Re: gas

[Guest guest]

love that!!

Loriann

Gas

With all the talk of gas and the smells....I had to share this.

A little old lady goes to the doctor and says,

" Doctor I have this problem with gas, but it really doesn't bother me

too much. My farts never smell and are always silent. As a matter of

fact, I've farted at least 20 times since I've been here in your

office. You didn't know I was farting because they don't smell and

are silent.

" The doctor says, " I see, take these pills and come back to see me

next week. "

The next week the lady comes back. " Doctor, " she says, " I don't know

what the hell you gave me, but now my farts...although still

silent...stink terribly. "

The doctor says, " Good!!! Now that we've cleared up your sinuses,

let's work on your hearing. "

Post-op Dr K 2/6/01

Start wt 321

Now 274

----------------------------------------------------------------------

[Guest guest]

love that!!

Loriann

Gas

With all the talk of gas and the smells....I had to share this.

A little old lady goes to the doctor and says,

" Doctor I have this problem with gas, but it really doesn't bother me

too much. My farts never smell and are always silent. As a matter of

fact, I've farted at least 20 times since I've been here in your

office. You didn't know I was farting because they don't smell and

are silent.

" The doctor says, " I see, take these pills and come back to see me

next week. "

The next week the lady comes back. " Doctor, " she says, " I don't know

what the hell you gave me, but now my farts...although still

silent...stink terribly. "

The doctor says, " Good!!! Now that we've cleared up your sinuses,

let's work on your hearing. "

Post-op Dr K 2/6/01

Start wt 321

Now 274

----------------------------------------------------------------------

[Guest guest]

love that!!

Loriann

Gas

With all the talk of gas and the smells....I had to share this.

A little old lady goes to the doctor and says,

" Doctor I have this problem with gas, but it really doesn't bother me

too much. My farts never smell and are always silent. As a matter of

fact, I've farted at least 20 times since I've been here in your

office. You didn't know I was farting because they don't smell and

are silent.

" The doctor says, " I see, take these pills and come back to see me

next week. "

The next week the lady comes back. " Doctor, " she says, " I don't know

what the hell you gave me, but now my farts...although still

silent...stink terribly. "

The doctor says, " Good!!! Now that we've cleared up your sinuses,

let's work on your hearing. "

Post-op Dr K 2/6/01

Start wt 321

Now 274

----------------------------------------------------------------------

[Guest guest]

Thanks for the joke !!! CRACKED me up!! I needed that today.

Pam

[Guest guest]

Thanks for the joke !!! CRACKED me up!! I needed that today.

Pam

[Guest guest]

Thanks for the joke !!! CRACKED me up!! I needed that today.

Pam

[Guest guest]

Oh my gosh, that was HILARIOUS!!!!

Kari

[Guest guest]

Oh my gosh, that was HILARIOUS!!!!

Kari

[Guest guest]

Oh my gosh, that was HILARIOUS!!!!

Kari

[Guest guest]

Micky:

Yes, lots of us have frequent BMs and sometimes smelly gas. It's important to note that not everyone has this problem. And some have the first and not the second. In my case I have had the first problem significantly and the second intermittently. My wife who had the surgery two months after me hasn't really had either problem. Sugars don't seem to affect me. But fats definitely do. Remember, we're all different and will have different reactions to what they do to us. The problems that are caused are almost always (but not always) well worth the benefit.

Regards.

Joe Frost, old gentleman, not old fartSan , TX, 60 years oldSurgery 11/29/00 by Dr. Welker Lateral Gastrectomy with Duodenal Switch340 starting weight, currently 246http://www.duodenalswitch.com/Patients/Joe/joe.html

Gas

A question for all you post-ops. I've heard there is a problem with frequent bowel movements and very smelly gas. My dr. says you can avoid this problem by avoiding sugars and fats. What has your experience been?

Mickyco-owner KoalityKare "Quality childcare isn't expensive. It's priceless."http://www.homestead.com/koalitykare/KoalityKare.html----------------------------------------------------------------------

[Guest guest]

Thanks, Joe. You're right the benefits out weigh the negatives. I just am trying to be as informed as possible!

