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What is a good diet after colon surgery? Are probiotics good?

Posted by lynda48 @lynda48, Dec 30, 2020

My husband had almost his entire colon (5' of it) removed 8 months ago after diagnosis of Stage 3 colon cancer. There has been a problem with diarrhea ever since: 5 - 8 loose stools each day and the occasional accident when he does not make it to the "reading room" in time. Any suggestions for diet to (1) keep hydrated enough when there is no large bowel to absorb water (important since he also has only one kidney and diagnosis of moderate kidney disease) and (2) have firmer stools rather than chronic diarrhea. Dietitian has recommended that he drink lots of water for hydration and physician said he can take 8 tabs of Immodium daily plus Metamucil and eat lots of water-absorbing fibre (like bran buds instead of bran flakes) to reduce diarrhea. Increasing Immodium and Metamucil has helped a bit but still suffers from diarrhea on a daily basis. Any ideas??? Suggestions about foods he should avoid or foods he should eat?

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gigi4 | @gigi4 | 10 hours ago
In reply to @hopeful33250 "@janetgraham and @gigi4 I can well understand the difficulties of eating after digestive tract surgery. Ten..." + (show)
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@janetgraham and @gigi4

I can well understand the difficulties of eating after digestive tract surgery. Ten years ago, I had my third surgery of the upper digestive tract, and I concur that doctors are not always able to help us with post-surgery eating problems. I have had two referrals to a hospital dietician, which was very helpful.

As a result of my own experiences, I created a discussion group on Connect, "How Do I Eat After Digestive Tract Surgery?" Here is a link to that discussion: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/how-do-i-eat-after-digestive-tract-surgery/

In this discussion, you will find others who have had colon/rectal surgery for various types of problems. As you read these posts, you will see that most of us avoid raw fruits and veggies as well as fried foods. Small, frequent meals seem to be more easily tolerated rather than three larger meals.

After reading the posts in this discussion group, will you post your own questions?

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@hopeful33250
I did not have surgery.

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lhstephenson | @lhstephenson | 7 hours ago

I had my entire colon removed in 1983. To answer your questions, I take about a heaping teaspoon of Metamucil in about 5 ounces of water twice a day and it acts like a sponge in my bowel to absorb extra liquid. His stools will never be what is considered to be normal, but this will give him some relief from the constant diarrhea. Make sure that when you add the Metamucil to the water, you drink it immediately. If not, it will solidify and cause problems going down. In answer to your probiotic question, yes he definitely needs to be on a good probiotic. In the past, I have taken all sorts, but I am now on VSL number three, which is 450 billion units per day. It is in a powder form, and it is not cheap. It’s about $100 for a 30 day supply, but it definitely will keep him from catching every little G.I. bug that runs around. I hope this has been helpful to you.

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Teresa, Volunteer Mentor | @hopeful33250 | 6 hours ago
In reply to @lhstephenson "I had my entire colon removed in 1983. To answer your questions, I take about a..." + (show)
Profile picture for lhstephenson @lhstephenson

I had my entire colon removed in 1983. To answer your questions, I take about a heaping teaspoon of Metamucil in about 5 ounces of water twice a day and it acts like a sponge in my bowel to absorb extra liquid. His stools will never be what is considered to be normal, but this will give him some relief from the constant diarrhea. Make sure that when you add the Metamucil to the water, you drink it immediately. If not, it will solidify and cause problems going down. In answer to your probiotic question, yes he definitely needs to be on a good probiotic. In the past, I have taken all sorts, but I am now on VSL number three, which is 450 billion units per day. It is in a powder form, and it is not cheap. It’s about $100 for a 30 day supply, but it definitely will keep him from catching every little G.I. bug that runs around. I hope this has been helpful to you.

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@lhstephenson
I would be interested in knowing more about this powdered probiotic. Is is obtained by prescription?

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lhstephenson | @lhstephenson | 2 hours ago
In reply to @hopeful33250 "@lhstephenson I would be interested in knowing more about this powdered probiotic. Is is obtained by..." + (show)
Profile picture for Teresa, Volunteer Mentor @hopeful33250

@lhstephenson
I would be interested in knowing more about this powdered probiotic. Is is obtained by prescription?

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@hopeful33250 a prescription is not necessary, but it is a product that isrecommended by gastrointestinal physician. Their is a website vsl.com and the VSL#3 is what I use. It is 450 billion units. They do have one that is 900 billion units but it is necessary to get a prescription for that. Check out their website, ( https://www.vsl3.com) they do have a lot of information on it and they do offer discounts for subscriptions and new subscribers. Hope this helps!

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