Protein And Constipation - Weight Gain

[hellonurse 76]

Miralax actually is a laxative. It helps to relieve Constipation, and helps soften the stool. I give this to some of my patients, mostly the ones ones taking narcotic pain meds.

Yipes, now I just might need it!!

We have to be careful post op, Protein seems to be a bit constipating, and narcotic pain medication is very constipating!!!

Sent from my iPhone using VST

[peacequeen 434]

You're right, it does say it's a laxative on the bottle. It works like a stool softener though,,it was never harsh on me like exlax or anything in pill form.

[JimmyGotSLEEVED 270]

Hello' date='

I am 2.5 weeks post op and currently getting in anywhere from 45-65 grams of Protein...depending on the day I noticed on the days that I am in the 60-65 Protein range I tend to get constipated. I also noticed that the days when I only get about 45 grams of protein, I don't have this problem and after a couple of days of "low protein" I will lose about 2 to 4 lbs. When I am able to get in the 60-65 grams there is no weight loss.

Any ideas on whats going on?[/quote']

All of the weight that you are losing from not taking the necessary amount of protein is lean muscle loss. The reason we are ordered to take protein is because protein helps with damaged muscles and feeds lean muscle. Your dr wants you to lose as much fat as possible not muscle. With the burning of muscle you will tend to feel drained, malnourished and fatigued. The reason why you feel like you are losing MORE weight when taking less amounts of protein in and stalling when you are taking the right amounts of protein in is because with the intake of protein being introduced into your body, your body has to readjust itself to it. Meaning it may take 3 weeks or so for your body to actually understand what you want it to do (burn fat for energy not lean muscle). So after those 3 weeks of consistent protein intake your body starts to burn fat and that's when the steady and healthy weightloss begins.

As far as Constipation, that comes with the territory ESPECIALLY of you are not consuming enough Water daily. Water helps eradicate constipation when increasing protein intake.

[Caradina 65]

I have the same issue. I was getting 80g Protein, very low carbs...and constipated, tired, and not losing. I cut to 40g protein, upped my carbs, added coffee back in, a voila! More energy than ever, losing FAST, and no more Constipation. I think some of us just don't do well on the low carb diet. Add some healthy carbs and see if it helps.

[Finding Myself 146]

You know, even with ALL of this added in, even before surgery... there is a thing called "low carb flu". My husband and I did Atkins together last year, and I felt great... but he felt achy, headachy, etc etc. It never went away. So I started upping his carbs through berries and veggies and it went away. Some people really do need more carbs for their machinery!! Keep that in mind!

[HadToDoIt40 34]

All of the weight that you are losing from not taking the necessary amount of Protein is lean muscle loss. The reason we are ordered to take Protein is because protein helps with damaged muscles and feeds lean muscle. Your dr wants you to lose as much fat as possible not muscle. With the burning of muscle you will tend to feel drained, malnourished and fatigued. The reason why you feel like you are losing MORE weight when taking less amounts of protein in and stalling when you are taking the right amounts of protein in is because with the intake of protein being introduced into your body, your body has to readjust itself to it. Meaning it may take 3 weeks or so for your body to actually understand what you want it to do (burn fat for energy not lean muscle). So after those 3 weeks of consistent protein intake your body starts to burn fat and that's when the steady and healthy weightloss begins.

As far as Constipation, that comes with the territory ESPECIALLY of you are not consuming enough Water daily. Water helps eradicate constipation when increasing protein intake.

JimmyGotSoul, I really like this explanation of what may be going on. I actually tried Milk of Magnesia last night. It worked... I guess...But still feeling very bloated. I think I am going to try to up my carbs, increase my water intake (YUCK! - finger over my nose while I drink it- I DETEST plain water!) and see what happens. I was trying to follow the protein guidelines because I don't want "mushy booty" and batman wings for arms!LOL! It will be what it will be and I am going to do my best.

[bigkim 109]

My pre op visit they did an X-ray of the sleeve and my intestines. I was full of poo! I was so embrassed but was told it was normal. I was told to get milk of magnesia. So we will see what happens. Hoping I drop a couple pounds.

[amsterjonathon 4]

I have the same issue. I was getting 80g protein' date=' very low carbs...and constipated, tired, and not losing. I cut to 40g Protein, upped my carbs, added coffee back in, a voila! More energy than ever, losing FAST, and no more Constipation. I think some of us just don't do well on the low carb diet. Add some healthy carbs and see if it helps.[/quote']

wow...ive had a HORRIBLE 2days of constpation... reading ur post helped me... i need to add a bit more carb i think and the coffee cured me within 15 minutes. im going to add 1cup a day to regulate. id taken miralax, tried a suppository even... nothing. this is new ground for me... 43 years old, two pregnancies and this is the first real const event EVER for me. whew... thanks for sharing.