Question:
3months ouy just startd very oily smelly stools any ideas sorry for the question

   — barry L. (posted on December 12, 2003)

December 12, 2003
Sounds as if you've maybe increased the amount of fat in your diet. That's what happens to me when I do. You can even see the oil floating on top of the water.
   — [Deactivated Member]

December 12, 2003
I've heard that the oil means you can be sure you're malabsorbing. I'm 2 1/2 yrs out and at goal and it never happened to me. But you definitely malabsorb fats so my guess would be that's what it is.
   — Kimberly L.

December 12, 2003
Total guess here but most likely you are taking in more fats and they are going through undigested. I'd take a look at your meals and see if you can cut back a little. I had horrible problems with this on Xenical and I wasn't even eating tons of fat. I do not have the oil slicks or any sign of oil but my stool does have a stronger smell since surgery and it's the smell that accompanied the oil slicks before, so I know it's from the malabsorption. I don't go out of my way to watch fats but do try to make reasonable choices. The concern I would have is that it would get to be too much and then if you were to pass gas you could very well pass some oily liquid, which is horrible.
   — zoedogcbr

December 13, 2003
Yes , you are eating too much fat. When I do that, it has an orange look to it, or like oil floating. Also, if I think I'm passing gas it turns out to be a liquid yellow stain. SO STOP EATING THE FATS!!!!
   — Kathy H.

December 18, 2003
My theory is that this means your gall bladder is not healthy. According to my naturopath, we need to eat onions, garlic, carrots, beets, and asparagus to make the gall bladder empty itself, and prevent stones or sludge in the gall bladder. I usually eat one or more of these everyday, and while on a trip this summer, I didn't always have access to veggies. During this trip, I also had the *oil slick* problem. Problem resolved when we got back to civilization and veggies. <p> Yes, we malabsorb fats, but cutting all the fat outta your diet is not reasonable, realistic, or even a good idea. Your body needs fat to survive, and it needs fat to burn fat (about 15%). <p> Besides, low fat foods are usually higher in sugars, and fat satifies, sugars make you crave.
   — RWH G.