Banders and Irritable Bowel Syndrome

[zippykat 1]

I have had my band for 6 mos. and am having my first flare of IBS since surgery. I am having severe gas and bloating and pain in my large intestine. Also alternating with Constipation and diarreha. I have tried all my old remedies and nothing has been working. Do any other banders have this problem and have any help for me. Any suggestions welcome!!

Thanks, zippykat

[coltonwade 27]

I have IBS and prior to surgery Only had the IBS that had diahrea . Since being banded I have what my mother has and its a combo of Constipation and Diahrea . I spoke to my doc about it and he wants me to try to eat more Fiber in my diet before trying me on meds.

I have to really watch this right now , My mother has IBS and was hospitalized a few yrs ago with an upper and lower bowel obstruction that almost killed her. Although it was probably not All IBS related it was a contributing factor. SO The doc wants me to really watch it for now and try the best i can to regulate with Fiber , if not i'll have to go on meds.

I find the gassiness worse since being banded

HTH

Mindy

[Jachut 487]

I have had some strange symptoms including horrific cramping (like labour contractions) with passing a BM, so much so that I see stars. Horrendous pain, but for me, its turned out to be endometriosis - which is probably unrelated to my banding and weight loss as both my sisters have suffered since their teens.

Have you had a gynae check up?

[MaLiyah30 0]

I'm not sure if this helps but I too suffer from IBS. Since being banded in Dec. 26,2007 I haven't been able to tolerate any type of artificial sweeteners. I know it is strange but with the band making my stomach smaller the gas that I produce is getting trapped in. It makes my stomach stick out as if I were pregnant and I have terrible cramping and bloating. Since my doctor told me to cut out the artificial sweeteners my bloating and cramping have completely went away. Apparently there is a link between gastric problems and artificial sweeteners. With my IBS, my stomach rumbles and growls a lot. My doctor prescribed me an anti-spasm meds and that has also helped. I had taken the anti-spasm medication for years until it went away. As soon as I got banded my IBS symptoms quickly returned. Good luck and best wishes to you and yours!!!!!!!!!!

[coltonwade 27]

I'm not sure if this helps but I too suffer from IBS. Since being banded in Dec. 26,2007 I haven't been able to tolerate any type of artificial sweeteners. I know it is strange but with the band making my stomach smaller the gas that I produce is getting trapped in. It makes my stomach stick out as if I were pregnant and I have terrible cramping and bloating. Since my doctor told me to cut out the artificial sweeteners my bloating and cramping have completely went away. Apparently there is a link between gastric problems and artificial sweeteners. With my IBS, my stomach rumbles and growls a lot. My doctor prescribed me an anti-spasm meds and that has also helped. I had taken the anti-spasm medication for years until it went away. As soon as I got banded my IBS symptoms quickly returned. Good luck and best wishes to you and yours!!!!!!!!!!

Artificial sweeteners are a BIG No no for me too . Even before being banded .

Mindy

[anniedub 0]

Hi there,

I've had IBS for some time, mostly diahorrea (sp?). Since I was banded, it has gotten a lot better, which makes sense -- less food in, less waste out. The gas can be a problem though - while I don't have pain or cramps with it, I do get very bloated. I haven't figured anything out yet to try and curb it, so I will be interested to see what others say.

Annie.

[tmarie07 0]

I'm a lap bander with IBS too (diarrhea kind) - mine has been greatly improved since the surgery (although now I have to admit I've had Constipation for the first time in my life! not sure if I prefer my old IBS symptoms, or the new constipation...neither is comfortable!)

I talked to my regular doctor prior to the surgery because I didnt know if the surgery would fix it much, and I was taking 6 giant pills a day which I knew I wouldnt be able to take anymore, and she switched me back to a powder med she'd given me years before for IBS - she said this would help with both diarrhea and keep me from being constipated. Since i've been greatly improved, i really havent used it as directed, but it is "suppossed" to help keep me regular. If the over the counter stuff isnt working for you - ask your doc about CHOLESTYRAM powder, and see if they think it might help you out. It mixes with a few ounces of Water, not a pretty taste, mine is prescribed for 2 packets a day. Again, I've not really had to use it for it's prescribed use yet, but just a suggestion to talk to your doc about.

Best of luck!

Tina

[Boo Boo Kitty 3]

I had IBS before the band only diarahia. I guess I am a lucky one. I have had 2 flare ups in the almost 2 years since being banded. BUT Constipation is another thing now. If there is a preference I prefer the latter, at least then I can leave the house!

My PS told me it is very common for IBS to go away or change after surgery, mostly because your eating habits change. I think he was right for me!

I now use Miralax for the constipation works overnight for me. Good luck!