Question:
ATTN: Post-ops who had gastrointestinal problems PRE-OP

I want to hear from any POST-OPS who had chronic gastrointestinal problems as a PRE-OP, such as bloating, constipation, gas, diarrhea, or heartburn. Were these conditions alleviated after the surgery? I'm asking because i believe i have "delayed gastric emptying" (I'm hypothyroid, but treated with meds), and i want to know if these problems go away because of the new nature of our stomachs. Please let me know if you have insight on this. Surgery date: 7/7/03 (19 DAYS PRE-OP), OPEN RNY, 5'1" 225 lbs, BMI = 42    — sweetmana (posted on June 18, 2003)

June 18, 2003
Hi, I had severe ulcerative colitis before surgery, RNY 11-08-02. Haven't had a day of problem since. No bloating, pain,bleeding,diarrhea, gas-nothing. Life is good. Mona -82 lbs
   — Mona R.

June 19, 2003
I had a hiatal hernia, gastritis, esphogitis, reflux and severe heartburn. I was taking Protonix prior to surgery to treat all of this. I had surgery on May 6th and have not had a single probelm since and no longer take medication. Good luck.
   — Dawn P.

June 19, 2003
I have microscopic colitis (MC) and have had open RNY on May 7, 2003. I had diarrhea (3-4, minimum times a day) for several years, not knowing what was causing it. My gastro doctor discovered my MC during a biopsy done during a colonoscopy. I also self discovered that I have a gluten sensitivity. I eliminated it from my diet and with the Pentasa that I take 4 times a day I have not had any problems since one year ago at this time. I am down to one BM a day sometimes two, small amount (probably 1/2 total, my volumes pre-op was cups and cups at each bm) and no more cramping. I also had GERD pre-op and do not have any problems with it since I am post and have not had to take any meds for it either. Before I could have my surgery my doctor required me to get a clearance from the same gastro doctor as above and he also spoke with a gastro doctor of his choice and concluded that I would not have any complications due to the malabsorbtion. There sometimes is a concern about a person that has diarrhea and has a procedure that involves malabsortion. The person then does not get the proper nutrition.
   — ChristineB

June 19, 2003
I had ibd pre op from having my gall bladder out in 99. pre op, i would eat and go directly to the bathroom, and it would come out of the other end. Now, 8 weeks post op, the only time I have that problem is if I eat something my tummy doens't like ie high in fat, carbs, or has sugar in it. I also had very bad heartburn. I was on meds preop for that as well. I now take 2 chewable pepcid ac's a day (morning and night) and havn't had a bit of problem with heart burn. A lot of the stuff I had pre op that caused dumping, I now can't have, so I would have to say that it did alleviate most of the symptoms. I will say it does varry from person to person how you react post op. Good luck and God bless!!
   — mellyhudel

June 24, 2003
It will be three months tomorrow since I have had my surgery and I am so constipated, I don't know what I should do. I am going on 8 days without going and I know this isn't healthy. HELP!
   — Fancie Face B.