Chronic Diarrhea after LapBand

[Lou Ann 4]

I had the surgery for my lapband Sept 2011. I lost 20lbs pretty quick and then it came to a crawl. They kept adding more and more Fluid to my band. From the 1st day I was able to eat soft food the Diarrhea started. I could be half way through a container of yogurt and I had to run to the bathroom. I called the nurse and they said, cant be from the band, that doesn't happen to banded patients only gastric bypass patients. ok so I thought its just my stomach getting used to the band. Two months go past and I have the same issue with solid foods. Again I tell my doctor and she insisted it was NOT the band. So now its been 4 years of not going anywhere because what if i have to find a bathroom and dont make it. If i had somewhere to be I wouldn't eat before I left. If i went to lunch with a friend or family I made sure that if i had other things to do when I was out that I did them first because after I eat I have to get home quick! Imodium helped somewhat. I would take 2 tablets BEFORE I ate.

When I say everything gives me Diarrhea I mean everything. Dairy, Sugars, Fresh fruits and vegetables. I love salad but couldn't eat it because it went thought me in a matter of minutes!

Last week I went to have some Fluid removed. The last fill had been a year ago and since that time EVERYTHING was getting stuck, even water! I saw one of the nurse practitioners this time. I told him all the problems I had. He walked me down stairs to imaging and asked them to do am upper GI test to make sure that everything was ok. HE said everything looked good but he did take out the last fill which was only 0.02cc's of Water. I told him about the chronic Diarrhea and he said that he didn't think the band was causing it but when you mess with the stomach anything can happen. he asked me about my symptoms and when it would happen and I told him. He said he felt that it was IBS, Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Suggested I see a gastroenterologist or discuss it with my family doctor. I opted for my family doctor, because trying to get an appointment with gastro was nearly impossible. He said he felt so bad for me that i wouldn't leave my house! Said he would help me get my life back!

Since the fluid was removed I actually have been eating less! Im guessing food was sitting on top of the band and not going into my stomach which kept me from feeling full. My doctor called in a prescription for Dicyclomine. It has worked wonders! I feel like a completely different person! I have had dairy and had no problems. Today I had a salad from subway. Ate it on an empty stomach and I feel great!

If you are having the same issue, talk to your doctor about trying something for IBS! My life was a nightmare for the last 4 years and today... Dicyclomine has given me my life back!!

[pink dahlia 2,513]

Sorry you've had 4 yrs of hell, but glad that things are somewhat back to normal bathroom wise. My only thought was that I wouldnt of waited 4 years to get the problem looked at again , no matter who said what. Doctors dont know everything, if I didnt get the answers im looking for , I can always get a 2nd opinion, or 3rd if necessary. Taking care of you is #1 ! Hope all continues to go well ! Good luck !

[Lou Ann 4]

I went to so many doctors who would say talk to the bariatric center who would tell me to talk to my family doctor. back and forth. And when I told then it didn't happen every time they would tell me to just take probiotic or Imodium. I only lucked out when I had someone who actually listened to me. Just glad to have my life back.