Questeran

I've been taking it for 4 years now. I only do one scoop, once a day, and it works wonders. I take it for not having a gallbladder, and having bile salt diarrhea. But as I understand it, it's very commonly used after surgery too.

But I wouldn't be able to function without it, it really gave me my life back. Before the questran I had a hard time leaving the house, ever eating out or anything. So it's been really good for me. Good luck with it!

Thanks Belleenstein. I took my first dose this evening. I mixed it with a glass of juice. I started to feel really bloated awhile after taking it and my belly feels gassy and has been gurgling ever since. I'm not sure if it's from the questran or just a coincidence. I work tomorrow but then I'm off for 4 days. I think I'll wait until tomorrow evening before taking another dose. I'm hoping that by Tuesday, I will get used to it and these symptoms will subside. My doctor prescribed two doses per day. You mentioned not taking another dose until after I have a BM. I know one of the side affects is constipation but I'm hoping that because most of my colon is gone, it won't constipate me at all but just make my BM's firmer.

They have always just prescribed me the one scoop once a day. He said if it didn't work to let him know, and we'd adjust the dose. I think he wanted to start low and go up if we had to. I really didn't have any side effects from it at all. Maybe a little more gas then usual, but nothing major. That went away after a few weeks of taking it.

Now my Aunt tried to take it, and while it worked for her, she got terrible heart burn with it. However she also has stomach issues that probably contributed to that side effect. She stopped taking it because of that. So like anything, everyone is different. I hope it works well for you, with little to no side effects like me!

I used it for many years and it really helped control the dirrahea. Unfortunately though, it began to make me bloated and gassy to the point where taking it was no longer an option. It's certainly worth a try.

I mix it with water, but I don't take anywhere the one gram sachet, so it is very easy to swallow because it isn't too thick. I usually use about one-third of a packet and I get by with only minimal bloating. And I don't take it every day. only when I really need to. Yesterday I knew I wouldn't get through my piano lesson without some help so at lunch i took one third of the packet ( I had been on a tear for a couple of days because it's strawberry season and I am finally well enough that i can eat them) Anyway, I got gurgly and gassy through the afternoon but no bms. Almost 24 hours before i went again this a.m. Now I won't take it today because I'm not eating high fat and I don't need to go anywhere. I think with this stuff, which is basically providing symptom control, everyone has to figure out what works for them. It's such a blessing when it works, I hate to see anyone get turned off it because they are taking too much and not getting good results.

FWIW, Colestid is the same as Questran (bile salt binder) and is available in 1 g tablets. So much easier to take!

D

I used Questran years ago and now I've been taking the Colestid powder.  I find the best liquid to dissolve it in is any flavor of fruit nectar.  The thickness of the nectar disguises the gritty texture and the taste isn't too bad.

It took a few weeks before I started noticing the full effect (no D). So I would give it some time, let all the bloating settle down, and see where your at with it.