I have IBS-D. I was diagnosed with it after several kind of successful surgeries (I say kind of successful because they fixed other things, just not what we were trying to fix - the major pain in my stomach) didn't get rid of the pain I was having.

Has anyone noticed that their IBS-D was improved after having either the RNY or VSG?

My RD said we need to get mine under control before I can have the surgery because it could get worse afterwards. That scared me because I already have problems not being able to get to the restroom in time because the D hits so fast and unexpectedly sometimes. So the idea that the RNY or even the Sleeve could make it worse is a nightmare.

I had IBS when I was younger, but it eventually developed into ulcerative colitis by the time I hit 30. I've been on meds (Pentasa) to help control it, which really helps, but I reduce the recommended dosage since it produces intense hunger cravings for me (not a normal side effect). Anyway, I'm used to going to the bathroom 10-30 times a day when I have a flare-up (which is pretty much always, just different intensities). Two of my favourite, very well-known terms are "rectal urgency" and "explosive diarrhea."

So I've been on my pre-op diet for 2 weeks now, which allows for 2-3 Protein shakes plus 2 small meals a day, and is very high protein, low carb (fats fall where they may). No alcohol, no dairy, no simple carbs of any kind (carbs from non-starchy veggies are ok). I have to say it has made a bigger difference in my life than any of the meds I have ever taken. I am now passing almost normal stools (still a little soft) and have no urgent need to go to the toilet multiple times a day. No cramping, no pain. Have you tried a similar diet? I'm wondering if something like that might help.

Because of my UC, I've chosen sleeve since it does not mess around with the intestines, which is important to me. I've done some research on the effects of WLS on patients with UC or Crohn's (sorry, did not check for IBS in general) and generally speaking sleeve has a better effect on the symptoms of these patients, especially those with UC.

In any event, I'll also be curious as to how the sleeve will impact me post-op. I'll keep you updated.

Thank you. I would really like to be updated. Do you have a date or time frame for your surgery yet? It sounds like your diet is pretty much life mine except I can have dairy, though I've often wondered if that's a trigger for my flare ups. BTW, I love your favorite terms and can definitely relate. Look forward to hearing your progress!

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@Hoping052017: My surgery is a week from today! I leave Japan on Saturday for L.A., where I'll spend a few days recovering from jetlag and doing a little sightseeing and shopping (while on liquids only for the final days before surgery).

My favourite "terms" are not mine - these are medical terms that my gastroenterologist(s) have used. I just remember hearing (or seeing) them for the first time and thinking - that's me!

As for dairy, although I'm not lactose intolerant (I think), I cut out drinking milk a few years ago when I experimented with going gluten free (for Cereal, which was cut from my life). Although I was amazingly free of any problems, that only lasted a month. However, I never went back to drinking milk (or eating cereal). Now my only dairy really comes from yogurt or cheese, which I thought didn't give me problems, but I guess they did since I'm having no issues now. We'll see how things go once I'm post-op. (I've already bought cheese in anticipation). I'll be gutted if I can't handle cheese, since that seems to be a common item for most people pre-op due to its Protein content.

Our stats are really similar - we're even the same weight at this very moment! I'm an inch taller than you though.

Edited February 2, 20179 yr by biginjapan

My IBS is gone. It sucks that the only way to fix it is with gastric bypass but I am so happy that it is gone.

@@biginjapan I'm going to miss cereal a lot. Especially grape nuts! And honey nut cheerios! I can live without the others. And I'm with you on the cheese. I love white cheese! Especially one from Kerry gold called Dubliner. Omg it's the best cheese I've ever eaten. And cottage cheese I could live on. If I couldn't have those and yogurt is be in big trouble.

Just out of curiosity, do you have a problem with raw vegetables causing flare ups?

One week! So excited for you!

On a totally unrelated note...I want to go to Japan so badly. One day I will get there. The country had always fascinated me.

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Raw vegetables: I don't think they cause flare-ups for me, but some definitely add to the pain or rectal urgency, especially gassy ones (broccoli, Beans, etc.) or fibrous ones (apple skins, lettuce, etc.). I also seemed to have developed some allergies to raw veggies and some fruit (with a skin - cherries, carrots, apples, etc.) in the last couple of years.

Cereal: I was a cereal eater all my life, but it was clear that eating it (with milk) virtually every morning was contributing to going to the toilet 10-20 times every morning before heading off to work. I don't really miss it, but that's because there really isn't much cereal here in Japan - about 5 or 6 choices at the supermarket, all for kids, except All-Bran flakes (which is what I ate). But the box is so small you only get 3 bowls out it anyway. Same thing with bread - all there is here is white, sweet, Wonder-bread-type bread - no whole wheat or other grains or other kinds of bread. It's not bad, but I just prefer more variety. And only bread - no rolls, buns, etc. While Japanese enjoy a hamburger at McDonald's, it's impossible to find hamburger buns to make your own. They do something called "hamburger steak" here - I guess, in a way, they've been doing a kind of low-carb meal for ages (although the burger is covered in sauce, probably made with sugar).

You should definitely come to Japan - it's a great place to visit!

Raw vegetables: I don't think they cause flare-ups for me, but some definitely add to the pain or rectal urgency, especially gassy ones (broccoli, Beans, etc.) or fibrous ones (apple skins, lettuce, etc.). I also seemed to have developed some allergies to raw veggies and some fruit (with a skin - cherries, carrots, apples, etc.) in the last couple of years.

Cereal: I was a cereal eater all my life, but it was clear that eating it (with milk) virtually every morning was contributing to going to the toilet 10-20 times every morning before heading off to work. I don't really miss it, but that's because there really isn't much cereal here in Japan - about 5 or 6 choices at the supermarket, all for kids, except All-Bran flakes (which is what I ate). But the box is so small you only get 3 bowls out it anyway. Same thing with bread - all there is here is white, sweet, Wonder-bread-type bread - no whole wheat or other grains or other kinds of bread. It's not bad, but I just prefer more variety. And only bread - no rolls, buns, etc. While Japanese enjoy a hamburger at McDonald's, it's impossible to find hamburger buns to make your own. They do something called "hamburger steak" here - I guess, in a way, they've been doing a kind of low-carb meal for ages (although the burger is covered in sauce, probably made with sugar).

You should definitely come to Japan - it's a great place to visit!

biginjapan, I'm on the 9th too, sleeve buddy's

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I'm on the 9th too. Only 6 more days!!

@biginjapan and@kimberb ... hoping your surgeries went well and that you are both doing awesome!

I'm doing pretty good.

16 hours ago, kimberb said:

I'm doing pretty good.

Me too!

@kimberb &@biginjapan... yay! So happy for you both! I can't wait till April for my turn!

@kimberb &[mention=293976]biginjapan[/mention]... yay! So happy for you both! I can't wait till April for my turn!

April will be here before you know it

21 hours ago, kimberb said:

April will be here before you know it

That both excites and terrifies me. Because right beyond April is May and graduation day for my oldest. Every time I think about it I get about 10 more grey hairs. LOL!