Midway through 3rd week post-op. Need help w/diarrhea issues, pls!

I think the VSL#3 is starting to kick in (packets, ~450 billion bacteria), because gas intensity and smell is starting to subside a bit. However, I haven't figured out the diarrhea. I'm in the post-op puree stage until Monday, at the earliest. I'm taking 2+ tbsp. of chia seed a day as well, mixed with Dannon Light'n'Fit Greek yogurt (lowest carb Greek yogurt I've found). Technically I'm probably not supposed to be eating cheese yet, but I have been anyway. Could that really contribute to diarrhea? I've also had cottage cheese. I made some chopped liver, but that didn't seem to work for me. Also some low-carb egg custard (sweetened with stevia, and using heavy cream). I've had decaf lattes with 2% milk. Taking Lactaid with the dairy foods, just in case, but it hasn't seemed to make any difference.

I'm really at a loss as to what I can eat (aside from going back to clear broths and protein shakes) that won't cause so much of an issue. Should I up my calcium intake (what kind, how much)?

Help!

I wouldn't use the heavy cream just yet, you are malabsorbing everything right now.  

The VSL#3...how much are you taking?  It could be your body shedding the bad bugs as VSL#3 adds good ones.

Increase your calcium. I used Citracal  Maximum (2 tablets each time) and it plugged me up. Go slowly to find your sweet spot. Now, I use nothing but Vitalady's Calcim Citrate only in capsule form and have no issues.

--gina

Gina - I'm taking one packet of the VSL#3 (450 bil. bugs) per day. I'll increase the calcium like you've suggested and see what that does. Thanks so much!

You might try taking only a 1/2 teaspoon of the VSL#3 twice a day. That's all I take and it might help economize a bit. Maybe what you're taking is a little too much.

--gina

If you have diarrhea, treat it!  Imodium is your friend.

I wouldn't try to do too much at this stage post op. Your body is going thru a lot of transition and the diarrhea is not surprising.

My bowel movements were somewhere between loose stool and close to diarrhea for 4 to 6 months post op, and at 10 months they're still not what I would call normal.

It could be possible you're having a dairy sensitivity. 

my dr requires a clear liquid diet w/ protein shakes for the first 4 weeks post op. includes broths, sugar free popcicles, surgar free jello, and water.

I was lactose intolerant before surgery, after lactose, whey, SF sugar alcohols.  Sorbitol was in my vitamins (I was doing the chewable ones).  You can up your chia seeds to 3x/day.  I know you don't have a lot of room in your tummy right now.  It did take my system a long time.