(** Disclaimer: This is a graphic explanation of my only major TE - do not read if you do not want to be subjected to it.)
Yes I have had the oily spotting - I would not consider that a TE. That is minor and truth be told if I don't see at least a little bit of oil in the bowl I dont think the Alli has done its job. I usually see little tiny droplets when I do go, but the bathroom proceedings are typical (meaning as a general rule, I do not have oily farts or an urgency to potty). I have only had a real TE once, after a beef burrito which had way more fat in it than I thought it did. It was not pleasant. Within an hour after eating and taking the pill I felt very bloated. As the evening progressed it felt like a lot of gas building up and the bloating continued through the next day, began to feel some cramping and pressure like constipation. I had not had a bowel movement since I ate the burrito. I already suspected the burrito was the culprit and was on guard for a TE. Well, Monday came and I was still experiencing the cramping and pressure. After I got to work and had my morning coffee, I suddenly had to potty, and boy did I ever. If I hadn't been on the lookout for a TE I might've had one of those oily farts I hear horror stories about - dont want that at the office, thanks. So I went (quickly, mind you) to the restroom and lo and behold, major TE, containing lots of the orange oil, both big blobs and tiny drops, as well as loose stool. I mean there was a lot of oil, both in the bowl and on the paper. It was pretty gross actually. Though I felt much better after this potty trip, I had another similar episode about an hour later, and another much lesser episode later that afternoon. Make no mistake, my friends, that is a real, honest-to-God TE. Minor oil in the bowl during a normal BM just does not compare and is nothing to worry about.