After gastric bypass or gastric sleeve surgery, many bariatric surgery patients will notice a change in bowel habits. This is not a cause for concern or alarm.
Some patients become constipated and others notice loose stools after bariatric surgical procedures. The reasons for changes in bowel habits after gastric sleeve surgery are many:
1. Change in diet: Optifast before weight loss surgery and fluid diet afterwards
2. Anesthetic and surgery: this affects bowel performance
Generally, most bariatric patients will return to their pre-existing bowel function within six weeks after surgery. This correlates with return to a normal diet and lifestyle.
If dumping syndrome, diarrhoea or loose stools persist, then we recommend some Gastrostop. Bulking agents such as Metamucil may be helpful.
If constipation persists, try extra fluid, high fibre and exercise.
As always, please feel free to contact the dietitian at our clinic on (02) 4323 7000 for further clarification.
Bariatric surgery is a time of change, and the bowels do change, but time should fix this. Achieve lasting weight loss with the support of our gastric sleeve specialists in Newcastle.