Question:
Is this a normal bowel movement?

I apologize for the yucky subject but I need some advice. I'm two months post op and I have strange bowel movements. I'm beginning to think it's normal for me. I only have a bm about every 4 -5 days, when it happens I'm constipated with a lot of gas pain, I have a very small normal stool followed by 2 or 3 loose ones the same day. Anyone else have this? I don't mind if this is normal but if it's not I think I should let my doctor know. Thanks so much for your help. Nancy    — nancysho (posted on November 17, 2003)

November 17, 2003
I am 15 months post-op. I remember in the first couple of months my personal experience was horrible with my bowels. I started out with nothing but diarrhea. That was about the first month. Within the second month I was like you, virtually nothing. I struggled with bowel problems for 6 months until I finally sought help from a GI doctor. She diagnosed me with Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Constipation (there are several different kinds of IBS). She told me that it is very common for post gastric bypass patients to suffer from this condition. It's horrible to have to live like that. She immediately put me on a Rx called Zelnorm. I noticed a HUGE difference within the first week. It has changed my life. I no longer have to deal with the cramping, gas pains and not going for days. I pretty much have a bm everyday, sometimes twice a day. Now this is just my personal experience. As you know, you must check with your doctor in order to have the proper diagnosis made for you. God Bless You, I hope you find the answer :-)
   — Robin L.