Jpouch 1 1/2 yeras

I've had good results with VSL. For most people the gassiness is temporary, lasting a week or two. Some people don't get over it, and they tend to stop taking the VSL.

I've used Metamucil every day (twice daily) since my surgery, and I find it quite helpful in managing stool consistency. Some can get gassy from that, too, but may do better with Citrucel or Benefiber.

For me Lomotil works better than loperamide (Imodium). I only take it at bedtime, though, or before going somewhere where bathrooms would be a problem, and it helps me sleep through most nights comfortably. I think taking it all day gets people into trouble sometimes, since it just delays the inevitable. In fairness, the gut slowing effect may also enable more water absorption, which can help some.

I have started vsl3DS which is by RX.  I believe its 2x vsl3. I am taking one sachet a day
What is your dose and when do you take it. Thanks for suggestion on bed time for lopermide. When do you suggest taking you Metamucil

I take a "maximum" dose of VSL #3 DS: 4 sachets daily (2 with breakfast and 2 with dinner). I mix it in Greek yogurt. I take Metamucul twice daily, too, at the same time. It's safe to experiment on yourself with these things, and if you only change one thing at a time it can be very informative.

May I ask how you pay for it. Have you found an insurance. 4 sachets a day could cost 20k  Thanks

Four sachets daily costs just over $600/month (about $7300/year). Some insurance just covers it without fuss. Mine stopped coverage a while back, and I kept appealing (including to the state insurance administration) based on medical need, and after about a year I beat them. They had to pay retroactively. I may have to fight them again in January, when my insurance changes.

The appeals process is designed to defeat you. During the fight I kept using the VSL, and paid for it out of pocket, just hoping that I would win. I feared that if I stopped it would weaken my case. Good luck!