Diarrhea And Bowel Movements After Gastric Sleeve: Are They Normal?

Gastric sleeve surgery has helped patients all over the world achieve their weight goals. However, all procedures have certain side effects. Gastric sleeve is no different in that regard.

With gastric sleeve and gastric bypass, it may change your bowel movements. Starting out, your small bowel may fluctuate as it gets used to your new smaller stomach. So, a common question is whether it is normal to have diarrhea after a gastric sleeve.

Well, let’s answer that question as well as describe how weight loss surgery is related to diarrhea.

Bowel Movement After Gastric Sleeve

A potential side effect of gastric surgery is diarrhea. Additionally, other bowel effects like loose stools, extra gas, cramps and pain can be experienced. This is one of the reasons why your diet and nutrition should change immediately after your procedure.

But to answer the question of whether diarrhea is normal after gastric bypass, the answer is yes. It is very typical to experience some natural diarrhea for a short time after your bypass operation.

Luckily, there are certain things you can do to make it easier on your gastrointestinal system post-op.

How To Prevent Diarrhea After Gastric Sleeve Surgery

One of the reasons for diarrhea after VSG in Mexico is the way you process fatty acids. Normally, your body absorbs fatty acids via the small intestines. However, diarrhea associated with gastric sleeve is caused by the fatty acids going straight to the colon.

It’s a common experience for bariatric patients to have some nausea and vomiting after their surgery. One of the ways to prevent this is to avoid fatty foods and sugary foods. If you eat too much right after your gastric sleeve, you could irritate your system.

Let’s talk about some things to avoid after gastric sleeve surgery to prevent diarrhea.

How To Avoid Gastric Sleeve Diarrhea After Eating

Stay away from the following foods to reduce diarrhea after sleeve gastrectomy surgery:

1. Caffeine

Tea, coffee, and caffeinated sodas can cause loose stools and diarrhea. You combine this with sugar or fats like cream or sugar packets, and then it can worsen the symptoms.

Try to avoid caffeine after your operation, and aim to eat a more balanced diet containing more vitamins. This will give you natural energy and replace the need for caffeine.

2. Fructose and Lactose

Milk, yogurt, and fruits contain either fructose or lactose. Since the body processes all these foods as sugar and fat, it’s another contributor to an inflamed digestive tract.

3. Gluten

Consider alternatives to gluten, like almond flour or rice flour. Bread, cereal, and gluten-based foods can lead to diarrhea.

4. Fried Foods

Avoid foods like tempura veggies or fried chicken. They are very high in calories and especially fat, which is one of the main causes of having diarrhea after your weight loss operation.

5. Salicylates

Foods like blueberries have salicylates. While these are typically seen as healthy, for bariatric patients, they should be avoided when recovering from the surgery to avoid having a sensitive stomach.

6. Histamines

Wine, fermented foods, and other foods with histamines can also lead to increased runny stools.

The foods above aren’t the only thing to avoid. Read this post to learn about medications to stay away as well from after your gastric bypass.

Stopping Diarrhea After Gastric Sleeve

In addition to the things to avoid, it’s important to add certain things to your diet. Number one, drink as much water as you need to stay hydrated.

This is the most important part for any health plan. Aside from that, increase your intake of protein and complex carbohydrates like beans or lentils.

Consult a bariatric doctor at TreVita for more information on the proper diet to follow after gastric bypass. If you follow the tips above, you’ll be able to enjoy weight loss, better comfort, and avoid diarrhea as you adapt to the new slimmer you.

Schedule your free consultation with TreVita.