Question:
After WLS do you have a lot of problems with bowel movements whereas you have to

be close to a bathroom or may have "accidents"? I was just wondering because I have found a website about WLS and it mad e WLS sound horrible. And I'm looking to do this surgery. If you want that website plz email me. Thanks!!    — Jennifer W. (posted on January 5, 2002)


January 5, 2002
I don't know about everybody else but when I have to go I HAVE to go! It doesn't matter where I am. I am only 6 weeks out and don't know if this will improve but I try to stay away from social engagements right now. I'm looking forward to others replies on this. Amy
   — purdue_1993

January 5, 2002
I had open RNY in August. The only time I have to hurry to the bathroom is if I eat/drink dairy products. I'm lactose intolerant and it gives me terrible cramps,gas and diarrhea. I had the lactose intolerance before surgery so I knew what would happen. Some people become lactose intolerant after surgery, if they aren't familiar with it some people might feel its their new normal elimination pattern without trying to eliminate diary to get them on a more normal routine.
   — Helen B.

January 5, 2002
I am 8 weeks post op and I have had bad diareaha(?) ever since surgery and I MUST stay close to a bathroom after eating.
   — Lynda T.

January 5, 2002
i am 2 1/2 weeks post op open rny/silastic band. i have learned over the last 2 weeks what causes me to have to run to the bathroom & what doesnt. it was a trial & error thing but i think i have it down now. sugar is my mortal enemy. so is anything that has a high fat content. this happens in spite of the fact that i can only eat 1 oz at a sitting. i would hate to think what would happen if i was longer post op & up to a 1/2 cup of food! & the 'dumping' feeling is enuf to keep me away from what i know i cant have. the only thing i find strange is that everyone says dumping doesnt mean diarreah yet it goes along with it in my case.
   — sheryl titone

January 5, 2002
I'm 10 weeks post-op and haven't had a problem at all. I find that I go to the bathroom LESS than I did before surgery. I've only been "sick" once and it was because I ate something with too much fat in it. Do what your doctor tells you and eat the "right" foods and you will be fine. Good luck on your journey.
   — vbenedict0208

January 5, 2002
I have only 2 bowel movements a week and they are normal. I have dumped a couple of times and it has been on sugar-free products. They just say that when trying something new, do it at home until you find out what agrees with you and what doesn't. I have implemented this advice and it has worked very well for me.
   — Cheri M.

January 5, 2002
Nope, no problems here. I have never experienced urgency. I am almost 1 year post op and my bowels move every other day-and never suddenly or explosively. Just, well, normal...Shelley
   — Shelley.

January 6, 2002
I'm 20 months post & also had my gall bladder removed. I don't really have a problem with urgency except occasionally, but I would definitely say things are "different" now. Certainly looser & probably more odiferous. I did get some prescription stuff that "firms" things up if/when I take it regularly (like that time I was going to be sharing a hotel bathroom with three other women in Las Vegas!! ) I have talked with a very thin friend who also had her GB removed & she said she experienced the same thing for about a year & a half after her GB removal. So I tend to attribute my "changes" as being as much due to the GB removal as the WLS. But, for whatever reason, yeah, it's a little more of a hassle now...not a BIG hassle, tho.
   — Kathy W.

January 6, 2002
I'm 17 days post-op and no bathroom problems here. I have a small BM 2-3 a day and no diarrhea. I do have more gas then before though but no one knows about that but me if you know what I mean :-)It's usually unscented :-)
   — crishsapig

January 7, 2002
After reading everyones answers I guess everyone is so different. I am 15 mo out and i still have uncontrollible dirrhea. As long as I take Questrian Powder, which my Dr perscribed I am fine, but if i skip one day without it, boy watch out!!!
   — Carol M.




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