Digestive issues post-op

I am two and a half weeks post op, and am having frequent diarhea. Not daily, nor several times a day, but pretty frequently. I am eating only protein and green vegetables, plus the occassional protein shake. Absolutely no cheating going on! Has anyone else experienced this? Do I need to make a change in my diet, such as adding carbs? The only carbs I'm getting now is the occassional glass of white wine, which my doctor says is okay.

Veggies have carbs too...you may need to include a bit more non-soluble fiber. I can't make it without "the Holy Shredded Wheat"...otherwise I get alternative constipation/diarrhea....

Sometimes the ileocecal valve will get into a spasm alternating with extended periods of relaxtion....it is supposed to open and close regularly...

Sometimes a little lactobacillus acidophilus helps too....a few spoons of plain yogurt every day for a week will do wonders in many cases....

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373/258
"Carpe mañana"
*Oldtimers posse: surgery 12/21/04*

My Quest is Victory over the Dragons of Habit, Gluttony, Sloth, Desperation

Thread Starter

Pre-op my doctor suggested a daily dose of Metamucil, but since I've had all of these problems, that sounds like adding fuel to the fire. I love shredded wheat, but I always feel hungry very quickly after I eat it. I haven't had my first fill yet, so maybe that would get better with time. Thanks for the reply.

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Banded 2/1/08
Dr. Frank T. Felts
Dallas, TX

You are only two and a half weeks post-op, so your body is still recovering. It will take time to adjust to your new way of eating. You can try Maalox or something, but natural fiber will eventually regulate your system. It shouldn't cause diarrhea. Are you supposed to be on solid foods already? Sometimes in the early stages, we are eating liquids and mushies, so that's what comes out! Sorry! TMI! Hang in there. It should get better. If not, talk to your doc.

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Banded June 29, 2006 by Dr. Ortiz in TJ, Mexico
slipped band revision Jan. 2007
current fill level-.5cc

Thread Starter

I guess you would call what I'm eating "mushies." Grilled fish and very soft green vegetables, cottage cheese and canned fruit. I can certainly "mush" them up with a fork. No problems with anything going down, either. I did try some smoked chicken while I was out of town because that was all that was available at the time. It was a little difficult to get down, and I ended up washing it through with some water. I haven't thrown up or anything. Do you think I've done any damage?

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Banded 2/1/08
Dr. Frank T. Felts
Dallas, TX

My surgeon requires 2 weeks clear liquids and protein shakes, therefore tomorrow I get to start mushy foods. woohoo I made it! Of course when all you take in is liquid you can imagine what must come out. Anyway as happy as I am with my 25 lbs down, I am ready to try a few bites of mashed potatoes. My MD also suggested tuna as a good source if protein and said for most people it is easily tolerated. I went shopping today and bought anything easy to mush..lol.

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Danielle-- Banded 02/07/08-- Dr. R. Bryan Freeman--
Freeman and Company Bariatric Center-- Anniston, Alabama 36202-- Surgery/Current/Goal--See Ticker Below!

10cc Inamed Band.. 02/07/08 Surgery date 375 lbs= No fill.. 03/19/08 1st fill 340 lbs= 3 cc fill.. 04/21/08 2nd fill 324 lbs= 1 cc fill.. 06/02/08 3rd fill 322.5 lbs= 1.5cc fill.. Total of 6cc in 10cc band as of 12/05/08.

Hey NewGal! Dr. Freeman is my surgeon as well.

I think our bodies are definitely still adjusting. I wouldn't be that concerned with the big D for right now. It's an adjustment phase.

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I'm three months out and still suffering from constipation. I didn't have a bowel movement for a week after surgery. I called my surgeon crying and he told me to do Milk of Magnesia. I've had constipation problems ever since. I'm just the exact opposite of everyone else. I'd rather have diahrreha any day than be plugged up. YUCK! Not to mention it hurts....

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Banding on 11/19/07 by Dr. Craig Chang in Victoria, Texas.
1st fill (1-11-08) = 3 cc ........2nd fill (3-3-14-08) = 1 cc
3rd fill (June 13, 2008) = 1 cc
COMPLETE UNFILL (August 6, 2008) due to gallbladder surgery and complications
4th fill (8-20-08) = 4 cc Yippee!!!.....5th fill (9-17-08) = 1 cc
6th fill (1-9-09) = .6 cc..........7th fill (8-14-09) = .5 cc

I am having the same problem. I was banded 2/11 and had a slight bowel movement one week later but since then nothing. i am not feeling stuffed or out of sorts. I am still only drinking liquids, water, Atkins Advantage, protein shakes, broth. Any suggestions or should I be concerned?