Constipation

[cleescruggs 13]

Ok, I know I've talked about this before but I'm desperate! I've tried milk of mag, Miralax, fibercon, regular laxative , you name it. The only thing works for me is the MOM but it leaves me gassy and in pain for days afterward. I haven't had a normal bowel movement since surgery. I don't even look like I've lost 41 lbs because my stomach is always swollen with gas and Constipation. Doctor says keep using MOM. Anybody have any other suggestions.

[Skinny_Jill 36]

I took Dulcolax and 1 didn't work but the next day I took another one and then I had diarrhea. It was so bad that I had to Immodium to stop it. It took a few days but things seem to be working. I don't go as often because I am eating less.

Make sure you drink plenty of Water.

I hope it gets better soon.

[yvonne74 73]

I take Fiber supplements on a regular basis and double up (bottle recommends 2 a day but I take 1 a day) when I feel constipated.

[icestorm12132008 39]

try to keep hydrated and get in 8 8oz. glasses of Water a day. do some sort of cardio like walking sometimes helps. But for alot of folks Constipation is common because we are not eating "alot" and many things that use to make us go, are now off the list. Did you try prune juice , or molases with milk?

My doctor says we can take metimucil but i've not tried it yet. Many take mirliax but it takes 3 to 4 days to "kick in" . Of course if it gets really bad i supose you could if your condtion permits do a fleets enema. This is just another icky side effect of WLS surgery. --ice storm

[Spcalk 0]

I have had Constipation problems too,the only thing that is working for me are prunes,I try to eat at least 5 in the morning and it actually helps. I tried all kinds of stuff as well but the prunes seem to work.

[MarciaL 0]

I have the same problem and I have had my lap band 21/2 years. I have tried everything and even ducolax didn't work. My GP actually gave me a Constipation relief recipe this week and it actually started to work yesterday. Here it is:

1. 2 cups of applesauce. (I used unsweetened of course)

2. 2 cups prune juice or 2 cups of stewed prunes (purée them)

3. 2 cups organic wheat bran

Mix together and store in refrigerator. Take one TBSP twice daily .... If to much,adjust. I am hoping that finally this will take care of the problem. I know just how awful you feel. If you have any other suggestions let me know.

[lalaj 108]

I can relate. I asked my nutritionist about this and she said I could have the light prune juice about 3oz because that's all it should take or eat sugar-free prunes. I eat 1 sugar free bite size prune a day, it helps and I haven't been constipated since. My Constipation was terrible. I was in tears. I hope you find relief soon.

[donna12 742]

Ok, I know I've talked about this before but I'm desperate! I've tried milk of mag, Miralax, fibercon, regular laxative , you name it. The only thing works for me is the MOM but it leaves me gassy and in pain for days afterward. I haven't had a normal bowel movement since surgery. I don't even look like I've lost 41 lbs because my stomach is always swollen with gas and Constipation. Doctor says keep using MOM. Anybody have any other suggestions.

not to get graphic but I was so compacted from surgery 10 days ago that on the 5th day of not going I did Miralax, warm prune juice, and then finally Magnesium Citrate and that moved me. I'm on day 10 post op and now I have complete diarrhea all of the time, can't keep that under control. Try the Mag Citrate it does work. Thats what the docs give for colonoscopies. Hope this helps.

[daisychains7 427]

I ended up at the ER three weeks after my surgery due to that issue. Hadnt gone in over a week, and when I tried to nothing came out. I was screaming and nearly blacked out from the pain. You may need to go to urgent care so they can give you a suppository or enema. Not pleasant but a couple of those broke up the impacted stools enough where I could pass the majority at home a couple days later (with the help of miralax, prune juice and stool softener). They told me i needed to up Water intake and take miralax if i dont go every 2 days. I have also bought flax seed and started having some (healthy) carbs for fiber. Been good since then. Not trying to freak you out but some additional help may be needed.

[PandorasBox92264 61]

If you are truly plugged do the Citrate of mag that she said.. I pour it over ice, and drink it up.. do not plan on going anywhere! It is like blasting caps!!! It will bust whatever is in there loose!

Drink plenty of water.. you might have residual the next day...

I try to eat romaine lettuce as a salad.. and drink hot tea that keeps it running generally..

a fleet enema will only clear what is in your lower gateway to the world.. the citrate will clear out the whole track!!! just DUCK and cover!!!

[Skinny_Jill 36]

I also added Benefiber to Water a couple of tines a day. It worked well and you can't taste it.

[cleescruggs 13]

Thanks everyone I'm going to try all this advice until I find one that works. If not I guess it's to the doctors!

[mountainnurse 19]

Stool softeners (2-4) and sennakot (1-2) may work as well. I'm also having problems. I drink plenty of Water, am taking fiber chews, but not getting the walking I need. This last week was my first back at work and I was exhausted at night! I'm taking MOM and fiber chews but haven't found a good regular balance yet. I haven't tried miralax; this (and the stool softeners) were what my physician recommended.

[cleescruggs 13]

I know Im getting enough Water because I feel like I could float away some days and the walking not so much but in the pool exercising everyday, so something has got to work. I'm just going to try each one of these suggestions down the line and see which one hits the jackpot! lol

[dianec 8]

I was very constipated after my Lower Body Lift. I didn't have a BM for 8 days and even the 8th day wasn't much. It wasn't until 11 days post op that I was able to clean out so to speak. I was miserable. My friend told me about Magnesium Citrate and it really worked. I know I'm late on this thread so hopefully you're back to 'normal'.