Mickyco-owner KoalityKare "Quality childcare isn't expensive. It's priceless."http://www.homestead.com/koalitykare/KoalityKare.html

Gas

A question for all you post-ops. I've heard there is a problem with frequent bowel movements and very smelly gas. My dr. says you can avoid this problem by avoiding sugars and fats. What has your experience been?

Mickyco-owner KoalityKare "Quality childcare isn't expensive. It's priceless."http://www.homestead.com/koalitykare/KoalityKare.html----------------------------------------------------------------------

[Guest guest]

A question for all you post-ops. I've heard there is a problem with frequent bowel movements and very smelly gas. My dr. says you can avoid this problem by avoiding sugars and fats. What has your experience been?

Micky

Micky,

I am one year post op. At this point, I have very regular bowel movements, usually three a day, but they are not urgent. The only time I have gas is when it is time for a BM. Yes, the odor is "different" than pre-op. But I wouldn't say more foul. I would say that it is just very distinct to being a DSer. I always keep a can of ozium in my purse in case my time for a bm is away from home. At home I use matches and candles. I can usually wait if I have to until I get home, but sometimes it is just more comfortable to get it overwith. Now I was about 8 monts post op before I had any type of form to my stools. This all changes greatly over your body's adjustment period.

Dawn

BPD/DS

Dr. Hess, Bowling Green, OH

267 to 165

size 22 to size 10

5'4"

no more high blood pressure, sore feet, or dieting!!

have met size goal, weight goal to be adjusted!

[Guest guest]

A question for all you post-ops. I've heard there is a problem with frequent bowel movements and very smelly gas. My dr. says you can avoid this problem by avoiding sugars and fats. What has your experience been?

Micky

Micky,

I am one year post op. At this point, I have very regular bowel movements, usually three a day, but they are not urgent. The only time I have gas is when it is time for a BM. Yes, the odor is "different" than pre-op. But I wouldn't say more foul. I would say that it is just very distinct to being a DSer. I always keep a can of ozium in my purse in case my time for a bm is away from home. At home I use matches and candles. I can usually wait if I have to until I get home, but sometimes it is just more comfortable to get it overwith. Now I was about 8 monts post op before I had any type of form to my stools. This all changes greatly over your body's adjustment period.

Dawn

BPD/DS

Dr. Hess, Bowling Green, OH

267 to 165

size 22 to size 10

5'4"

no more high blood pressure, sore feet, or dieting!!

have met size goal, weight goal to be adjusted!

[Guest guest]

A question for all you post-ops. I've heard there is a problem with frequent bowel movements and very smelly gas. My dr. says you can avoid this problem by avoiding sugars and fats. What has your experience been?

Micky

Micky,

I am one year post op. At this point, I have very regular bowel movements, usually three a day, but they are not urgent. The only time I have gas is when it is time for a BM. Yes, the odor is "different" than pre-op. But I wouldn't say more foul. I would say that it is just very distinct to being a DSer. I always keep a can of ozium in my purse in case my time for a bm is away from home. At home I use matches and candles. I can usually wait if I have to until I get home, but sometimes it is just more comfortable to get it overwith. Now I was about 8 monts post op before I had any type of form to my stools. This all changes greatly over your body's adjustment period.

Dawn

BPD/DS

Dr. Hess, Bowling Green, OH

267 to 165

size 22 to size 10

5'4"

no more high blood pressure, sore feet, or dieting!!

have met size goal, weight goal to be adjusted!

[Guest guest]

Thanks, Dawn. I had heard so many bad things about gas while on Xenecal that I didn't even try it. I'm glad the DS doesn't seem to be as bad as the Xenecal.

