Stomach like a beer belly after colon cancer surgery

I could not eat much the first few weeks like a quarter of what I would normally eat. Then after that I just kept eating out of a smaller plate. I ride my exercise bike about 3 times a week. Nothing unusual. I don’t eat beef as much. I feel that is harder to digest. I see my surgeon tomorrow and will keep you all posted!!

Hi @tbillz119, I along from other members like @robinmacdonald and @mkgdesigner will be interested in what your surgeon says at your upcoming appointment.

In terms of surgery recovery, April is not that long ago and your body needs time to heal. Was the 20 lb weight loss intentional? Have you had to change what you eat?

I had a foot my Colon removed on April 5th 2021. I was at Stage 1. Since then I have lost 20lbs all over my body except my stomach. It round like a ball. Going for my 3 month check up next month. I am going to ask my surgeon.

@robinmacdonald and @mkgdesigner, you may also have some input to offer new member, Karir, in this discussion:
- The gastro after effects of colorectal cancer https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/the-after-effects-of-colorectal-cancer/

I look forward to hearing what you find out, Robin.

Thank you. I will ask my doctor after I get results from my stool sample tests.

Hi! My surgeon had me taking Metamucil (1tsp) and prescription Imodium pills right after surgery, 3-4 times a day. I tried stopping both to see what would happen and it sounds like what you are describing. Maybe you could try that if your doctor agrees. Metamucil will bulk up your stool and the Imodium slows it down. Without the colon to do it’s thing, something has to be added to slow things down in order to avoid the diarrhea. I’d discuss with your doctor. Good luck!

Not yet. I should have results from the 4 stool samples I provided by sometime next week. I will let you know. I read from other people on this site about the ongoing distended stomach and that is the main reason, besides the soft stools and very frequent bowel movements, that the Gastrointerologist ordered the tests. Also, aching rectum and rectum. I thought I had hemorrhoids but the doctor said not.

@robinmacdonald, has a C difficile infection been confirmed in your case?

I had colon resection surgery 2 and 1/2 months ago and have very frequent soft bowel movements which I have a hard time evacuating even though they are soft. They are sometimes string-like or little pellets and messy. Also, my rectum and anus often aches. I just saw my gastroenterologist and he said my stomach was distended and suspected an infection. It could be C. Difficile, a dangerous bacteria that can be caused by too many antibiotics, a hospital stay and/or abdominal surgery. I had all three risk factors.
Anyone experiencing constant diarrhea with a distended stomach following resection surgery might want to have a doctor check for an infection via stool samples.

Hi Troyhenn22, My gastro doctor prescribed Viberzi for me and it's actually working. After 4 years of running to the bathroom 10 to 30 times a day, my labs showed some vitamin deficiencies, so she took me very seriously. I'd gotten so down on myself and just gave up trying to talk to my doctors. The surgeon gave me the "it's nothing that I did that's causing you problems - maybe have more fiber". But I'm so glad that I kept up with my gastro doctor. She told me that I couldn't keep going this way and that we would work on it until we found something that worked. Still have the bloated belly, but I can eat big salads, oatmeal, any kind of fruit and it feels great. I have more energy as well. Just keep trying - Best wishes!