Before VSG, I always had very irritable bowels with frequent diarrhea. Post- VSG, like many others, I dealt with constipation and infrequent bowel movements. The last few months I was getting to a more regular schedule, maybe every other day.

So, for the last probably 4 weeks, I have been experiencing a lot more diarrhea. My eating habits have not really changed. I did eat kinda poorly over spring break last week but this started before. Previously, my loose stools were always related to something I ate and happened immediately after eating. Now they seem to be happening in the morning, sometimes before I eat anything. It has been the kind where I have to rush to the bathroom and spend 20 minutes in there. It only happens once or twice a day and later in the day I am fine.

I had my 9 month post-op appointment last week and the CNP didn't really have any ideas as to why this could be happening. I did have my gallbladder out 2 months ago but she said it could be my body getting back to its "normal" habits. This was not good news. I don't know what it is that's causing this but I don't like it!

I guess I'm just wondering if anyone has had similar experiences. At 9 months to 1 year out and more, do you still have problems with constipation? Or have your bowels returned to their pre-op "normal"?

I'm back to normal and have been since about a year out.

Lynda

Before VSG' date=' I always had very irritable bowels with frequent diarrhea. Post- VSG, like many others, I dealt with constipation and infrequent bowel movements. The last few months I was getting to a more regular schedule, maybe every other day.

So, for the last probably 4 weeks, I have been experiencing a lot more diarrhea. My eating habits have not really changed. I did eat kinda poorly over spring break last week but this started before. Previously, my loose stools were always related to something I ate and happened immediately after eating. Now they seem to be happening in the morning, sometimes before I eat anything. It has been the kind where I have to rush to the bathroom and spend 20 minutes in there. It only happens once or twice a day and later in the day I am fine.

I had my 9 month post-op appointment last week and the CNP didn't really have any ideas as to why this could be happening. I did have my gallbladder out 2 months ago but she said it could be my body getting back to its "normal" habits. This was not good news. I don't know what it is that's causing this but I don't like it!

I guess I'm just wondering if anyone has had similar experiences. At 9 months to 1 year out and more, do you still have problems with constipation? Or have your bowels returned to their pre-op "normal"?[/quote']

At month 9 myself. I would say my regularity depends heavily on chia seeds and miralax. If I am not taking these daily, no action in the toilet. Before surgery, drinking lots of Water, coffee and/or eating Fiber One pretty consistently caused daily BM. So I don't know exactly what my body needs. I would say it needs the fiber and will only perform with that now. Coffee and water no longer really help post op. I will eventually return to eating Fiber One for Breakfast, but have not tried yet.

I would get a stool sample tested. Were you ever diagnosed with IBS or IBD, or was there any documented intolerance?

It's pretty common to have diarrhea for awhile after gall bladder surgery. I think I had it for about 6 months after I had my gall bladder out.

It's gone away and I am back to struggling with constipation.

Oops, I somehow missed the part about gallbladder surgery!

What are chia seeds and how do you take them?

What are chia seeds and how do you take them?

Glad you asked.

Chia seeds are the super food of the ancient Mayans. While they helped them run 100s of miles, they can help us with constipation issues from their ability to soak up a lot of Water and the omegas that are present. In order to prevent them from dehydrating you as they pass through your GI tract, it is best to soak them in water 20-30 min before eating.

You can add them to any soft food like yogurt, but I like to add 2 tbsp to my Protein shake every morning. It really helps me stay regular on my high protein diet. It might take a day or two to work the magic if you are just starting out with them.

Taking them with miralax increases the effectiveness as miralax and chia seeds function similarly. I prefer chia seeds because they are natural where miralax is a plastic composite.

As an aside, I think chia seeds are also helping me with a daily exercise by giving me the hydrating based energy that's needed to keep going day after day. No proof of this, but I have my suspicions.

Glad you asked.

Chia seeds are the super food of the ancient Mayans. While they helped them run 100s of miles, they can help us with constipation issues from their ability to soak up a lot of Water and the omegas that are present. In order to prevent them from dehydrating you as they pass through your GI tract, it is best to soak them in water 20-30 min before eating.

You can add them to any soft food like yogurt, but I like to add 2 tbsp to my Protein shake every morning. It really helps me stay regular on my high protein diet. It might take a day or two to work the magic if you are just starting out with them.

Taking them with miralax increases the effectiveness as miralax and chia seeds function similarly. I prefer chia seeds because they are natural where miralax is a plastic composite.

As an aside, I think chia seeds are also helping me with a daily exercise by giving me the hydrating based energy that's needed to keep going day after day. No proof of this, but I have my suspicions.

T

Interesting, thank you!

T

Interesting' date=' thank you![/quote']

You are welcome. I believe Chia seeds have helped a lot in my post op progress.

I put them in my yogurt, or oatmeal, and also bake with them.

Where do you get them? I've not heard of them and I would really like something to keep me regular since I take iron and it's constipating.

You can get them at a natural food store. Trader Joes and Costco sell them. You can order online from Amazon. I have ordered online from Amazon for several months, but now buy from Costco because it is a better price. At Costco a 2 lb bag costs $11 and no shipping costs!!

Do you ever look for things like that at vitacost.com? Their shipping is free after 49 . I'll have to look there. I get all my Vitamins and supplements there, as well as Protein drinks I drink every morning.

I am 100 miles from cosco.