Mickyco-owner KoalityKare "Quality childcare isn't expensive. It's priceless."http://www.homestead.com/koalitykare/KoalityKare.html

Re: Gas

A question for all you post-ops. I've heard there is a problem with frequent bowel movements and very smelly gas. My dr. says you can avoid this problem by avoiding sugars and fats. What has your experience been? Micky Micky, I am one year post op. At this point, I have very regular bowel movements, usually three a day, but they are not urgent. The only time I have gas is when it is time for a BM. Yes, the odor is "different" than pre-op. But I wouldn't say more foul. I would say that it is just very distinct to being a DSer. I always keep a can of ozium in my purse in case my time for a bm is away from home. At home I use matches and candles. I can usually wait if I have to until I get home, but sometimes it is just more comfortable to get it overwith. Now I was about 8 monts post op before I had any type of form to my stools. This all changes greatly over your body's adjustment period. Dawn BPD/DS Dr. Hess, Bowling Green, OH 267 to 165 size 22 to size 10 5'4" no more high blood pressure, sore feet, or dieting!! have met size goal, weight goal to be adjusted! ----------------------------------------------------------------------

[Guest guest]

I had surgery on 3/12/01.

My experience is mixed. More fat definately corelates with looser and

more frequent bm's, but not necessarily smelly. Smelly seems to

corelate with how easily digestable something is. Steak is harder

for me to digest than cold cuts, so steak is more odor producing.

I don't have a " sugar free " period to use as a comparison. In

theory, sugar is easily digested and I would think less stinky not

more. On the other hand, too much sugar might upset the delicate

balance of intestinal microbes.

[Guest guest]

I had surgery on 3/12/01.

My experience is mixed. More fat definately corelates with looser and

more frequent bm's, but not necessarily smelly. Smelly seems to

corelate with how easily digestable something is. Steak is harder

for me to digest than cold cuts, so steak is more odor producing.

I don't have a " sugar free " period to use as a comparison. In

theory, sugar is easily digested and I would think less stinky not

more. On the other hand, too much sugar might upset the delicate

balance of intestinal microbes.

[Guest guest]

Hi Carol A.:

Yes, us RNYers can use Phazyme without any ill effects. I use it on

the occassion when I have lots of gas and it works great for me. I use

the chewable ones so that it's much easier to take, but the pill form is

easy, too, because the pills are so tiny.

You would be okay to use it.

Hugs,

Jerri in MI

[Guest guest]

Hi Carol A.:

Yes, us RNYers can use Phazyme without any ill effects. I use it on

the occassion when I have lots of gas and it works great for me. I use

the chewable ones so that it's much easier to take, but the pill form is

easy, too, because the pills are so tiny.

You would be okay to use it.

Hugs,

Jerri in MI

[Guest guest]

Are these Phazyme pills available over the counter or does one need a

prescription. And are they available in most drug stores?

Martha H

RE: gas

> Hi Carol A.:

> Yes, us RNYers can use Phazyme without any ill effects. I use it on

> the occassion when I have lots of gas and it works great for me. I use

> the chewable ones so that it's much easier to take, but the pill form is

> easy, too, because the pills are so tiny.

>

> You would be okay to use it.

>

> Hugs,

> Jerri in MI

>

> Homepage: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Graduate-OSSG

>

> Unsubscribe: mailto:Graduate-OSSG-unsubscribe

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Martha:

I buy mine at either Target or Wal-Mart, but you can get them

anywhere they sell antacids. You should be able to get them in your

local grocery store, too. They aren't very expensive, either. I pay

about $5 for a box of 24. And they do work well.

Hugs,

Jerri in MI

[Guest guest]

Hi Martha:

I buy mine at either Target or Wal-Mart, but you can get them

anywhere they sell antacids. You should be able to get them in your

local grocery store, too. They aren't very expensive, either. I pay

about $5 for a box of 24. And they do work well.

Hugs,

Jerri in MI

[Guest guest]

Hi Martha:

I buy mine at either Target or Wal-Mart, but you can get them

anywhere they sell antacids. You should be able to get them in your

local grocery store, too. They aren't very expensive, either. I pay

about $5 for a box of 24. And they do work well.

