Question:
OK, Give me the real

Those of you that have had the Duodenal Switch operation: Does in really cause problems with loose stools and and fowl smell. I have heard that keeping the common section of the intestine to 100cm rather than 75cm dramatically reduces these problems. Please comment on your experiences (good and bad). Thanks    — Chris H. (posted on June 9, 2001)

June 10, 2001
My DS was done on 6/19/00, and my common tract is 100 cm. I certainly don't consider my bowels to be a problem, but they are definitely different. For the first 10 - 11 months, they were soft, seldom loose, but very soft. I went from having 1 BM a day to having 3 or 4. And yep, they smell bad. In comparison to how they smelt before surgery, I would say they smell different, perhaps a little worse, but geez, my husband's still smell much worse! I have noticed in the last month or so that I am back down to 1 - 2 BMs a day, which actually don't smell too bad at all. As many WLS patients of all types will tell you though: I would much rather have to deal with stinky poops than 100 extra pounds - no contest! - Kate -
   — kateseidel

June 10, 2001
I had my open BPD/DS on 4/11 and yes, my bowel habits have changed. First, on occasion they smell but honestly, not usually. I do notice it more if I'm gassier. I'm usually in the bathrooom starting around 5 am(when I wake) and I go several times(maybe 3 or 4). Sometimes this can take about 1 1/2 hrs. total. But, then I'm usually done for the day. At least that's the way it's been the past 8 weeks. Now, I just returned from camping and only went like 2x in the morning and that was that! I don't have excessive gas,bloating or anything. My stools are usually just soft,not diarrhea. The diarrhea will happen if I have eaten something too fatty. Other than that-I'd do this again in a heartbeat! My surgeon only bypasses 100 cm. He personally feels anything less is risky. He told me he'd do more if I were an NFL linebacker and weighed 450 lbs. Best wishes
   — Linda M.

June 10, 2001
Chris: I'll be 2 years post-op from lap BPD/DS in the fall (51-26 BMI, thank you very much) and have NO problems. With any WLS it takes a while for your stomach and intestines to adjust to major surgery, but I quickly settled into a routine of 1 soft BM immediately upon waking. If I have A LOT of chocolate the night before (which I'm still prone to do -- but no guilt or regain now), I will have a second BM shortly thereafter and get rid of the Hershey's kisses then (oh the joy of a malabsorptive surgery in the long term). I rarely have additional bms, unless I eat A LOT throughout the day. The smell is fairly strong, different than prior to surgery, when it smelt like s**t too. I rarely entertain while having BMs and have no other odor. My common track is 100 cm (the usual) and has been perfect for me. The bathroom issues have been a wonderful improvement for me as preop I had irritable bowel and constant urgent diarhea, which now it GONE.
   — Jill L.