Potty Talk

[Peony 3]

I'm almost three weeks post-op and I'm appalled at the amount of diarrhea that I'm having. I've been on "mushy" foods for a few days now and I'm very careful about what I eat (e.g. I run from lactose!). I've heard the adage "liquid in, liquid out," so I know this isn't totally abnormal. I'm just trying to see if there's anything I can be doing to easy the diarrhea. Also wondering how others cope with this while at work. I'm afraid to return to the office because these bouts are so frequent.

Any advice would be much appreciated. Thank you!

[kellyw74 258]

Oh I feel ya! I was the same way until about week 4 when I was allowed solid food. SOmething about those liquids and purees went straight thru me!!

And I totally agree about work! My bathroom is right by a row of cubicals!! I had the worst gas with mine and went back to work in 7 days after my surgery, so you can just imagine!! ECHO ECHO!!!

NOT COOL!!!

Kelly

[Wheetsin 714]

There's not much you can do, as long as it isn't because of some other reason (a reason other than liquid in, liquid out). Don't take the diarrhea meds. They really just sort of paralyze you. Your body is trying to expel, so let it expel.

If it starts to hurt, either fro content or too much wiping, you can "hose off" (in the shower) in lieu of wiping. I had to use that tactic after my daughter was born (I had a stage 4 tear and NOTHING other than the epi foam could touch me).

Mushies should help, especially ones with Fiber. That may seem counterintuitive, but Fiber without adequate Water will actually block you up.

[kellyw74 258]

I forgot to add....try staying away from the Protein drinks if you are drinking them. I found that they really made me go when i would drink them in the begining.

kelly

[Nancy Rivers 24]

I just talked to my surgeon about this yesterday. Unfortunately, there's nothing that can be done to stem the flow. It will change when solids start, but until then... If you are having a lot of it though, you may want to speak to your surgeon. Mine told me that if I was going 7 to 9 times a day every day then he would be concerned.

[jencomenz 3]

I was JUST sitting in the bathroom thinking this exact same thing! Not to mention it took 5 days for liquids to even come out that end! Thankful I'm not going back to work for a month

[lyndynojo 140]

Yep the Protein Drinks will definately do it. They gave me stomach troubles before the surgery and still do. I can't even drink a whole one yet. About 1/4 of the way through I'm headed for the potty.

[Peony 3]

Thank you all so much for your responses!!! It's so embarrassing and I'm so grateful to have your input. I see my surgeon tomorrow for my regular post-op appointment, so I'll ask him then. In the meantime, I'll try to get some fiber to help "bind" my stool. Thanks again!

[lsereno 2,525]

In addition to lactose, you may have an issue with artificial sweeteners. Although I used them pre-op, after the surgery I ate a lot more (popsicles, Jello, Protein drinks) and I think that contributed to my "potty" issues. After I eliminated most artificial sweeteners and lactose, I was down to 2-3 poos per day. To get rid of most of the sweeteners, I switched to the powders?utm_source=BariatricPal&utm_medium=Affiliate&utm_campaign=CommentLink" target="_ad" data-id="1" >unjury chicken Soup Protein powder and drank Water and unsweetened tea.

Lynda