Question:
Does anyone have problems with irritable bowel syndrome post op?

At my consultation, I discussed with Dr. my symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome although I had never been diagnosed with such. He said the surgery might or might not help. I have been having episodes of sudden diahrrea which I cannot always control. The nurse reviewed my diet and said to take out fat and milk products and see how that works. I am 2 months post op and have never had nausea or vomiting. Just this awful problem which is scary because I never know when it is going to happen. Help!! has anyone out there had this and what have you done to correct or at least manage the problem.    — Sharon V. (posted on January 20, 2000)

January 20, 2000
Like you, I have had symptoms similar to IBS for years. I also had the problem of uncontrollable diarrhea attacks for about the last two years, and figured it was more of the same old problem. But, even though I didn't really expect it to work, I gave up milk, icecream, and other high-lactose products for about a month, and the diarrhea and gas stopped. This was before my surgery. Now, I still get occasional IBS type symptoms, but no more trouble with the diarrhea and gas as long as I stay away from milk. Hope this helps.
   — Lynn K.

January 20, 2000
Have you had your Gallbladder removed? My Dr. told me that there is always the chance of "loose" stool after you have your gallbladder removed, because you body does not store extra fat and bile, it just gets disposed of... and generally people that have had a more distal procedure tend to have more intestinal irratation in the beginning, but it does get a bit better as time goes by.... talk more with you own DR.
   — Jamie T.

January 27, 2000
I had IBS before the surgery although never having it diagnoised by a doctor. I have up to 15 BM's a day after my surgery. For me Dumping is what I call 15 minute Diarrea...eat something with fat in it and 15 minutes later i'm running to the bathroom.
   — Sarah H.

July 23, 2000
I have not had the surgery but I was diagnosed with IBS about a year ago. I am currently taking medication to stop the spasms that cause the irregularity. They suggested before medication that I try one tablespoon of Citrucel in 8 oz water every morning followed by 8 oz regular water. I do have to warn you, it gave me horrible gas, my doctor said he has never heard of this side effect before so maybe it's just me! A couple of Tums cleared up the problem right away though. Good Luck!
   — Christi M.

April 1, 2003
U POOR THING, I CAN RELATE TO EVERYTHING YOU ARE GOING THROUGH.I WAS SUFFERING FROM IBS PRIOR TO WLS AND FOR ME ITS STILL AND ON GOING PROBLEM. I HAVR HAD IT FOR SO LONG NOW ITS JUST A PART OF WHO I AM. I WAS PUT ON MEDS AND IT NEVER WORKED FOR ME. SO NOW I MUST REALLY CHOOSE AND SCHEDULE WHEN AND WHAT TO EAT.EXAMPLE: I KNOW THAT FIRST THING IN THE MORNING I HAVE TO GO ,THATS A GIVEN. I KNOW THE FIRST MEAL OF THE DAY IS GONNA GO RIGHT THROUGH ME SO I TRY TO EAT BREAKFST AS EARLY AS POSSIBLE AT HOME, BECAUSE IT AT TIMES GETS VERY MESSY. USUALLY IF I DO THIS THE REST OF THE DAY IS SMOOTH SAILING, BUT IF I DON'T IT DOESN'T MATTER WHAT TIME I GET THAT FIRST MEAL I'M IN TROUBLE. I HAVE BEEN CAUGHT IN THE CAR HAVING AN EPISODE AND COULD NOT GET TO THE RESTROOM IN TIME, THAT IS VERY EMBARRSSING BECAUSE ONCE IT STARTS TO COME I HAVE NO CONTROL OVER IT I ASSUME THE SPHINCTER MUSCLE IS TOO WEAK,SO WHENEVER I GET THE FIRST SIGN THAT I MIGHT BE IN TROUBLE I RUN FOR THE STALLS.
   — scencemi