Liquid In - Liquid Out

OK, 12 days out from surgery, and I've come to the conclusion that an exclusive full liquid diet sux.  I realize I've got to do it, but I don't have to like it.  My main problem is the dang diarrhea.  I haven't had a normal BM since the morning of my surgery.  My surgeon first suggested laying off the milk, so I've been using soy milk, and soy protein (which, IMHO, does not mix as smoothly as whey protein at all).  But the only thing that makes a difference is regular doses of Immodium. Is this pretty common?  I'm starting to think that for as long as I'm on a liquid diet, it's gonna be nothing but liquid in - liquid out. Any hints on making things more 'regular'?  TIA

I didn't have that trouble, but I've heard that others have.  They develop a lactose intolerance that can cause the Hershey Squirts, among other nastiness. Just think - you're in store for a bunch more new discoveries with your pouch.  Just wait till the first dumping episode!  In all seriousness - it all gets worth it.  My high was 652 - I'm below 300 lbs now.  I've lost more than half of my highest body weight. Keep your chin up, keep experimenting with different protien, and you'll get through it! Good luck!

Pretty much your title says it all.  I to had the liquids for about 2.5 - 3 weeks. The next stage is the softies, which are followed by a smell that will peal the wallpaper off the wall!!!! Keep us posted.....

Box, Part of the problem is your system trying to adjust to the new arrangement. The other part is that you are not taking in any solid food.  It's fairly common after WLS. It gets better once you are on solid foods again.  If it's helping, keep taking the Immodium. Ron

I am also 12 days out.  I haven't had any diahrea.  I actually didn't have a single bowel movement until 4 days out, and have been once a day since. Even though its been liquids only for me too, its been solid.. Good luck

Are you allowed a fiber suppliment?  If so try adding some benefiber or take a fiber choice chew several times a day.   It will help bind up some of the liquid in your intestines.   I had the same thing happen to me the first few weeks post op...it was because of a lack of fiber from the food I was eating. Scott

Yep, Many, well Most folks are lactose intolerant at first. Lay off the milk. Also watch that Imodium… The Diarrhea can ‘turn on a dime’ and lock up So you’ll be crapping tombstones. The old joke is- You might have had WLS if- If you’ve ever put something To stop Diarrhea, and a Laxative In the same shopping cart. True. Soluble Fiber is a good "Fix-all." It keeps constipation moving, but also firms up loose stools. Apple Pectin is a great/cheep way of getting it in. The "Sure-Jel" product used in making jams and jellys? That’s the stuff. A little sprinkle added to soup and it melt right in. No taste no noticeable texture difference But it slows the movement of food through the Digestive system. Once you move to real foods, Just eating an apple a day is a great way to keep The intestines moving along at that "Goldee-Locks- Just-Right" speed. Best Wishes- Dx

Thanks, you guys.

My doctor's nurse said hold off on the fiber supplements just yet.  I was still eating cottage cheese and SF yogurt, because I thought those were 'safe' dairy products, but she said give those up for a couple days and see what happens.

She suggested refried beans instead.  Tried 'em last night.  They went down pretty good, but they're dry.  I added just a bit of mild taco sauce for moisture and flavor.  (Taco sauce isn't on the approved seasoning list - so sue me.)  So far, so good. Went to my cardiologist this morning.  392 pounds!  32 pounds lost in the two weeks since surgery, and my weight officially starts with a '3', for the first time in a heckuva long time!