Question:
4 mos. post-op and have been experiencing pencil-like bowel movements

I only have a BM every 2-3 days, no pain, the consistency is soft but they are very 'skinny'....almost like my bowel has gotten skinny. Anyone else experiencing this? Is it normal?    — mbarn2003 (posted on March 5, 2003)

March 5, 2003
I would contact your Doctor as soon as possible and explain the situation...this can be very serious. I'm not saying that this is your situation, but pencil-like stool can be a sign of colon cancer. Please don't let me freak you out, but I wouldn't want you to let it go on without consulting a doctor. Now, that being said, I've not yet had my surgery (March 31st). Therefore, it could very well be a side effect some people have afterwards...I don't know. Regardless, I think you should talk to you doctor. I wish you the best of luck.
   — Renee B.

March 5, 2003
Me too. I was worried I was getting a twisted bowel or something! Glad you asked. I am curious what people will say, but now I am 6 months out and they aren't what they used to be,(thank goodness!) but no more pencils! Much more normal.
   — Kristy J.

March 5, 2003
I agree with the first poster about it being pencil thin. Go to your Dr. However the BM every 2-3 days is probably nothing but the fact that you aren't eating that much anymore. That is what I am at right now. My speicalist just suggested that I take a fiber supplement everyday to help with movement. He has said that this is my bodies version of being 'regular' now.
   — salymsmommy

March 5, 2003
I am three weeks post-op and my bowels are pencil thin also. Doc says nothing to worry about. Also light-colored and double flushers if you know what I mean. I had intestinal bypass in 1981 and they were the same until i had that taken down last year. Then normal sized for awhile until I had this r n y.
   — Delores S.

March 5, 2003
I am three weeks post-op and my bowels are pencil thin also. Doc says nothing to worry about. Also light-colored and double flushers if you know what I mean. I had intestinal bypass in 1981 and they were the same until i had that taken down last year. Then normal sized for awhile until I had this r n y.
   — Delores S.

March 5, 2003
I am 13 months post-op. My bowel movements are still pencil thin and very pale, but I do have several per day, my doctor says it is normal. You may want to take the advice of one of the previous posters who suggested you increase your fiber intake.
   — Melissa W.