Diarrhea After Gastric Sleeve: 3 Reasons Why It Happens and How to Deal With It
Is it normal to have diarrhea after gastric sleeve? Unfortunately, yes. Many people experience diarrhea after gastric sleeve surgery, a type of bariatric surgery. This is a common side effect and can last for several months, but it does go away with time. Luckily, there are some things you can do to help manage this unpleasant side effect. Here are three reasons why diarrhea happens after gastric sleeve surgery—and how to deal with it!
Understanding Diarrhea After Gastric Sleeve Surgery
Diarrhea after gastric sleeve surgery is a common gastrointestinal symptom that can be caused by various factors. Understanding the underlying causes of diarrhea is essential to manage and prevent it. By knowing what triggers this condition, you can take proactive steps to mitigate its impact on your daily life.
Why Diarrhea Occurs After Gastric Sleeve Surgery
1. The digestive system is adapting to changes in your body due to weight loss, leading to gastrointestinal dysfunction.
The digestive tract needs to adjust to the fact that you have less food and, therefore, less production of stomach acid, similar to the adjustments seen after gastric bypass surgery. This is why your doctor may prescribe an over-the-counter antacid or proton pump inhibitor medication after surgery—this helps control the amount of acid in your stomach. While diarrhea can be a result of too much stomach acid, it is also a result of not enough stomach acid. Many people who have had gastric sleeve surgery in Maryland feel that their bodies still think they are eating the way they used to, and therefore, bowel movements after gastric sleeve can be disordered.
2. Consuming more fiber than usual can increase motility or transit time through the intestines.
Since you now have a smaller stomach, much less time is spent in this part of the digestive tract. This means that much more quickly than normal, food will begin its journey through what remains of your gastrointestinal (GI) tract—which includes both your stomach and your small intestine. Since the GI tract is meant to digest food over a prolonged period of time (think hours, not minutes), it has mechanisms in place that slow down what should be a fast passage through this area—one such mechanism is increased transit time. Increased transit time means that for whatever reason (most likely due to eating more fiber than your body is used to), food spends more time traveling through the small intestine. This means that there are higher concentrations of digestive juices in one area for an extended period—which often results in diarrhea.
Additionally, dumping syndrome diarrhea can result from the rapid movement of high-sugar or high-fat foods through the digestive tract.
3. Inadequate water intake as recommended by your doctor (dehydration).
Just as water flushes through your system quickly when it is in high concentrations, the opposite also applies. When there isn’t enough water to dilute digestive juices that are produced by the body, watery diarrhea can be a result of dehydration. Oftentimes, people think they are drinking plenty of fluids, but their urine output tells another story.
What to Do About Diarrhea After Gastric Sleeve Surgery?
Fortunately, diarrhea is a common side effect of gastric sleeve surgery that will subside over time. Bariatric patients should be mindful of their dietary choices to manage diarrhea. If you are experiencing this issue after your surgery, there are things you can do to help prevent diarrhea after gastric sleeve surgery:
- Increase water intake—drink at least 64 ounces (half a gallon) of water every day as part of your diet after gastric sleeve surgery.
- Increase your fiber intake gradually—if you are eating more than 20 grams per day, try to space this out over the course of each meal/snack instead of all at once.
- Request an increase in antacid or proton pump inhibitor medication from your doctor- many people have had success with this.
- Work with your doctor to find the right balance between what you are eating and how much fiber is in it. This can be a great solution for some people but, unfortunately, may not work perfectly for everyone—which means that diarrhea will likely continue to happen from time to time until you figure out your ideal post-gastric sleeve diet plan.
- Be cautious with healthy foods like avocados and blueberries, as they can cause digestive issues for individuals with hypersensitive stomachs.
- Consider lactose intolerance, which can lead to gastrointestinal issues such as diarrhea and discomfort, particularly when consuming common dairy sources like milk and yogurt post-surgery.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while diarrhea after gastric sleeve surgery is a common and temporary side effect, it is essential to monitor its duration. Typically, it should not persist for more than a few days to a week. If you find that the issue continues beyond this timeframe, it is crucial to seek professional advice to ensure there are no underlying complications.
At Ascension Saint Agnes Bariatric Surgery, we are dedicated to providing comprehensive care and support for bariatric patients, ensuring a smooth recovery and optimal outcomes. Our team is committed to helping you navigate any postoperative concerns, including managing gastrointestinal symptoms effectively. Ready to take the next step in your weight loss journey? Contact us today to learn more about how we can support you! For more information, read about the benefits of gastric sleeve surgery with Ascension Saint Agnes Bariatric Surgery.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can weight loss surgery cause long-term gastrointestinal symptoms?
Yes, weight loss surgery can lead to long-term gastrointestinal symptoms such as abdominal pain and changes in bowel habits. It’s important to monitor these and consult your healthcare provider if they persist.
2. What are the potential causes of diarrhea after bariatric procedures?
Diarrhea after bariatric procedures can be caused by asymptomatic gastric bacterial overgrowth, bile acid malabsorption, or conditions like irritable bowel syndrome and inflammatory bowel disease.
3. How can I manage abdominal pain post-surgery?
Managing abdominal pain after surgery involves following dietary guidelines, staying hydrated, and seeking medical advice if the pain persists, as it might indicate complications like bacterial overgrowth or other gastrointestinal issues.