Question:
I've seen a few posts about bowel incontenence following surgery.

How many out there have experienced this? Someone wrote about waking up and having to change the sheets in the night, etc. I am going to Mexico for surgery and will stay about two weeks after surgery. Should I take "Depends" or some big pads, just in case? It would probably be easier to take them with me, if I might need them. This kind of thing is something of a nightmare to me, for that reason I never took Xenical, so maybe I'm worrying a little too much about it, but your experience either way is appreciated. Thanks! My surgery date is 10-16-03!    — Caryn R. (posted on July 12, 2003)

July 12, 2003
I've never heard of this before. Diarrhea is quite common at first, especially when you're just on liquids, but I've never heard of not being able to control it. Just stay close to the bathroom, I'm sure you'll be fine. Good luck on your upcoming surgery!
   — Want2bslim

July 12, 2003
Very few people experience what you described. It is not an issue for most of us. Don't worry too much about it and good luck with your trip to Mexico.
   — Delores S.

July 12, 2003
Our practice has done about 650 cases and I have never heard of anyone having this problem. A few have diarhea but the most common bowel problem we see is constipation. Since you'll be in Mexico, however, it might ease your mind if you took some Depends with you just in case you happen to be the one in a zillion this happens to. It's a small price to pay for peace of mind. Best wishes in Mexico and throughout your journey.
   — ronascott

July 12, 2003
I'm with the others. If it's an issue for some, it's extremely rare. I think the more common problem, and I can testify to this one, is constipation. But, it would help if I was more diligent about my water intake. :(
   — Leslie F.

July 12, 2003
Immediately post-op, in the hospital, I was given some really nasty liquid in order to take an x-ray to test for leaks. It was that nasty medication that caused my "incontenence", and it did happen in the hospital, and to many others that I know. I continued to have diareah at home, but nothing "uncontrollable", and at about 3 weeks post op, it changed to constipation. Hope this helps.
   — Happy I.

July 12, 2003
Gee It's been MY experience that the opposite has happened. I'm not sure on what's true for everone though.
   — [Deactivated Member]

July 13, 2003
My experience was exactly like Lisa's below. The barium I had to drink for the leak test caused pretty instant diarrhea while I was still in the hospital. I wasn't aware it could do that, and it came on me fast while I was still slow getting out of bed so that was a bit of a problem! When I went home the next day my bowel movements were still a bit "runny", but definitely nothing uncontrollable. Otherwise, I haven't had a problem with diarrhea once in 10 months. Constipation is the more common complaint from RNY patients though I've rarely had that problem.
   — sandsonik