Question:
Do you have the DS? Have a question.

I just read a prior question regarding changing your diet if you have the DS. In the prior posts a few people mentioned that you do not "have to" change your diet, but it helps the weight loss and the overall health if you do. But as I looked at the DS website alot of people mention the "pro" of still being able to eat the same as before the surgery, but the biggest drawback was the uncontrollable BM's and foul smelling gas. I at first thought the DS sounded good but I cannot imagine the "accidents" that could occurr w/ BM's. Has anyone that had a DS experienced this side effect also? How has it affected your life or is it really not as bad as I was reading? Does the downside of BM's and gas outweight the weight loss?    — ToriJ (posted on June 6, 2003)

June 5, 2003
Let me clear a few things up. I can't speak for others, but NO ONE in my support group has ever reported 'uncontrollable bms'. Gas, yes, but there are things to do about it. I don't eat two double cheeseburgers at a sitting like I used to. But I can eat a Wendy's double burger. That's it. No fries or pop at the same meal and I feel like I've had a Thanksgiving feast. I don't eat like that daily--just when I need a boost of the nutrients that only red meat can give and I don't feel like cooking a steak. I have NEVER had uncontrollable bowel movements, but I do go more frequently. Let's face it, I have a shorter track for the food to go, so increased frequency is to be expected. I do get gas, but it is totally dependent on what I eat. Refined sugars and yeasty products are the worse. Needless to say, if I am desparate for a bagel or a frosted donut, I can expect gas. But if I really want one, I have it. But I don't get gas from sourdough rye bread. Go figure. And, I have never had an instance where I couldn't hold it until I was in a place where it could be passed with minimal collateral damage to bystanders. Yes, my BM's are stinkier than the "normal" stink of poop. That is because what is processed isn't as well digested in 12 feet of intestine as it would be in 22. However, if my choice is stinkier poop or being able to eat what I want...well, I can't smell my own and I'm not all that concerned about what you smell in a bathroom. I hope this answers your question....Good Luck!
   — merri B.

June 5, 2003
Hi Tori, I was 2 yrs post op on 4-11-03 with an Open BPS/DS and I have never had an uncontrollable BM yet. Now, in the beginning I stayed close to a bathroom if we went camping etc....I can tell you that for me the gas and smell of BM's is definetly connected to what I eat! If I eat fast food/greasy on occasion or processed food or carbs then I need to be prepared. When I don't eat processed food, lots of protein and not a lot of carbs than it's not an issue. In the beginning the BM's were loose etc...but I think a lot of that had to do with my body adjusting to the surgery and the changes etc....The iron pills definetly help control the frequency. I can usually go 2x day. Just like before surgery. I love my DS and I can't imagine my life without it. There are pros and cons to every surgery. You just need to decide what it's worth for you. Any questions don't hesitate to ask.
   — Linda M.

June 5, 2003
I had diarrhea at about 17 months post-op, but it turns out it had nothing to do with the DS surgery. I had a bacterial infection called Pseudomembraneous Cholitis. I was put on antibiotics and it cleared up immediately. <p>As the previous poster stated, we do have more frequent BM's. I go 2 or 3 times in the first hour upon arising in the morning. Then I am done for the day. I do not have uncontrollable gas either, but the gas will become an issue if I eat large amounts of sugar or flour (simple carbs) such as at those times when we all overindulge, i.e. pesky holidays like Christmas. I did have more frequent BMs and gas prior to 6 months post-op. But after a time, your body adapts to its new system and adjusts. It really does. I talked to my surgeon about it and he stated that over time, the small intestine of a DS person grows in circumference to absorb more nutrients and aid in digestion in order to account for the loss of the length of intestine that was bypassed.<p>So the short answer is this: Yes, it is common to have frequent loose stools and gas in the first six months until your body has had time to adjust to its new plumbing. <p>Another lie you will here is that DS patients stink. That is absolutely NOT true. I'm almost 2 years post-op and my friends, co-workers, and family have never complained about my odor. I have many DS friends, and they do not smell bad either. They are just slender and happy, as I am. I wish you the best in your WLS journey.
   — artistmama