Expert: John Pilcher, MD - 8/18/2008

Question
I had the R-Y surgery in Oct 06.  It has been successful, as I have lost 127 pounds.  However, I have foul smelling gas that I can NOT control, it just seeps out, and there have been times that loose, runny bowels have seeped out, and did not know until I had smelled it or had went to the bath room and discovered it.  This is an embarrassment not only to me, but those around me as well.  What is going on, and how can it be fixed?  I do not eat anything with added sugar, and follow my diet as told.  Thank you, J.P.

Answer
Jo-Ann,
Your surgeon needs to be the main one to address this issue, since much of the answer is tied up in your specific surgical anatomy.  It is possible to create small intestinal anatomy that creates less absorption than normal to enhance weight loss.  This is commonly done by some surgeons, but it may have side effects like those you are describing.  Your surgeon needs to address whether this is common in his/her practice.

Other things to consider would be a low grade intestinal infection (called bacterial overgrowth) and the possibility that your pattern of food intake is causing too much nutrient to flow through to your colon - this would be best worked out in "live" discussion with a dietician who is familiar with gastric bypass.

One medicine that might be helpful is called Devrom - available without prescription on the web.  This med will not get to your core issue but it may help in some way.

Best of luck,
Dr JP