nsantoro126 2 Posted September 3, 2013 I am getting a little personal, but how often are you having a bowel movement? I used to go every day and since the surgery (4 weeks out) I've noticed I've been going every two-three days and when I do go I feel like it wasn't, well, everything. I don't like laxatives ( they're a little too intense for me) so I'm wondering what everyone is doing if they have noticed Constipation since their surgery? Should I have a Jamie Lee Curtis yogurt lol? Probiotics? Thanks or the advice (and sorry if I was too blunt lol)! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kathp 81 Posted September 3, 2013 if you're on an Iron supplement, it binds you up. I go less frequently, and it is not easy. I've done stool softeners. I asked the NUT what was allowed before I just stuck something in my sleeve. Remember you've been on a modified diet - less Fiber, esp if you were on liquids. Kathy Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
nsantoro126 2 Posted September 3, 2013 if you're on an Iron supplement' date=' it binds you up. I go less frequently, and it is not easy. I've done stool softeners. I asked the NUT what was allowed before I just stuck something in my sleeve. Remember you've been on a modified diet - less Fiber, esp if you were on liquids.< /p> Kathy[/quote'] I'm currently on chewable Flinstones 3x a day I'm on my puréed diet currently and I've been trying to increase my fiber with puréed refried Beans, black bean chili, etc and drinking throughout the day. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
cathycnyrs 85 Posted September 3, 2013 I asked the NUT, because I tend to get constipated every time I diet. She said Metamucil. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
nsantoro126 2 Posted September 3, 2013 I asked the NUT' date=' because I tend to get constipated every time I diet. She said Metamucil.[/quote'] Thank you! :-) Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Macy6 356 Posted September 3, 2013 You also have to remember you aren't taking in as much as pre op. My PA said if I don't feel like I need to go not to worry, if I feel like it was incomplete or there and not coming out than Miralax.< /p> Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MissErika 65 Posted September 3, 2013 I was going 3x daily during my liquids but when I went to puree I stopped going! I went 4 days without going so I try milk of magnesia because that's what it said in my packet. Well, it did NOTHING! So I decided to get fiber chewables to help each day and I got prune juice last night because that was another option my surgeon gave me. I drank 1/2 cup at room temperature at my own pace and I went within an hour and a half and it completely cleaned me out without cramps. I got the "healthiest" prune juice I could find and was a little put off by the carbs but I needed to go that day and I was scared of laxatives because of my sensitive stomach. I now keep prune juice in the fridge for emergencies but I am trying to keep things going by eating more fiber purees and taking fiber chewables. I'll see if it works! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
marfar7 1,533 Posted September 3, 2013 I didn't go for a week post op and I needed a couple of stool softeners (just the generic ones). Since the 2nd week (I'm now 7 1/2 weeks out) I've been going daily without problems. Sometimes 2-3 x a day. Occasionally it's diarrhea (aren't u sorry u asked now?!) especially when I've eaten the wrong things (like ice cream). Haven't had a stool softener since a week out. Good luck to u! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DeniseM 238 Posted September 3, 2013 Several times a week, not every day. I tried Colace once right after surgery and it gave me such bad cramps that I will never take that again! My doctor told me that as long as I was not having abdominal pain or bloating from being constipated that I should just let my body do its own thing, and that is what I have done. She said not to expect to go every day because of the low volume of food that I am eating now. I never go more than three days without a BM, so I never feel uncomfortable, and I do not take any laxatives or anything. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
eboychik 13 Posted September 4, 2013 Three weeks post surgery, and I finally went yesterday for the first time. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
nsantoro126 2 Posted September 4, 2013 Three weeks post surgery' date=' and I finally went yesterday for the first time.[/quote'] Wow! Okay so the general consensus is that not going everyday seems to be a pattern for a lot of us. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jensjoy28 351 Posted September 4, 2013 I remember Dr. Oz saying on an Oprah episode years ago that anything from 3x weekly to 3x a day is considered to be within a "normal range"...while that still seems like a generous range for normal, when you realize that is for the "non-sleeved" population, not going every day is not just "ok" for us, it is common within the larger population. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
zenandnow 514 Posted September 4, 2013 I never went every day Pre-op; more like every couple or three days (which my hubby thought was really weird, he's like freakin' clockwork). Since the surgery (I'm almost 4 months out) I'm all over the map in frequency, and it's either waaaay loose or I'm bound up! Can't win for tryin'. Some of the other posters have recommended a product called AloeLax; also kiwi fruit, warm tea & lemon, and the stuff already mentioned in this thread. I think it's basically trial & error to find what works for you. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites