Question:
Chronic Diarrhea and vitamin problems

I had my lap rny on 12/13/02. I started to have chronic diarrhea a few weeks after surgery. According to my recent blood work my doctor has advised me to take a prescription of Vit D, zinc, and increase my protein intake. She also wants me to have a barium meal test to see why I continue to have this problem. My surgeon is from NYC and I live in upstate NY. The hospitals around here have never heard of the barium meal test. Has anyone ever had this test? Has anyone had this diarrhea problem? I am concerned that the diarrhea is causing these vitamin deficiencies. My surgeon is going to contact my local hospital to find out why they dont do the barium meal test. Any info would be greatly appreciated.    — Kristin F. (posted on October 17, 2003)

October 19, 2003
Hey... massive diarrhea is pretty common after surgery... that's why you have to make SURE you get lab tests every two-three months and take daily supplements. Well, that along with the mal-absorption issues. The diarrhea will get better, eventually, but you are losing so much fat right now, that you won't have solid fecal tissue for quite a while. I am unfamiliar with the barium meal test, sorry...
   — Sharon m. B.

October 19, 2003
Try eating cheese or fiber to fix diarrea. In our support group its pretty unusual but can be caused by eating excessive fat, like deep fried onion rings. Eventually your body adjusts and it goes away. Check with your nutronist for other foods that slow the digestive system.
   — bob-haller