Staying regular in first few months?

[fletcherette 203]

I have IBS and have always suffered from Constipation. Prior to being sleeved I would take psyllium husk Fiber capsules. I'm thinking that at 6 weeks post op a bulking fiber isn't a good idea. So what's everyone doing to stay regular? I've had to take stool softeners a few times since surgery but what are some safe options at this point post op that can I take/do to keep things regular to avoid getting to the point of constipation?

[Diane 24]

Milk of Magnesium works for me in a relatively short period of time . My family doctor suggested not to take the psyllium capsules at all cuz they have a tendency to expand the stomach - so I quit that right away, I want to keep my stomach small if I can.

[Holly5.3 423]

At almost 7 months, my fiber intake is very limited, so I rely on softeners (Colace) at least once a day. (This was one side-affect after being Sleeved that I was so unprepared for...usually being the opposite of Constipation - if you know what I mean!) If I feel "regular", I won't take one. If I feel "too full", I know I need to take one at night before bed and then another in the morning until I feel "lighter" again. When you eat such a little amount of solid food, it goes with the territory! Hope this helps!

[BlessedBeyondMeasure2012 296]

Im just 4 weeks out but docusate sodium (Colace I think) works well. It is only a stool softener and not a stimulant. You want to stay away from stimulants to avoid dependance on them.

[lizv123 389]

I have a problem with Constipation. I tried dulcolax, benefiber, prune juice, and even stoppe my Iron supplement. The nurse in my surgeon's office had RNY 10 years ago and turned me to flax seed. Works wonders! Whole, not ground. I put 2 spoonfuls in oatmeal or with yogurt. The texture takes some getting used to but the effects are entirely worth it. They taste kind of nutty.

[fletcherette 203]

Is it safe to take the colace ona regular basis to prevent Constipation?

[lizv123 389]

Is it safe to take the colace ona regular basis to prevent Constipation?

I wouldn't because your body can get too used to it. And once you stop talk about constipation. A fiber supplement may help. I still swear by flax seed so many health benefits

[melodymouse 196]

I have a problem with Constipation. I tried dulcolax' date=' benefiber, prune juice, and even stoppe my Iron supplement. The nurse in my surgeon's office had RNY 10 years ago and turned me to flax seed. Works wonders! Whole, not ground. I put 2 spoonfuls in oatmeal or with yogurt. The texture takes some getting used to but the effects are entirely worth it. They taste kind of nutty.[/quote']

Why not ground? Did she say?

[SuzanneRoupas 18]

Colace is safe to take regularly. I had (have?) IBS and took Fiber pre-op. Have not had an IBS episode since surgery. After surgery, I did not have a BM for 14 days despite Mirilax, suppositories, and concoctions of all kinds. My NP nearly fainted. A couple of gulps of Lactulose straightened things out. Don't let it get to that point!!!!

[melodymouse 196]

I have suffered from the beginning with Constipation. The biggest key is enough Water. My PA just told me at my 1 year check up that it is NORMAL to only go twice a week! I wish I had known that sooner!! She also told me to drink Water all evening then take 2 100mg tabs of Ducosate Sodium at bedtime so it stays in your system. She said to use it for as many days as it takes to produce a very loose almost liquid BM to clean yourself out good and then stop. You should start taking it again if each time you haven't had a movement after 4-5 days. It is safe and not habit forming like stimulant types. I attached a screen shot of the laxative progression from my surgeon. As always, When in doubt, check it out with your own doctor to be safe. Hope it helps!

[lizv123 389]

Why not ground? Did she say?

She actually didn't specify. Something with the natural oils in the seed I'm guessing. I know it certainly does keep me regular (almost daily bm) and its much healthier in the long run than prolonged use of chemical softeners. I'm not by any means one who eats "clean." But I read up on flax seed and figured why not the healthier alternative?

[MrsG 329]

I take Fiber gummies every night. I've heard chia seeds work great too and you can sprinkle them in food! Good luck!