Total Colectomy - Weight Gain Concerns Post-Operation

Dear Healing Well forum members,

Hello! I am a 19 year-old female who, like many of you, has suffered since childhood with chronic, debilitating GI disease. I have sought treatment over the years from doctors across the eastern seaboard for my severe bloating, gas, constipation, diahrrea, nausea, food intolerances and sensitivities, and acid reflux. My GI physicians have referred me back and forth from endocrinology to hematology--with no hope for a viable treatment. I was diagnosed with IBS, gastroparesis, and atony of the colon. My current GI, completely baffled by my case, sent me to a colorectal surgeon who comes highly recommended. My parents and I were relived to finally be seeing a surgeon but also rather nervous.

The surgeon has suggested a total colectomy to resolve some of the more pressing issues I have encountered--as, over the past six months I have been incapable of ingesting solid foods without acute abdominal pain. I am concered because I have read on this and other forums that weight gain is common after such a procedure. I live an active lifestyle and hope to do so in the future, but weight gain would certinaly interfere with my quality of life. I maintain a low calorie, low residue diet but have, in the past, struggled with my weight. I am at a healthy weight currently and fear the reprocussions of a total colectomy on my mental and physical health. For any of you who have had or know someone who has had this operation, please lend your advice. Do the means justify the ends? Many thanks to all of you!