Question:
Considering RNY or BPD/DS. Worried about gas and bowel movements post op with BPD/DS

   — Jane J. (posted on June 6, 2002)

June 5, 2002
I am sure that many people will write and tell you that they have had no problems with the BPD/DS and are very happy with it. I'm sure they are not lying but that's not me. To see what i have been through, please just visit my profile to see the "other" side. Hope you make the best decision for YOU. Hugs
   — Barbara H.

June 5, 2002
I can't offer any information about the BPD/DS, but my RNY "cured" fifteen years of Irritable Bowel Syndrome as of the day of surgery. I had struggled with diarrhea, gas, and multiple stools a day until this surgery. Now I have completely normal bowel movements (2-3 per week) and virtually no gas. Aside from the weight loss, the RNY has given me another wonderful gift in this area. Good luck!
   — Diana T.

June 5, 2002
I had the Duodenal Switch (DS) procedure. During the first 6-12 months post op, I had excessive gas as my intestines readjusted to eating certain foods. I had loose stools if I ate anything with an excessive amount of fat. However, all that cleared up within the first year and I am no more farty than I was before surgery and, I now use eating something fatty to clear up any constipation issues that develop. At two years post op, my Bowel Movements are regular (first thing when I wake up or right after breakfast, like clockwork), of normal consistency (floaters when I eat something fatty, sinkers when I don't). I find I can control the gas by avoiding eating white sugar and white flour. However, if I want something like a donut, I just pop an anti-gas tablet at the same time and it holds down the gas. Good Luck to you! PS, Barb keeps saying she had a bad outcome from the DS. However, I think after talking to her that she did not have the typical DS procedure, nor was her surgeon someone I would refer people to. So I do not think that her experience with the DS is typical.
   — merri B.

June 6, 2002
Jane: I am about 17 months post-op from the BPD/DS. I have NOT experienced excessive gas/odor/bowel problems, even in the first few months post-op. I don't think that my experience is standard, though. I did have loose bowels for the first month or so and they were frequent throughout the day (never uncontrollable diahhrea, though). This evened out pretty soonafter to about 2 bms in the am upon waking and that's it! Sometimes I will have a bm in the afternoon or evening but this is rare. I have had painful gas episodes and some smelly experiences. However, it has not been regular to the point where I sought intervention (and there are ways to lesson or control these matters). Every now and then my abdomen will bloat up and I'll feel uncomfortable. This might be related to my IBS/stress levels? I have had much less of a problem with my IBS after surgery. IT's as if my body prefers the intestinal rerouting and malapsorption. I've also known others who have said their IBS has been lessened by the DS surgery (although there are a few who still have problems - this may be true with the RNY as well). All the best, (lap DS with gallbladder removal, January 25, 2001, preop: 307 lbs/bmi 45, now: 173 lbs/bmi 24)
   — Teresa N.

June 6, 2002
I have to agree with Diana. Although I am only 2 months out, my IBS is completely gone! I now have BM's about every 3 days. No more gas at all. Pre-surgery I had bad gas alot and horrible cramps and loose bowels often. What a wonderful side effect of RNY!! Good luck with your decision.
   — Leah H.

June 6, 2002
I had the DS 9 months ago and didn't have any excessive gas or diarrhea until about 3 weeks ago. I began experiencing excessive smelly gas and nothing I used would even touch it. I tried Gas X, Beano, Acidophilus, Papaya Enzymes, avoiding carbohydrates, but to no avail. Then someone on this site stated she had suffered with severe gas for 18-months ever since her RNY. She finally tried Activated Charcoal tablets and it cured her gas immediately. Well, off to the store I went. Wow! Instant relief. Within the first day, I had it under control after taking 4 doses throughout the day. The next day I took 2 doses, and for the last 3 days I haven't had to take any. It's just such a relief, though, to know that I found the answer to those episodes. I don't know if the was caused by something I ate or if it was some kind of bacterial infection, but whatever it was, the activated charcoal tablets took care of it.
   — artistmama