Status Update - Wish Things Were Better

I had my first bowel resection surgery (hemi) back in 2001, which was an emergency one due to severe strictures. Between 2001 and 2017, I had on and off painful cramping and bloating due to intestnal scar tissue. I also was on 6-MP. Last year, I had my second bowel resection surgery, which was elected in order to remove some of the damaged small intestine (about 40 CM) and a small portion of the colon. The damage was caused by bowel loops from the scar tissue. Since my second surgery, I've been on 6-MP and 8-month Remicade (generic).

Since my second surgery, I still have not had a normal bowel movement. In addition to meds, I take Culturelle in the morning and Florastor at night. Bowel movements have been loose and, at times, urgent. How long does it take for my remaining bowels to adapt? Or, is this my new normal? I tried taking Metamucil, but that resulted in close calls because of the added fiber.

Yes, close calls as in if there wasn't a nearby restroom, it would have been messy. I have not discussed SBS with my GI doctor as she believes that I don't have it (because the length of bowel removed). I am also worried about nutrition. I am 6' and weighed 155 prior to my second surgery, but now I weigh about 142. I tried to bulk by drinking protein shakes, but for whatever reason, the weight is not sticking.

It takes several months for the bowels to fully adapt after bowel surgery - there's a long and slow process of the bowels having to retrain the nerves which operate peristalsis (contractions) and so on. So depending on when you had your second resection last year, your bowels could still be adapting - or something else could be going on. It could also just be your new 'normal', although I hope not.

If you haven't seen your GI for a while, it may be time to make another appointment with them.

PS: If you've lost the majority of your colon, you will never have completely normal stools. They're always gonna be loose; the more you've lost the looser on the whole that they'll be. The colon is responsible for firming up the stool; it can't do that if you no longer have most of it.