sorry but I am curious

[Tclark]

I am going on my 4th week post op and my stool have been very dark brown almost black and hard, is that normal?

[KariVSG]

You may need to call you doctor i do know that when stool is dark it may mean there is blood in it, or if your on an iron supplement that can cause it to be dark also

[Kindle]

I don't think there's really a postop "normal" cause it can range from watery diarrhea to two weeks of constipation. But sounds like you are leaning towards the latter. Hard stool can indicate you aren't drinking enough. How many fluids are you getting in? Should be 64oz minimum and ideally 1/2 your body weight in ounces.....which is 125oz if your ticket is correct.

Black stool can sometimes indicate bleeding in the stomach or upper GI. You may want to check in with your surgeon.

[KariVSG]

I agree with Kindle you really need to contact your doctor because this does not sound normal

[Shirl]

Sounds like constipation. But if you are not struggling to release, and they are still dark and hard DEF go see your doctor.

If you struggling, quick relief may be a Fleet suppository, but def start drinking more water and possibly adding fiber to your diet.

I think I have what you call chronic constipation, but currently under control. I drink a minimum of 64oz of water, I have added whole sprouted grains, probiotics and enzymes, as well as daily magnesium citrate supplement which is working wonders on me.

[Pam G]

If you take anything like pepto hismol, that'll turn your poopies black, too.

Iron will also make it black AND constipate you, too. I don't take iron supplements because of the plugging up issue.

[Tclark]

thanks everyone

[Munecagirl85]

Mine was super black...... Still is depending on how much liquid i drink espically a protien shake does it every single time

[Tclark]

pretty much all I live on is protein shakes and applesauce and yogurt, I have just started to introduce veggies and tuna into my diet.

[Kindle]

pretty much all I live on is protein shakes and applesauce and yogurt, I have just started to introduce veggies and tuna into my diet.

How many fluids are you getting in? Have you tried anything yo help soften your stools? How often are you going?

[Pam G]

get some Smooth Move herbal tea. tastes good, and works! drink it in the evening though, not in the morning!

[Tclark]

I seem to be drinking constantly, and I go once per day, its not painful, its just so different from my pre surgery stools I wanted to check to see if its normal, I am not eating all the carbs and junk fodr now and I eat so little I think its all I need to go, and I have been taking a lot of vitamins.

[Kindle]

I seem to be drinking constantly, and I go once per day, its not painful, its just so different from my pre surgery stools I wanted to check to see if its normal, I am not eating all the carbs and junk fodr now and I eat so little I think its all I need to go, and I have been taking a lot of vitamins.

As long as it passes easily, is not painful, and you go regularly, this may be your new normal and you're good to go. Of course it may change when you add in different foods, but that's what makes all this so much fun!

[Pam G]

As long as it passes easily, is not painful, and you go regularly, this may be your new normal and you're good to go. Of course it may change when you add in different foods, but that's what makes all this so much fun!

yay! Fun with doodoo!