Re: Has Anyone Ever Heard Of? [CP]

July 29, 2001

Gobo,

Chronic diarrhea appears to be a problem in a small percentage of

cases according to the literature. It has been reported to be

between 0.3% and 10% depending on the common-channel length as

gastric volume. Generally a longer common-channel and a larger

gastric volume will reduce the velocity going into the colon and

reduce diarrhea (at the expense of some weight length).

To tell you the truth, chronic diahrreha is my biggest concern. It

is a side effect doctors don't seem to like to talk about.

There are perscription medication they can give you that work better

than immodium. Also, you may need to take antibotics (it is probably

a bacterial infection). You can try a liquid diet for a few days and

see if that does it.

Good luck,

Hull

> Have any of you ever heard of diarrhea that doesn't go away?

>

> I'm almost 3 weeks out now and the degree

> of diarrhea I have seems so extreme. In fact,

> if I hadn't just had this surgery, I'd be

> terribly alarmed. But, I figure that while we

> all have individual problems, this is very

> normal for just having had Wls.

>

> However, it just occured to me to start

> wondering. When does it slow down?

> When does it go away?

>

> I'm having to take 10 immodium a day just

> so that I don't have to spend 95% of my time

> in the bathroom.

>

> I expected that the problem would self correct

> in 2-3 weeks.

>

> I'd be interested in your thoughts on when

> I can expect the problem to correct itself

> and also, if you have suggestions for

> expediting the end to this.

>

> By the way, my diarrhea is just as fast and

> furious as the day I did my bowel prep.

>

> thanks,

> gobo

> Lap DGB/Dr.

> July 9, 2001

> 27.5 pounds gone

July 29, 2001

Gobo-

I'm 8 weeks out, and at least 6 of those I've had diarrhea. I know

its not normal, because my surgery buddies aren't having this

trouble... I finally got desperate and called the on-call surgeon

because I was having muy frequent stools, crampy pain that went in

waves, and pain on eating & drinking. When I'd seen MY surgeon on

7/20, he told me it was because I was consuming too much fat, and that

it would improve if I cut back.. but it didn't. It got worse. I

eliminated everything I thought might be a problem (fat, dairy, sugar,

caffeine, " warm " spices), added immodium, fiber, lomotil... no effect.

The on-call feels that I am having intestinal spasms, and has started

me on cholestyramine, very low dose. I'm already feeling a little

better.. the spasms have stopped, at least.. too soon to tell about

the diarrhea. I had heard from someone ( Snider, maybe?) that

this stuff can slow the weight loss, but the pharmacist said she

didn't see how that could happen. Untill my 'rhoids heal up (sorry if

TMI), I'm willing to take my chances. Hope if this doesn't help, it

at least lets you know you aren't alone, hun.

Hugs,

Liane