Hugs,

Jerri in MI

[Guest guest]

Medical literature shows that psyllium is particularly bad for gas

problems. GI doctors do not recommend psyllium for people who suffer

from gas problems. Other supplements are recommended, since not all

types of fiber cause gas.

Take a look at this article from Help for IBS (helpforibs.com).

Paragraph 6 is very specific about not using psyllium, while allowing

other types of fiber:

Soluble Fiber Supplements

Soluble fiber is the key to preventing the abdominal spasms and bowel

dysfunction of IBS. This is true not just for soluble fiber foods but

supplements as well.

Remember, soluble fiber works by absorbing liquids in the digestive

tract to form a stabilizing gel that relieves cramping and prevents

both diarrhea and constipation. Clinical studies with IBS patients

have repeatedly proven the benefits of soluble fiber supplements.

So, please ignore the fact that soluble fiber supplements are often

marketed as laxatives - they are NOT. They will of course relieve and

prevent constipation, but they are just as effective at treating

diarrhea, and they will not compromise normal bowel function at all

once your IBS is under control - they'll simply keep things normal.

Soluble fiber will, in fact, work beautifully to keep your GI tract

running smoothly, comfortably, and pain-free on a day-to-day basis.

Best of all, I'm unaware of any studies showing that soluble fiber

supplements can't simply be taken daily forever with no harmful side

effects or risk of addiction. In fact, soluble fiber has health

benefits far beyond managing IBS. Soluble fiber (from both foods and

supplements) not only normalizes bowel function, it has also been

shown to lower LDL ( " bad " ) blood cholesterol levels, reduce the risk

of heart disease, and minimize colon cancer risks. Soluble fiber also

slows the absorption of fats and carbohydrates into the bloodstream,

which improves glycemic control and helps prevent the formation of

free radicals. It also lowers insulin requirements.

The most common soluble fiber supplements are: Acacia Tummy Fiber™,

Equalactin, FiberChoice, Benefiber, Metamucil, Konsyl, Fybogel,

Citrucel, and Fibercon. Most are widely available at drug stores and

pharmacies, and they don't require a prescription (they are not drugs,

just a dietary supplement). Acacia is gum arabic, Metamucil and

Fybogel contain psyllium, Citrucel contains methylcellulose,

Equalactin and Fibercon contains calcium polycarbophil, Benefiber

contains guar gum, and FiberChoice contains inulin. These supplements

are available as powders that you mix with water and drink, or as

caplets that are either chewable or meant to be swallowed whole with a

glass of water. Acacia Tummy Fiber and Benefiber powder (but not

Benefiber tablets) are pure soluble fiber - the other brands contain

fillers, binders, sweeteners, or other added ingredients. Acacia Tummy

Fiber™ is the only organic soluble fiber supplement on the market.

*****If you're at all prone to bloating or gas (and many folks with

IBS are), please avoid both psyllium and inulin (the main ingredients

in Metamucil, Konsyl, Fybogel, and FiberChoice), which can seriously

worsen these problems in some people with IBS.*****

Try another soluble fiber variety (particularly prebiotic Acacia Tummy

Fiber™, which has been found to have excellent gastrointestinal

tolerance and to increase good gut flora) instead. Also, be aware that

the sugar-free versions of the soluble fiber supplements can contain

artificial sweeteners, which can trigger diarrhea, gas, and cramps. In

addition, citric acid is often added to orange-flavored supplements,

and this can cause acid reflux in susceptible people (though it may

not bother IBS).

Aside from the high likelihood of bloating and gas with psyllium and

inulin, there is a great deal of individual variation here in how

someone responds to any particular soluble fiber supplement. So if you

have gas or bloating from starting a supplement that doesn't disappear

after a week or so, don't be discouraged, just try a different brand

and perhaps a different formulation (the pills instead of powder, or

vice versa). It may take several different tries to find the soluble

fiber supplement that works best for you, but the results will be well

worth the effort. It's also crucial that you start at a low dose and

increase gradually, to give your gut time to adjust to the fiber

increase.

