Question:
I am 3 years post op, and still have problems with diarrhea

I have no idea what causes this. It doesn't happen every day. It happens maybe 2-3 times a month. There are times when I just about make it to the bathroom. I watch what I eat. Something I ate 3 days ago didn't bother me, but it did today. I stay away from sugar and fried foods. I also stay away from whole grains and seeds. I've never been lactose tolerant, and dairy doesn't seem to bother me. I have maintained my weight lose of 105 lbs. and feel great otherwise. Any suggestions?    — JanePiccola (posted on March 2, 2007)

March 2, 2007
Have you tried BISACODYL? Of course, check with your doctor before taking these. (http://www.globaldrugs.com/pharmacy/3710.htm).
   — donnyj53

March 2, 2007
Hi Jayne, congratulations on your great weight loss! I am 3 years out from rny surgery, and I still have that from time to time. I think, personally, it is from anything that my system decides it doesn't like that day. Our bodies react to food differently on different days. I have heard over and over again that something someone ate one day could not be eaten the next. I don't that this is unusual for us as a whole. I also think that we would not have caught this type of reaction as an obese person. We just ate and ate and ate. We take notice of things more now, especially when we have lost so much weight. I don't take anything for the diarrhea that I occasionally get. I don't think it is necessary. I do find that when I begin to have the urge to go, I need to go and not make excuses for it. This helps a lot. If I exercise, I also seem to have more lose stools. But, honestly, I count it a blessing to clean out and not be constipated. If it went on for days or weeks, or caused weight loss on it's own, then I would think you have an issue that needs a doctor, but as you describe it here, I think it is just your body doing what it needs to remove waste. I do watch what I eat, but I don't avoid any foods. God gave us food to enjoy, not engorge, but enjoy. I intend to enjoy food, in moderation. Keep up the good work, and unless you are in real pain or have another symptom that you need to visit a doctor for, enjoy your weight loss and appreciate your body has the common sense to dispose of waste well! Take care, Patricia P
   — Patricia P

March 3, 2007
I had such problems BEFORE RNY surgery, problems that persist AFTER surgery. Your problems with diarrhea may be unrelated to your surgery. I suggest that you mention to your doctor(s) that he/she might rule out causes for your diarrhea that that are unrelated to your bariatric surgery. It should not be assumed that, just because you have had weight loss surgery, your not uncommon medical problem must be caused by that surgery.
   — [Deactivated Member]

March 4, 2007
I am 4 years post op and I have had this problem since I had the gastric bypass. I do notice that it is worst after I have coffee or eggs. The doctor felt it was most likly a problem with the gallbladder which I just had to have removed. People without gallbladders suffer this more.
   — ANNAJEAN

March 13, 2007
Keep track of everything you eat, and see if a pattern emerges as to when you have the diarrhea.
   — Novashannon

April 14, 2007
I am 3.5 years out... if I eat crap I am not suposed to I am reminded by the need to run to the bathroom till its out, also a cheap glass of wine isnt really cheap as I will pay for it later, high fiber fruits like mango or avacado, a garonteed panic, and God forbid I think a piece of Bacon is a good idea... Orange Juice no way! The good news is the surgery is still working, the bad news is there are things I will pay for if I decide to overlook what I know to be true, the other good news is I feel like I am getting a little constipated, I know exactly what will cure what troubles me. Good luck!
   — colette73