Chronic Diarrhea for 40 years

  A friend has had chronic diarrhea for about 30 years, following ulcer surgery consisting of a 3/4 gastrectomy with removal of a portion of the illeum including illeosecal valve.
  Immodium is his only way to combat this constant problem. He has suffered so much. Isn't there a medication that can help him have a formed stool! He can't eat many vegetables and fruits are a problem. In addition, he has to have B-12 shots once a month for the absorption problem. So, he has never weighted between 102-122lbs for many years. It is impossible to keep the weight on him. I believe this has lead to some depression (and he is not a depressed individual).
  Please, any thoughts are greatfully appreciated. He has had 14 operations.
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Extensive gastrointestinal surgery can have multiple repercussions on the ability to absorb nutrients.  There are a number of pharmacologic approaches, besides Imodium (immodium), that can slow gastrointestinalmotility and control aborption.  The ability to absorb nutrients and increase weight is a diffirent problem.  Sometimes, parenteral nutrition is required to increase weight.
This informationis presented for educational purposes.  Always consult your personal physician for specific medical questions.
HFHSM.D.-rf
*keywords: diarrhea
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