To initially stabilize yourself, try taking a soluble fiber supplement

first thing in the morning as soon as you awake, before meals, and

again before bedtime. Follow the dosage recommendations on the bottles

and remember - start at a low dose and gradually increase your intake.

Don't be afraid to try both the powders and caplets, and a variety of

brands, as people's preferences and tolerances vary widely here. You

can also feel free to mix and match different soluble fiber

supplements. Some folks prefer to take the powders at home but carry

caplets with them in their purse or pocket, keep them in the car, and

hide a stash in their desk drawer at work. The supplements are great

to have on hand when you find yourself unexpectedly eating out, going

too long between meals, or just feeling a little shaky. Taking a

soluble fiber supplement with a large glass of tepid water or IBS-

friendly herbal tea will always give you extra protection against

attacks in dicey situations.

Remember that different people have varying tolerances and adjustment

periods to soluble fiber supplements; this means that it can take

several days to two weeks for your body to adjust to the increased

fiber intake. Your symptoms should NOT dramatically worsen during this

introductory period, and you may well see immediate improvement, but

if you don't notice any difference the first day or two have patience.

Soluble fiber may be the single greatest aid for controlling IBS

symptoms you'll ever find, so give it a fair chance.

What's most confusing to many folks with IBS about soluble fiber

supplements is that several major brands (Metamucil, Citrucel,

Fibercon, Equalactin) are marketed as over-the-counter laxatives. This

means that they're bound by the FDA prescribing guidelines for those

products. As a result, the supplements must have the dosage

limitations on their packaging that apply to OTC anti-diarrheal and

laxative drugs, even though they are not drugs but soluble fiber. The

FDA packaging guidelines for this category do not discriminate between

drugs and soluble fiber. This explains why the dosages for these

products that your doctor recommends for IBS may conflict with the

package information.

On the other hand, soluble fiber supplements that are not marketed as

laxatives (Benefiber, FiberChoice), but simply as dietary fiber, are

not allowed to make label claims comparable to the claims the FDA

permits for laxatives. Products marketed as dietary fiber can only

make claims that pertain to the structure/function of the body;

otherwise, the FDA would consider these products to be drugs and not

soluble fiber dietary supplements.

The dosage information for IBS that I have been given by doctors and

soluble fiber supplement manufacturers, and that I believe works best

for preventing IBS symptoms, is as follows:

*For the soluble fiber powders (Acacia Tummy Fiber™, Citrucel,

Benefiber)

Start at 1/2 - 1 level teaspoon twice a day and over the next week or

two (or three or four) work up to 2-4 tablespoons twice a day, or the

equivalent of 12-15 grams of soluble fiber supplement per day. Some

people may need a maximum dose of 30 grams per day. If you stabilize

at a lower dose, simply stay there.

For the soluble fiber pills (Equalactin, Citrucel, Fibercon)

Start at 2 pills twice daily and work up to 2 pills six times daily,

or the equivalent of 12-15 grams soluble fiber supplement per day. I

do not recommend Benefiber chewable tablets, as they contain sorbitol,

an artificial sweetener that can cause cramps, bloating, diarrhea, and

gas in people who don't even have IBS - imagine what they can do to

you.

Please note that the grams of soluble fiber per

teaspoon/tablespoon/pill dose of the different supplements will vary

(for example, one Fibercon pill provides just 1/2 gram of soluble

fiber, but 1 level tablespoon of Acacia Tummy Fiber provides 7.5

grams). Check the label of your own supplement for this information,

and then calculate your dose in fiber weight by grams instead of by

volume.

Don't hesitate to divide your doses throughout the day however you

like; it's always better to keep your gut constantly filled with

soluble fiber, so several smaller doses are often much more helpful

than a single large daily dose.

The USDA recommended minimum fiber intake for adults is 25 to 35 grams

daily, and soluble fiber should account for one third to one half of

this total amount. Some scientists actually recommend up to 60 grams

of fiber a day, so the USDA recommendations are not maximum dosage

limitations. The typical American eats only a meager 10-15 grams of

fiber daily. For comparison, the average fiber intake in China is 33

grams of fiber a day, and it ranges as high as 77 grams per day in

some regions.

