Question:
I'm four days post-op (lap-band)

I have had diarrhea for 2 1/2 days. Is this normal? If so how long will it last? I have had nothing buy liquids. Just would like to say I would love some real food!!!!    — jrekkedal (posted on December 13, 2008)

December 12, 2008
I THINK IT IS PREFECTLY NORMAL, YOU ARE TAKING IN NOTHING BUT LIQUIDS, SO THAT IS WHAT IS COMING OUT, LOL. I AM 10 MONTHS OUT NOW, AND WOULD LOVE TO HAVE THE DIARRHEA FOR A COUPLE OF DAYS, YOU WILL NOTICE WHEN YOU START ADDING SOLIDS IT WILL CHANGE, JUST THINK WHEN YOU HAVE THAT YOU ARE FLUSHING OUT FAT ALSO!!
   — Lisa Koch

December 12, 2008
I am 6 weeks post op. I had diarrhea too. It lasted about 3 weeks. Not frequent going, but when I did it was just liquid. Also I sometimes had no warning when I had to go. I ruined a few pair of undies, but it got better. Now it is more back to normal. Hang in there, it will get better. As for solid food, that will come in time. The first week was the worst. As soon as you can eat creamy soups you will feel more like you have had something to eat. Good luck
   — deejacobs

December 13, 2008
in your info from your doctor does it say you can take Imodium AD? I had gastric sleeve and it was ok to take and helped. But you will be really loose for awhile. I am 17 days post op and had the same problem. For the two weeks I was on only liquids I also about went crazy for some thing to actually EAT! Can you have SF popsicles? I also made SF jello jigglers and they sort of helped me to feel like I was having food. Its is hard!!! So give yourself a pat on the back several times a day for taking this monumental move on the way to better health and as soon as you go to soft foods it gets better in every way. Good luck!!!!
   — jeanne_wise

December 13, 2008
I'm 9 years post op and had soft stools initially. My surgeon mandates addn'l fiber in the form of Metimucel (sp). I prefer the chewable wafers at this point, but I'm still doing the fiber. I think it's healthful otherwise. Whether it's due to that or something else, I've had no other elimination challenges. I've had an upper and lower GI about 5 years post op and I have no diverticulitis or other issues. The Imodium AD suggestion is what I'd consider, if my doctor said it was okay. I can't imagine it's not. Best of luck!
   — jjames-thomas

December 13, 2008
I am 3 weeks post op revision to RNY and had diarrhea for about 6 days like crazy, but when we are only doing liquids, liquid in and liquid out. I had several accidents so be warned... get some thick kotex to wear for about a week until you know... I had NO warning and that is NOT fun. I have loose stools now but not so much diarrhea unless I eat something that does not meet my tummy well and it is the next day morning now. Good luck and keep the spirits HIGH. This is a life changing event we choose. Monica Hayman - Houston TX
   — MonHay

December 13, 2008
Oh boy, can I relate. When my body hears the term liquids, I had better be close to a bathroom! Between liquids, the stress of surgery and the antibiotics, diarrhea for a while is normal. I relied on Immodium AD. Best of luck, Dawn Vickers, RN, BLC, CLC
   — DawnVic

December 13, 2008
My diarrhea lasted from my second day in the hospital until around 1.5 -2 months later. I was able to take Imodium per my PCP, it helped, but didn't cure. Once I stopped I stated taking benefiber every day to keep regular - didn't help - went the opposite direction. It might have to be you have to try different things in order to get the right balance for your new bod. Now... I happy to report I go every morning, like clockwork and if I am luckly once or twice more that same day. But if not, first thin in the am is a given. I try to eat a lot of fiber in my diet too, that help. Good luck
   — jammerz

December 13, 2008
I had my original RNY in 1997 and in about 2000 I started to have diarrhea for about 4 years straight. My doctor said it could have been from Vit b12 defiency really bad. I have never heard of this before. Once I corrected the Vit D defiency I was normal again. I had a revision on July 2, 2008 and had diarrhea for about 3 months. Now it is gone. If I get it again I have lomitil for back up. Imoudiun does not work on me. Good Luck
   — [Deactivated Member]