Total gastrectomy and persistent diarrhoea

[Nurcanak]

My husband is suffering from prolonging diary and Weight 

 loss post op total gastrectomy 1,5 years  ago.

İf any advice to cope with it

Regards

[Connell25]

Had same op 14 months ago have lost 2 1/2 stone. I have had two Bacterial overgrowth infections which has now been sorted out.Have you had Breath test?

[Hidden]

The persistent diarrhoea may be because of the gut bacteria not being controlled by the natural strong stomach acid that stomachs normally produce, so ask for a referral to a gastroenterologist who has experience of the after-effects of this surgery. You may have a breath test as part of this.

Sometimes it will be a programme of antibiotics on a cycle, eg ciprofloxacin, doxycycline, erythromycin, with probiotics VSL3 in later stages. Questran / cholestyramine has also helped some people, but we are all different and you need a doctor's guidance.

With persistent diarrhoea it is not surprising if there is weight loss, but it is important to keep hydrated and to maintain nutrition levels as much as you can. Imodium can be helpful.

It is very debilitating and you have our sympathy.

[MFH28]

Hi..

I too had exactly the same problem. I am four years post-op and diarrhoea has been a persistant issue. I have discussed the matter with my GP and the surgeon who undertook the operation and both have recommended Immodium. I now take one capsule each day which seems to calm my system down and keep it under control.

Hope that helps.