Help!! Severe Constipation...

[ducker2010 17]

Let me start by saying this might be TMI for some so if it is please pass over it and don't be offended. I am about seven weeks post band. Before my band I struggled with bouts of Constipation. It would happen occasionally and I would take Milk of Mag (MOM) when it happened. The MOM helped but iit always gave me sever diaraherra. Since the band I simply cannot get rid of the constipation. It's getting horrendous. I strain to the point of bleeding. I know this isn't good. My doctor said don't use the MOM. She suggested Colace which is a stool softner. I've been taking the max dose PLUS a cup of prune juice every day. I'm STILL constipated. I tired Miralax and that did nothing. The doctor suggested Benefiber but told me that would make me really gassy and I'm already having problems with severe gas along with the consitpation.

I'm at my wits end. Any suggestions? I just want to be able to use the bathroom! I bought some Benefiber today and I'm going to try that gas or not! I guess people will just need to stand clear of me...

[mandagay 93]

Omg I hope it gets better. Keep us posted

[NWgirl 574]

Have you thought about a regular laxative for this particular bought? Then start incorporating Fiber products in your diet. I've heard people rave about the fiber gummies that Target sells.

[hedder14 59]

I used benefiber and it did the same to me.. I now take fiberchoice chewables, I take 1 a day instead of the standard 2 ( which I would take the 2 until things are more reg ). I take the 1 every other day if I get bloated..

[judych 225]

Let me start by saying this might be TMI for some so if it is please pass over it and don't be offended. I am about seven weeks post band. Before my band I struggled with bouts of Constipation. It would happen occasionally and I would take Milk of Mag (MOM) when it happened. The MOM helped but iit always gave me sever diaraherra. Since the band I simply cannot get rid of the constipation. It's getting horrendous. I strain to the point of bleeding. I know this isn't good. My doctor said don't use the MOM. She suggested Colace which is a stool softner. I've been taking the max dose PLUS a cup of prune juice every day. I'm STILL constipated. I tired Miralax and that did nothing. The doctor suggested Benefiber but told me that would make me really gassy and I'm already having problems with severe gas along with the consitpation.

I'm at my wits end. Any suggestions? I just want to be able to use the bathroom! I bought some Benefiber today and I'm going to try that gas or not! I guess people will just need to stand clear of me...

have you ever tried epsom salts?? thats what its called here in Aust. its very good, you may get a little twinge as its working but it soon passes. i use it all the time when i need something . it must be a real worry for you. im going to make sure that i have it on hand here to use if i need anything.

[KristyT 16]

what alot of people dont understand is there is a difference between a laxative and a stool softener. laxative will make you go to the bathroom, thus thinning your stool out and causing bloating, gas and the diarrhea you mentioned, stool softener will help soften the stool to keep you from straing, thus bleeding like you mentioned. another big thing with Constipation is figuring out what is making you constipated. myself, I know i cannot eat cheese or dairy products, everytime I eat cheese, I am in the bathroom straining as you mentioned. keep a log of your foods and recall what you eat the days you are most constipated. increase your Fluid intake, Water helps with constipation, check what medications you are taking as narcotics and other meds will slow your peristalsis down and constipate you, fiber is your best choice, daily increase in fiber and water should help regulate you, if you get gas, take gas x, it helps. if this doesnt subside, you should consult with a GI dr. to get to the root of the problem, DO NOT become dependent on laxatives, those are more for if you are impacted, try to increase fiber in your diet, water in your diet, add benefiber and check your side effects on your medication labels, log your food and check for which ones make you constipated. if no help, see a gastrointestinal specialist. good luck

[TEDO 0]

+2 on more fluids. On week 1 I had this issue and felt like crap. I began drinking a ton of Water and life has been great every since. Prior to the band I found that 1 low cal yogurt a day cured it all. Apples and apple sauce work great too. The key it to add it to your daily diet and stick with it. I also agree with cheese. Prior to banding cheese and me didnt get along. Since banding I have cut it out completely. GL

[Grider 92]

I did MOM to get past the initial -now Probiotics every day n miralax every couple of days... more n more water... as far as the MOM- maybe you can do less,,, like 1 teaspooon a day until you more regular,, I did it for a like a week to get it all smoothed out. now things much better. but i was in alot of pain an discomfort

