Question:
I am over 1 year out and I have a bladder infection for the second time in 3 months.

I have never had bladder infections in my life. I drink between 80-100 oz. of water per day. Has anyone else experienced recurrant bladder infections and is it a result of the surgery? This one is not going away even though I have been on Bactrim for 5 days now. I will call a urologist in the morning. If anyone has any info on this I would appreciate it. Thanks...Kathy Gorr    — mell9yell (posted on June 6, 2004)

June 6, 2004
I had my first bladder infection a couple months ago, when I was about 6 months out from my surgery. I was told that it can be common in newer post-ops, because they sometimes have a tough time getting all their liquids in, and fluids are what flush out our bladders, preventing the infections. A plethora of things can cause them, though. If you hold your urine too long, or if you don't completely empty your bladder when you use the bathroom, even if your hubby has an infection himslef he can pass it on to you.
   — jenn_jenn

June 6, 2004
Haven't had a bladder infection but have had a Urinary Tract Infection recur four times since surgery 09/25/03. Prior to the surgery, I had not had a UTI in at least 30 years so I think they must be related but don't understand how. I have taken every antibiotic prescribed very faithfully and it still won't go away. I'm currently on a long term course of suppressive antibiotic. I make sure I get at least 64 oz of non-carbonated, non-caffeine liquids everyday, usually more than that, so I know it isn't related to too little fluid. I'd definitely see that urologist if I were you. I waited to do that until I had had three occurrences.
   — scbabe

June 7, 2004
Kathy, I had a UTI at about 4 months post op. I have had the in the past so knew immediately what it was and got on antibiotics. I have heard that they are common among post op RNY patients, I don't know why, but be sure to see the urologist and don't ignore any symptoms. Blessing, Carolyn
   — Carolyn B.

June 7, 2004
I have had many UTI's in my lifetime and some of the things I've learned...only wear all cotton underwear, wash clothes in dye-free detergent, always "wipe" from front to back, void before and IMMEDIATELY after sex and every day I take Super CranActin (by Solaray) which is a cranberry capsule with additional herbs that help with preventing future UTI's (goldenseal,uva ursi, juniper berry, etc) Good Luck!
   — j D.

June 8, 2004
Things that may help--all cotton undies rinsed twice in the washer, unscented laundry detergent, unscented soap that rinses well and doesn't leave any film or moisturisers, rinse yourself well in the shower, avoid baths, keep the pubic area shaved(this greatly eliminates odors). Drink lots of water, don't hold your pee too long, pee right after any sexual acivity. Use cheap, moderately stiff, white toilet paper-the soft fibery stuff like Cottonelle leaves those fibers behind and they cause irritation. Avoid spandex and tight pants. Some of my suggestions were already mentioned but these are things I do and I haven't had any bladder infections or UTI's in years.
   — mary ann T.