Experiencing digestive changes after bariatric surgery is common, but when these changes include frequent diarrhea, it can be concerning. Bariatric surgery alters the GI tract in ways that affect how the body processes food.
For many, this can cause uncomfortable gastrointestinal symptoms, like diarrhea. However, frequent diarrhea is a reason to worry. In this article, we’ll explore the potential causes behind post-surgery diarrhea and practical tips to help you manage it.
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Causes of Diarrhea After Bariatric Surgery
Because bariatric surgery changes the anatomy of your digestive tract, your ability to absorb nutrients from food is impacted. This is known as malabsorption and it means that some of the food you eat isn’t fully digested before it reaches your intestines. When undigested food makes its way through, it can cause bloating, cramping, and diarrhea. To manage nutrient deficiencies, many patients turn to bariatric multivitamins or even bariatric multivitamin with iron supplements.
Your ability to absorb nutrients is not the only thing affected. Surgery can also disrupt bile acid reabsorption. Pre-surgery, your body typically reabsorbs the excess bile in your intestines. After bariatric surgery, bile is not able to be reabsorbed as well, which leads it to accumulate. As a result, you may experience watery stools or diarrhea.
Additionally, a condition called dumping syndrome is common. This is when food moves from the stomach to the small intestine too quickly. Dumping syndrome also leads to diarrhea and is often caused by eating sugary or high fat foods.
Types of Diarrhea
Not all diarrhea is the same!
There are a few types of diarrhea to look out for. Osmotic diarrhea is caused by malabsorption.
This kind of diarrhea is caused by substances that draw water into the intestines. After bariatric surgery, you might have trouble fully digesting certain foods, especially some carbs. When these carbs aren’t absorbed, they stay in the intestines and attract water, leading to loose stools.
Certain medications or hormonal changes can make your intestines release more fluids than normal. This type of diarrhea, called secretory diarrhea, isn’t necessarily related to specific foods. Rather, it’s about your intestines pumping more liquid into the mix.
After surgery, you may experience a rush in digestion. Because food doesn’t take as long to move through the GI tract, your body may not have time to absorb excess water. This can lead to what’s called motility-related diarrhea.
Symptoms of Post-Bariatric Surgery Diarrhea
If you’ve recently gone through bariatric surgery, and are wondering if your symptoms warrant diarrhea, there are a few symptoms to look out for. One of the most common symptoms is frequent, loose stools. Bariatric vitamins and liquid bariatric vitamin supplements are often recommended to help with nutrient absorption issues post-surgery.
How frequent is cause for concern? If you are experiencing multiple episodes of watery stools per day, you should contact your doctor.
Another common symptom is abdominal cramping. This often accompanies diarrhea and can be triggered by certain foods. You may also experience cramping as a result of dumping syndrome after bariatric surgery.
Lastly, bloating and gas can occur. This is due to incomplete digestion and fermentation of food in your gut. When food is not fully digested, excess gas is produced and it causes a feeling of swelling in the stomach.
Is Diarrhea Common After Bariatric Surgery?
Yes, diarrhea is a relatively common side effect of bariatric surgery, especially in the first few months after surgery. As your digestive system adapts to these new changes, you should begin to see diarrhea subside.
It also varies by surgery type. If you undergo a type of bariatric surgery that alters the intestines, like gastric bypass, you may experience more diarrhea. Surgeries that are restrictive-only in nature tend to lead to less diarrhea.
Also, diet has a large role here. If you eat high sugar and high fat foods, it’s likely you will experience diarrhea more often. This is why your diet, especially immediately after surgery, is very important.
When to Seek Medical Attention for Diarrhea After Bariatric Surgery?
After bariatric surgery, diarrhea can be a normal part of the recovery process. However, there are certain situations when it’s important to seek medical attention. Diarrhea lasting more than a few days is cause for concern. Additionally, if you notice blood in your stools, or have a long lasting fever, reach out to your doctor.
If you notice dark urine or are experiencing dizziness and dry mouth after bariatric surgery, it could be a sign of severe dehydration. If so, this can be very dangerous so contact a healthcare provider right away.
Lastly, unintended weight loss or fatigue are other important indicators that something might be wrong. Since bariatric surgery can make it harder for your body to absorb nutrients, if you’re noticing a drop in energy, it’s time to reach out to your doctor.
Strategies for Managing Post-Surgery Diarrhea
Dealing with post-surgery diarrhea can be difficult, but with the right strategies in place, you can reduce your symptoms. One important approach is to make dietary changes. Be sure to avoid high sugar and high fat foods. Aim to incorporate fiber-filled foods daily, including fruits, veggies, whole grains, nuts, and seeds. Drink plenty of water and replenish with electrolytes if experiencing significant diarrhea. If necessary, anti-diarrheal medications and probiotics may help to ease the symptoms and balance your gut.
While diarrhea after bariatric surgery can be a common issue, it’s important to stay mindful of strategies for managing it. By understanding the underlying factors such as malabsorption, bile acid issues, and dumping syndrome, you can better navigate your recovery. Monitoring your diet, staying hydrated, and incorporating fiber slowly can help ease symptoms, while medications and probiotics may offer additional support. However, if symptoms persist or worsen, it’s crucial to reach out to your healthcare provider to ensure you’re on track with your recovery.
Conclusion
Diarrhea is a common side effect after bariatric surgery due to changes in the digestive tract, leading to issues like malabsorption, bile acid imbalance, and dumping syndrome. Dietary adjustments, such as reducing high-sugar and high-fat foods, adding fiber, and staying hydrated, can help manage symptoms. “Bari Life” supplements may support nutrient absorption. Persistent diarrhea should be discussed with a healthcare provider to prevent dehydration and other complications, ensuring a smoother recovery.
What are your tips and tricks to post-bariatric success?