[Quinnmc79 27]

Try Amitiza, it's a prescription drug for chronic Constipation ... Your dr will have to prescribe it

[ducker2010 17]

what alot of people dont understand is there is a difference between a laxative and a stool softener. laxative will make you go to the bathroom, thus thinning your stool out and causing bloating, gas and the diarrhea you mentioned, stool softener will help soften the stool to keep you from straing, thus bleeding like you mentioned. another big thing with Constipation is figuring out what is making you constipated. myself, I know i cannot eat cheese or dairy products, everytime I eat cheese, I am in the bathroom straining as you mentioned. keep a log of your foods and recall what you eat the days you are most constipated. increase your Fluid intake, Water helps with constipation, check what medications you are taking as narcotics and other meds will slow your peristalsis down and constipate you, fiber is your best choice, daily increase in fiber and Water should help regulate you, if you get gas, take gas x, it helps. if this doesnt subside, you should consult with a GI dr. to get to the root of the problem, DO NOT become dependent on laxatives, those are more for if you are impacted, try to increase fiber in your diet, water in your diet, add benefiber and check your side effects on your medication labels, log your food and check for which ones make you constipated. if no help, see a gastrointestinal specialist. good luck

Thanks KristyT! This is exactly what I'm trying to avoid! I'm an RN so I do realize the difference between a laxative and a stool softener. I'm deathly afraid of becoming dependent on EITHER! I don't want to be that old person that is always bemoaning their bowels! LOL I don't eat very much at all. I don't think that it's food related as I had this problem occassionally BEFORE the surgery. It just seems that it's gotten worse now. I know it's because I'm not eating fiber. I try to get my Protein in first and I used to consume a lot of whole grain breads and things that I'm no longer consuming. I'm sure that all plays into it. I also am not taking pain pills. I'm taking the same meds that I did before the surgery so that shouldn't be an issue either. I'm trying to work more water into my diet. I'm just so frustrated right now. This has been the only bad part of my surgery! I'm going to try the benefiber and see what happens. I'm hoping it helps. I just wondered if anyone had any other suggestions. Thanks for your reply!

[Chastndeb 19]

I find that coffee or hot tea along with a fruit yogurt during the day and LOTS of Water does the trick. I also use a stool softener if I miss a day. That is much easier on your system than a laxative, but don't wait to take it. I only have one cup of coffee each day, with the blessing of my doc. All other fluids are caffeine free: I drink a lot of herb teas and crystal light. I am 10 days post op, and so far, so good.

[ducker2010 17]

I find that coffee or hot tea along with a fruit yogurt during the day and LOTS of Water does the trick. I also use a stool softener if I miss a day. That is much easier on your system than a laxative, but don't wait to take it. I only have one cup of coffee each day, with the blessing of my doc. All other fluids are caffeine free: I drink a lot of herb teas and crystal light. I am 10 days post op, and so far, so good.

You know, the coffee thing could be a big issue. Before surgery I drank tons of coffee. And I do mean tons. And it acted like a laxative for me. As soon as I finished the cup I was pretty good to go. Pun intended. But since the surgery I have not had a single cup of coffee. I bet that's having an effect also.

[Violet953 46]

Hey hunny...Idk if I've told you this before but I drink Danactive everyday. I have been for a few weeks now and it helps me go. It's been doing wonders for me and I think it tastes amazing...I just get the vanilla flavor but there's a couple more. I forgot to take it one day..and I definitely noticed because I had to struggle to go! Got back on track and have been fine ever since!

Hang in there I know how you feel and its just awful.

[ducker2010 17]

Thanks Violet! Always love talking to you. I'll look into the Danactive. I know our local Wal-Mart has it.

[judych 225]

+2 on more fluids. On week 1 I had this issue and felt like crap. I began drinking a ton of Water and life has been great every since. Prior to the band I found that 1 low cal yogurt a day cured it all. Apples and apple sauce work great too. The key it to add it to your daily diet and stick with it. I also agree with cheese. Prior to banding cheese and me didnt get along. Since banding I have cut it out completely. GL

also... pears are one of the fruits out for helping with these issues. im sure you can buy it in baby food.< /p>