Dosages and fiber content for common soluble fiber supplements:

's Tummy Fiber™ Acacia provides 7.5 grams of organic, prebiotic

soluble fiber per level tablespoon dose.

Benefiber powder provides 3 grams of soluble fiber per tablespoon

dose.

One tablespoon of Metamucil smooth texture orange and original texture

orange (these are not the sugar-free varieties) contains 2 grams of

soluble fiber and 1 gram of insoluble fiber.

One tablespoon of Citrucel provides 2 grams of soluble fiber.

Two Metamucil wafers provide 2 grams soluble fiber and 1 gram

insoluble fiber.

Two Fibercon tablets contain 1 gram soluble fiber.

Two Equalactin tablets contain 1 gram soluble fiber.

Two FiberChoice tablets contain 4 grams soluble fiber

Two Citrucel caplets provide 1 gram of soluble fiber.

Read labels carefully - manufacturers have to list the soluble fiber

content of their supplements accurately. Keep in mind that soluble

fiber supplements that contain sugar, artificial sweeteners, citric

acid, binders, and other added ingredients can give you a dose that is

as high as 90% filler and only 10% soluble fiber. What you want to

keep your eye on here is the amount of grams of soluble fiber you're

really getting in a dose - because the soluble fiber is what will

actually help your gut function.

Don't be afraid to mix and match the powders and pills (for example,

take the powders at home but keep the pills on you at work or for

taking before restaurant meals). If you're combining powder and pill

supplements, I think it's definitely best to make sure that your total

daily dosage is equal to what it should be for just the pills or

fibers alone. You don't want to take the maximum dose for the pills

and then take the maximum dose for the powders on top of this. Please

note that the supplements are not meant to be the main source of

soluble fiber in your diet - they are an addition to the fiber you

need to be eating (both soluble and insoluble) from foods.

If you do not see a measurable improvement in your IBS symptoms within

one week (for diarrhea) or two weeks (for constipation) of using the

maximum dosage of a soluble fiber supplement, this could certainly

point to a problem other than IBS, and you should see your doctor

again. If you have any questions or concerns about the dose and

frequency of taking soluble fiber supplements, check with your own

physician.

If you're wondering about taking medications with a soluble fiber

supplement, the general rule is to treat the supplements like food. If

you can take a medication with food, you can take it with the

supplement. If you have to take the medication on an empty stomach,

then take it one hour before or two hours after your fiber supplement.

As an aside here, if you're taking vitamins/minerals you can always

take them with a soluble fiber supplement, but you should also always

take vitamins/minerals with food for the best absorption.

For all soluble fiber supplements, make sure you have a large glass of

water with each dose, and drink fresh water frequently throughout the

day as well. Soluble fiber needs plenty water to work - this is

essential. You should be able to take soluble fiber supplements every

day for the rest of your life and it will only help your IBS, as well

as offer numerous other health benefits.

>

> It is true that added fiber does create gas & this includes some

foods & not just Metmucil or Psyllium Husks & this gas problem can be

worse in some people than it is in others. Some foods I have read

that can cause added gas are: cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, beans,

lentils (this is not meant to be the entire list, but rather as only

some examples of some of the worse offenders). There are some people

who might choose to eliminate these foods from their meal menu's for

this reason, (& also sugar free Metamucil & Psyllium Husks). However,

the SBD book does not eliminate these things (in fact, the book

recommends all these things) for the majority of people who might not

have as severe problems with gas & to eliminate them falls in the

category of being a personal choice & does not fall in the category of

recommended in the book for everyone.

>

> Orchid

[Guest guest]

Wow! What a complete response about fiber supplements and IBS. I'm e-

mailing it to myself and will absorb it all later.

With the IBS, I'm definetly gas-sensitive. It's unpleasant for those

around me and quite painful for me!

Thanks for all the information.

ie