Control of Post-Bariatric Diarrhea by Intensive Treatment for Lymphedema

Abstract

Diarrhea following bariatric surgery may be secondary to multiple causes. The aim of the present study is to report a significant reduction in episodes of diarrhea with the stimulation of the lymphatic system in a patient with post-bariatric diarrhea using the Godoy method for the treatment for lymphedema. Case Report: A 40-year-old female patient with obesity was submitted to bariatric surgery, type Gastric bypass (roo-en-wy), 13 years ago. Beginning immediately after surgery, the patient began to have around 12 episodes of diarrhea per day for approximately 11 years. The patient also had lower limb lymphedema and was sent to the Clínica Godoy-Brazil for treatment. The patient underwent the Godoy Method® of intensive treatment for lymphedema. However, the most important finding was the immediate reduction in the number of episodes of diarrhea per day, which went from 12-13 to 2-3 after only one day of treatment. This result regarding diarrhea has been maintained for two years, with the maximum number of seven episodes on some days, which subsequently returned to two to three episodes. The Godoy intensive lymphedema treatment method was effective at reducing the number of episodes of post-bariatric diarrhea, offering a novel treatment option for these patients.