days- we are just about WLS twins- From time to time I experience the same thing- I don't mean to be so descriptive BUT (lol) I can often see oily stuff floating in the throan when I......I think its a good think ;)
   — WABBIT F.

January 28, 2004
Are you just noticing this lately? If so, have you increased the fat from your diet? On a good note, it shows the surgery is working, your not absorbing some or most of the fat, on a bad note, relook your diet to ensure your not overdoing it on fat intake...
   — Cindy R.

January 28, 2004
I've had the oily bowel movements right from the beginning when I started eating Wendy's chili. I never minded, beacuse as the other poster said, it means I'm not absorbing it. As a matter of fact, I try to keep fat in my diet,as to help keep from getting constipated. We ate at Outback Steakhouse last night, and my son and husband ordered the bloomin' onion. Of course, I HAD to taste. Well, let's just say that it was quite helpful for the bathroom issues this AM. LOL!!
   — Fixnmyself

January 29, 2004
Thanks everybody, I talked to the bariatrics program and they said about the same as you guys. I have been drinking a 20 ounce sf mocha a day, made with 1/2 half and half and the other half water. I will go back to drinking mine with skim, a little more carbs, but not too much.
   — Dana T.