Question:
First two weeks, diarrhea?

I had surgery 1/20/06. I have had 4 accidents with diarrhea. I have also had previous rectum surgerys and a lot of muscle has been cut thru. Have any of you had this problem    — Rosemary C. (posted on January 29, 2006)

January 29, 2006
it depends on what surgery you had but I had an open rny 3 years ago and still have problems every know and then.Ask your doc if you can take imodium or a metamulcil gel to help you or try eating things like potato and leek soup (pureeded), split pea soup (but might give you gas) ie things that have a bit more 'bunging' power, pureeded baked beans with a thinner like milk but again might be gassy. go easy on milk products and some sugar free stuff is actually a laxative!!
   — elenav

January 29, 2006
Are you drinking milk?
   — vitalady

January 29, 2006
I'm 5 weeks out from my LAP RNY....and I had the same problem...often times it was hard to tell if it was gas...or something else. I just stayed close to home for a while...but once I started eating more 'solid' type foods things went the opposite way and I had to start taking something in order to go. You might want to mention it to your doctor...but you aren't alone.
   — mmcphee1

January 29, 2006
Although most patients experience constipation post-surgery, diarrhea may also occur. Speaking with your doctor is very important because of concerns such as possible dehydration and electrolyte imbalances. There have been reports of patients developing Lactose intolerance after surgery, despite never having such an issue in the past. If you are getting much of your protein from Whey derivatives, this may be an issue. Some times the diarrhea will remit once your system gets used to the change, but it still remains important to inform your doctor of your symptoms. Hang in there!
   — Dr.Helfman

January 29, 2006
I also had diarrhea for about two weeks off and on after my RNY in December. It was worse when I had dairy products at first. Now at six weeks it has gone away unless I am stupid and eat something which causes dumping and diarrhea like sugar.
   — pattilca

January 30, 2006
I had diarrhea the first two weeks too. It basically came from being on the liquid diet. I guess the best way to explain it is with babies, remember how they learn to eat and the steps they have to go through - it was the same for me. Once I started solids, the diarrhea went away. I don't have constipation like a lot of people either. BM's are about 2 times a week. Not solid, but not liquid either.
   — Nicki F.

February 7, 2006
I was told that most people become lactose intolerant after this type of surgery. Try switching to Lactaid milk if you are using milk for your shakes. I use this and have had no diarrhea at all in my two weeks out of surgery. Good luck.
   — lisa570