Question:
Stomach Issues

I am 3 weeks post op LAP RNY. I go through periods of constipation and then diarrhea. I am not changing anything in my diet. Is this normal? When I go through the periods of diarrhea my tummy is just not right. I have no appetite.    — tammyB1976 (posted on September 5, 2008)

September 5, 2008
Yes, I believe this is normal for the first few months. I'm 7 weeks post-op and have some of both. My problem is mostly constipation and was told that iron pills will cause this to happen. I believe it will get better. Hang in there.
   — Toby2

September 5, 2008
I no longer have constipation issues and I even take 3 Ferrous Gluconate tablets a day (but then the ferrous gluconate is easier on your system than ferrous sulfate is). I do, however, have days where I run to the bathroom immediately after eating and have diarrhea. But I also had my gallbladde removed in March and if I eat something that is a little fattier than normal, this can happen...as it can happen to anyone who has had their gallbladder removed, whether they had WLS or haven't. I wouldn't worry about it too much unless it is a recurring problem day in and day out. Eventually your system will "normalize".
   — ALafferty

September 5, 2008
If you want to become more "regular" with less diarrhea try a good "liquid" vitamin / mineral supplement like VEMMA. Has a lot of fiber and 1000 IU of vit. D3, very important. Go to www.TrySomeVemma.com
   — [Deactivated Member]

September 5, 2008
After about 6-8 weels I finally got more balanced. I think we are not used to the food changes and it just takes some time. Iron does not help the constapation, but I found that a Bariatric iron was much easier on my system and allowed me to be more normal. See www.bbvitamins.com for a source.
   — William (Bill) wmil

September 6, 2008
This is why some people take Docusate sodium, a stool softener at times. It works gradually, but keeps everything moving. You are still healing and probably will be for another month or two. You will normalize in time, and things will return to sanity. Promise. :)
   — Dusty Ray Vaughn

September 8, 2008
You need to contact your doctor/surgeon about this. With that said, I'm guessing that you probably have Irritable Bowel Syndrome (google it and you'll find lots of info).
   — mrsidknee