What Causes Irritable Bowel Syndrome Post A Bariatric Surgery?

Posted on Sat, 25 Mar 2017

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sat, 25 Mar 2017 Answered on

Tue, 18 Apr 2017 Last reviewed on

Question : I am 18months post op bariatric sx. I have been experiencing extreme gas and camping in upper stomach area for about 3-4 weeks now. (with no diarrhea or constipation though). My stomach is very active and gurgly all the time. So I wasn't too shocked...but it has been way more noticeable lately. At times I tempted to go to dr but then pain eases...on a one to 10 scale it gets to about a 7 or 8 at least a couple times a day. Doesn't seem to matter what is eaten or drank. Just today I noticed blood in my stool...oh..no gall bladder Should I be concerned?.

Answered by Dr. Shafi Ullah Khan (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Needs work up and management and supportive care

Detailed Answer:
Thank you for asking

I read your question and i understand your concern. After bariatric surgery irritable bowel symptoms like bloating , cramps, distension etc are very common and with superadded absence of gallbladder, these symptoms are almost inevitable. But this blood in stools should be evaluated and for that i would recommend a visit to a local physician or gastroenterologist and let them find it out.

Meanwhile modifying diet and lifestyle, reducing or avoiding dairy products, spicy foods, processed canned foods, tea, coffee, alcohol, chocolate etc will help. Use more fiber and fluids, take yogurt with peppermint and prefer small frequent meals and see if it helps.

I hope it helps. Take good care of yourself and dont forget to close the discussion please.

Regards
Khan

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar