devrom vs acidophilus ,probiotic

Hello everyone,  would like to here  your take on devrom, I am on acidophilus and probiotc from trader joes. Would like to know is devrom better to control the smell in the bathroom and gas all that stuff ? thanks Scott

These products work by completely different mechanisms.  I believe you (and EVERYONE) should be on a high quality probiotic at all times.  Perhaps a higher quality probiotic than the Trader Joe's product. Our gut bacteria are likely involved in our metabolic issues, and those of us with malabsorption likely need supplementation with balance bacteria even more, e.g., to prevent C. diff.

Devrom should, in my opinion, be used sparingly.  It works by binding to compounds in the gut, which can include vitamins and micronutrients.  If you need to use it occasionally for a particular purpose, I don't think that's a problem, but I would not want to take it chronically.

A better way to control the smells is to control what you're putting in your mouth.  Identify which foods cause the issues and avoid them, or only eat them when you are willing to accept the consequences.  I don't eat much pasta or other white flour products at all, and NEVER during the day on a work day, but I will occasionally accept the consequences and have them for dinner or on a weekend.

Occasionally, if this is a chronic problem despite the above, you may need to do a round of Flagyl to kill off the bacteria that may be contributing to the odors.  This should be a last resort, because you will be creating an environment in your gut where antibiotic resistent bacteria could take over.

Completely agree with everything Diana has written.

I use both a very high organism count probiotic, because it is essential to keep the proper balance of gut flora.  I used probiotics for years prior to WLS for the same reason.

I use Devrom when needed.  If I am eating a trigger and want to avoid smelling gas, I pop two in when I am eating the trigger.  Some days I pop six, but I also go for weeks without popping any.

I know my triggers, and I do not have smelly gas on a daily basis.  If I did, I would figure out why, as it is not normal.  I would figure out the trigger, or if it is just constant, would know that (because I take a probiotic) that a round or two of antibiotics would be necessary to clean out the bad bacteria.  I have yet to have to take antibiotics at 18 months post-op.

Hi-

Devrom is a 'quick fix" tool, not to be used daily, at tleast that's what I had one experienced DSer tell me.  Sort of like an "evening gown" for special occasions.

As for probiotics and acidophilus -

I'm just finishing my course of Flagyl this weekend, before I start the probiotics.  I started the probiotics first, but all I got was the runs and gas.

My PCP put me on the antibiotic Flagyl to kill off everything that was already in my gut.  Then, we're using the probiotics to repopulate with healthy bacteria.

I'm using Sustenex.  one capsule once a day.  Hopefully, this will clear up some issues for me.

The company that makes it has other products that address things like lactose intolerance, IBS, Chron's, gas prevention and constipation. They claim that Sustenex has this prorietary blend of flora and processing that help it to survive the stomach acid to get into the intestines.

All are available over the counter at Wal-Mart.
  

Hi Jazz, I had a coupon once for the Sustenax, but it has expired, but I have read on here that Garden of Life brand is supposed to be very good. Can't remember the whole name. I know it is expensive. How does Sustenax compare in price and do you know if it is as good? I am ready to get something. Not sure if I should go with Flagyl first or what to do?

I have been taking the Vitamin Shoppe brand of acidophilus with psyllium (over 1 billion live organisms) each morning since I came home from the hospital last year.  When I go someplace in the afternoon or evening where people are around, then I take another dose before leaving. 

I do not recommend Devrom at all because the probiotics that I take work out very well for me.  Besides that, the chewables contain sugar alcohols, and many DSers no longer tolerate sugar alcohols as post-ops.

As for controlling smells in the bathroom, I use the ""Lavender Vanilla" flavor of the "Body Fantasies" fragrance spray.  I bought mine from Walgreen's for about $5.  I spray mine into the toilet bowl every nite before going to bed and as needed during the day.

"Body Fantasies" come in a number of other flavors and are sold at many leading chain discounters and drugstores, including Target, Walgreen's, CVS, Rite Aid, Big Lots, Walmart, and K-Mart.  These can be ordered online thru their website: http://parfumsdecoeur.com/




Hope this helps!