I had my gastric bypass in February 2025 and I have had phenomenal results for the most part. My one and only complaint is I get extremely gassy, like painfully so, and I have extremely watery diarrhea at least three to four days out of the week. I've even had accidents in my pants - one of those moments where you think you're only passing gas and something extra comes out (Gross!). I eat Gas-X like it's candy and I've tried taking OTC Imodium. While the Gas-X gives me temporary relief, the Imodium really doesn't do anything at all. I've tried keeping a food diary, trying to figure out what it is that I'm eating that could be causing this. I don't drink carbonated beverages at all anymore. I pretty much only drink water. I did come to the conclusion that dairy, specifically Milk and ice cream are a no go for me. So they are gone from my diet even though I love milk. But cutting those out has not slowed down the gas and diarrhea.

I just had my six month checkup with the surgeon and my labs looked great. My weight loss is great. They told me to keep a food diary and let them know if I develop any blood in my stool which I haven't, but I'm really uncomfortable a lot of the time. Any suggestions on how to get this under control?

Do you use sugar substitutes ? I cant take a certain one at all but am ok with the others.

If you rule out all the usual culprits and get no where you need to be camping at your surgeons door. You shouldn't have to live in fear of soiling yourself all the time.

I hope you find your answer PDQ

6 hours ago, LoriC519 said:

I had my gastric bypass in February 2025 and I have had phenomenal results for the most part. My one and only complaint is I get extremely gassy, like painfully so, and I have extremely watery diarrhea at least three to four days out of the week. I've even had accidents in my pants - one of those moments where you think you're only passing gas and something extra comes out (Gross!). I eat Gas-X like it's candy and I've tried taking OTC Imodium. While the Gas-X gives me temporary relief, the Imodium really doesn't do anything at all. I've tried keeping a food diary, trying to figure out what it is that I'm eating that could be causing this. I don't drink carbonated beverages at all anymore. I pretty much only drink water. I did come to the conclusion that dairy, specifically Milk and ice cream are a no go for me. So they are gone from my diet even though I love milk. But cutting those out has not slowed down the gas and diarrhea.

I just had my six month checkup with the surgeon and my labs looked great. My weight loss is great. They told me to keep a food diary and let them know if I develop any blood in my stool which I haven't, but I'm really uncomfortable a lot of the time. Any suggestions on how to get this under control?

Keep doing your diary to hopefully pinpoint the issue but in the meantime try a gastro Dr. They have other meds besides immodium that can help with diarrhea. I had it really bad with my chemo. Like 6 immodium a day and I was still going 8-9 times some days. They thought I had colitis for sure but I didn’t. Disclaimer The max for immodium for a normal person is far less but to keep you in the chemo chair some things they have different limits for and just deal with the fallout later. Anyways, I tried two different meds that didn’t help for me BUT one of them is what they also gave my mom for her IBS and it works really well for her.

Edited August 31, 2025Aug 31 by ShoppGirl

Ask to be tested for SIBO or at least a stool test.

3 hours ago, Williamsmith said:

That sounds so tough — I’m sorry you’re dealing with it. A lot of us run into food intolerances after bypass, and dairy is a big trigger like you mentioned. Some people also find sugar alcohols (like in protein bars/shakes), high-fat foods, or too little much artificial sweetener can cause the exact symptoms you’re describing. You might try cutting those one by one to see if things calm down. Probiotics sometimes help too, but definitely keep your surgeon in the loop if it keeps up — especially since it’s happening so often. You’re not alone in this!

Oh yes. Culturally “Difesrive” probiotic says right on the box that it helps reduce occasional gas and diarrhea. I just started that at the doctors suggestion because of other meds I’m on. Wonder if it contributed to my recent issue with constipation 🤷‍♀️.

It seems I cannot take a drink or bite of anything without having to burp, so I understand the gas. It has only gotten bad a couple of times and I chewed a couple of GasX tablets and it took care of it for me. I know the doctor said walking can help reduce the gas too. As for the rest... how much protein are you getting? I know the doctor said that higher doses of protein can cause constipation, so MAYBE you are not getting enough protein? I would definitely stay in contact with your doctor until this is resolved though. Hang in there!

As ShoppGirl said, keep tracking your foods and you'll likely find the culprits.

I never had dumping syndrome like others have described, but I do have foods I just cannot tolerate without side effects.

Sweets like cake/etc I can have a bite or two. If I eat more, I have extreme gas. Bloating to the point of pain and even my dog leaves the room.

Sugar substitutes result in major heartburn that medication barely helped. I was on back to back courses of prilosec for months and tried everything my Dr suggested. Someone mentioned sugar substitutes so I cut out crytstal light and other drinks I drank a lot of and it was gone, I almost never have issues now.

Good luck!

Lori

I had gastric bypass March 13, 2006 and as some others have said, it has saved my life, my sanity and my marriage. The problem I’m having is gas. I can deal with the rotating constipation and diarrhea with OTC products for the most part but nothing helps with the gas. Going to church can be impossible some days and trying to shop with my husband is a humiliating experience. The surgeon- who is no longer practicing, warned me about rice and corn, other common culprits and I avoid the but I just haven’t found an answer. I sleep in my chair 2-3 nights a week to avoid my husband’s comments that he thinks are under his breath.

What if you do some exercise post dinner to see if you can “walk off” the gas so to speak with a walk around the block or a stationary bike or the like. It may not get rid of it all but I bet it would help some.