Large Intestine Removal

[iAmanda]

Has anyone ever had their entire large intestine removed? Doctors are planning to remove mine, and rehook the end of the small intestine to the rectum. I suffer from colonic inertia. Whats life like without a large intestine? Will I lose a lot of weight, will I have to change my diet around? Any details would be helpful. So far I know that I'll be going to the bathroom a lot.

And for curiosity, I'm 18 -- so I'm quite young.

[Debbyd1231]

Hi, that is what I am about to have in two weeks. I am so scared. I can't find any websites that really help you understand what to expect.

Will I gain tremendous amount of weight? Is there a way to prevent the horrific gas I have been reading about on here? Is there a list of good foods and bad foods.

I am having it done because of mega colon/sluggish colon and sever chronic constipation.

I would appreciate anyone who will tell me their thoughts.

[Kirst1967]

Wow I've just read your story and could have written it word for word
I had my large bowel/intestine removed Sept 2012 after having an ileostomy for a year. It was a very rough time, the surgery painful and with several complications. I too lost a lot of weight very quickly but like you it was like I woke up one morning and it had all piled back on and some!!! I'm restricted in what I eat and have tried to follow a low residue diet as best I can but I'm steadily gaining weight and feeling dreadful with it
You wrote your comments sometime ago but I'd love to hear if you've improved and if so what did you do?..

[ng1031]

I had my surgery on the 18th.

I was released on the 25th

I formed an ileus and was readmitted by ambulance to the hospital and ended up staying 2 more weeks until everything finally started to work. I was in a LOT of pain that was controlled by morphine (lots of it)

I am finally home after 3 weeks in the hospital at Mayo. I am now weening off the narcotics and experiencing the pains and pings from surgery that you normally experience. I am still on liquid and mushy foods even though I am going on 4 weeks because of the ileus putting me behind schedule.

[susanne1963]

Hi Kathy,
     I am 49 yrs old (female) , had my colon removed and resection of small intestine to rectum 1 1/2 yr. ago . I am starting to have issues with bloating , hunger , indigestion, until now I have been doing ok except constantly dealing with staying hydrated . I had mine removed due to polyps (familial polyposis). Kinda frustrated with "food issues", one Dr. says eat high fiber,another said "no" . Any info. would be greatly appreciated. Thanks...Susanne

[ng1031]

Just an update..

I got into the Mayo Clinic in MN and finally am getting answers. I had a slow transit study that was a 48 hour one as well as an EKG more blood work and a colonic manometry test.  I have a very long, verry loopy slow transit colon. My pacemaker cells in my right side of my colon are dead or dieing off and it is causing me to back up all the way to my small intestine. IBS and SIBO are no longer even diagnosed for me as the symptoms of those happen in patients who have slow transit etc.  I was on Resolor for one month and that did not work. I am now setting up my surgery! The surgery I will be having is called laparoscopic colectomy with ileorectal anastomosis and I will not need a colostomy bag. My surgery will also take place at Mayo Clinic. Another 7 hour drive from home but well worth it! FINALLY getting answers!!!

[maax2]

Use disposable wet wipes, Warm bath water helps with the pain. Oxicodon helps . Avoid chocolate.