I am a newbie to the forum and have been getting lots of warnings from acquaintances who have had a bypass, about the terrible bouts of diarrhea that they had after surgery and still continue to have. This has really scared me about having a bypass. I have a medical history of Irritable Bowel Syndrome , where diarrhea is the frequent symptom, and I take a medication to slow things down so my system has a chance to absorb liquids. Since a bypass shortens the intestinal tract and decreases absorption of nutrients, I am afraid that the diarrhea could get worse. I discussed this with my surgeon and he feels it will be ok, but the experience of others has me fearful. Has anyone else had this sort of problem and had the surgery and either had no worsening of problems or the opposite? I know sugar /carbs can cause dumping but beyond this, if I behave in this regard, what are my chances of getting worse?

I think you will find all kind of experiences here. I've had many ups and downs with IBS and I've experienced a wide range of symptoms. When I eat a high carb high fat diet, I'm miserable and spend an awful lot of time in the bathroom. When I eat healthy, I'm stable. For me, the hope is that post op I will eat healthier long term which should have a positive effect on the IBS.

I know this is an old topic, but I'd like to know how you both fared after surgery! IBS-D really sucks, and I manage it pretty well as of now, but after surgery (I'm pre-everything right now, lol) I worry about it all being worse.

I am 12 wks post op and before surgery I suffered from diarrhea predominant IBS. However, since surgery I have not had any problem (so far). I'm not on any medication for IBS any longer.

Alright, good to know! Hopefully the same will hold true for me one day.

I'm glad to hear this also!