Liquid diet is messing up my BM’s

[Bariover54 18]

I have to be on a liquid diet for two weeks before my bypass. I’m on day 9 and if I’m not constipated I have diarrhea! Who knew? I’m only having extra Protein Slim Fast, broth, Jello, Water and occasionally a sugar free popsicle. I think my GI system is out of wack!

[catwoman7 11,219]

IIRC, the Constipation comes after surgery, not before - although not everyone has issues with it. Some people do have diarrhea post-surgery (especially the first week or so), but constipation is much more common, and it can become chronic. I don't remember if I had any particular BM issues during the pre-op liquid diet or not (may not have had many BM's at all given we weren't eating solid food), but I suspect your system is just whacked out by the change.

[NickelChip 1,288]

My nutritionist recommended Benefiber once a day when I start the liquid diet. Fiber should help in regulating both extremes. But yeah, your GI system is protesting!

[Bariover54 18]

3 hours ago, NickelChip said:

My nutritionist recommended Benefiber once a day when I start the liquid diet. Fiber should help in regulating both extremes. But yeah, your GI system is protesting!

Good to know. My nutritionist didn’t say anything about it.

[Bariover54 18]

3 hours ago, catwoman7 said:

IIRC, the Constipation comes after surgery, not before - although not everyone has issues with it. Some people do have diarrhea post-surgery (especially the first week or so), but Constipation is much more common, and it can become chronic. I don't remember if I had any particular BM issues during the pre-op liquid diet or not (may not have had many BM's at all given we weren't eating solid food), but I suspect your system is just whacked out by the change.

I think so too. I drink more than enough Water, so who knows? 🤷🏻‍♀️

[Arabesque 7,376]

Some of the shakes can cause Constipation because of the extra fibre many contain to fill you up - it can bind you up. So I’d probably avoid the Benefibre pre surgery - it’s great after surgery. Try a stool softener to get things moving.

For the diarrhoea check if your shakes, popsicles & Jello contain sugar alcohols. They’re sugar alternatives used to sweeten many foods & drinks. They that end in ‘ol’ like xylitol, sorbitol, etc. They’re renowned for causing diarrhoea (bloating & cramping) if you consume too much. How much is too much differs person to person.

It can become a bit of a cycle. Diarrhoea then constipation cause you’ve cleaned out your bowels. Then diarrhoea again.

Edited February 3, 2024 by Arabesque