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Bariatric Surgery/horrible gas, diarrhea and burping

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Expert: - 6/23/2011


Question
Hi. I am post-gastric bypass in 1990, just about to do a revision to RNY due to scarring around the ring and difficulty keeping food down. I have never had problems with gas or diarrhea at all until about 2 months ago, but it has become a significant problem. Everything is very foul smelling, but I do not feel sick at all.  I have tried eliminating and reintroducing foods to see if something is causing this. I can't put my finger on anything in particular. It seems that I was having all the textbook symptoms of lactose intolerance. But would that come on overnight? My concern is that if I am having this now, will it get worse after having the RNY procedure?

Answer
Pam,
I can't tell exactly what is causing these new symptoms, and I agree with you it is doubtful that lactose intolerance has suddenly cropped up for no good reason.  It is hard for me to say how this might be impacted by your upcoming revision surgery, but I recommend you do discuss the problem with your surgeon and possibly also with a GI doctor prior to the revision operation.

There could be a situation with bacterial overgrowth or with imbalance of your normal intestinal bacteria, which could be worsened by the antibiotics and other medical changes around intestinal surgery.

Best of luck!
Dr JP

Bariatric Surgery

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Volunteer

John Pilcher, MD

Expertise

I can answer medically oriented questions about bariatric surgery including: patient selection, preparation for surgery, differences between types of bariatric surgery, aftercare following bariatric surgery. I can answer detailed questions about gastric bypass, Lap-Band, gastric sleeve, and revision bariatric surgery. I am only somewhat familiar with Biliopancreatic diversion. I am not prepared to answer insurance or other financial questions related to bariatric surgery.

Experience

I have been a practicing bariatric surgeon since 1995. About 85% of my current practice consists of bariatric surgery, including all of the above procedures except biliopancreatic diversion. I am the senior surgeon of a 5-surgeon group. I am recognized among surgeons and other medical professionals as the most experienced bariatric surgeon in my region.

Organizations
Fellow of American College of Surgeons Member, American Society for Bariatric Surgery

Education/Credentials
BA in Biochemistry - University of Virginia Medical Degree - University of Virginia Surgical Residency - University of Virginia

Awards and Honors
Alpha Omega Alpha

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