Constipation ... ugh!

[LisaLP 19]

Sorry if this is tmi, but it is what it is! I was sleeved 3/31 and am having Constipation issues. Ever since I came home, I'll go 3 or more days without pooping, then I'll have to take a laxative before bed and once I even had to use a suppository. I have metamucil and stool softeners and I'm going to try that daily starting tomorrow. Is this normal? How have you dealt with it? Thanks!

[ziggypbang 272]

This is definitely an issue that has plagued me. I always ate Kashi Go Lean for Breakfast before my sleeve, and never had Constipation. Now I can only have 1/4 serving, which doesn't provide nearly enough Fiber.

I'm sorry you're dealing with it too. I tried Colace (a stool softener) for a month, and Miralax also. Neither did anything. I focused on my Water intake, vegetable intake and exercise, and all are decent now but are insufficient to correct the constipation issues. I have resorted to 2 T. of milk of magnesia every other night. The mint flavored kind tastes ok to me. I drink 16 oz (my last Protein shake of the day) with the MOM. Best wishes!

[sblissp 16]

I was also sleeved 3/31 and have been having this exact issue. It's funny because I had never experienced Constipation before and now I'm more familiar with it than I ever care to be. I think I was over doing it on the Iron, so I cut back on that, then I tried milk of magnesia, as recommended by my bariatric program, but that didn't work, until I did several doses, so I added a daily stool softener and I'm trying to add more Fiber and more exercise. I see my pcp for the first time since surgery in a week. I guess if I'm still having issues, I will see what he thinks. Might have to go back to coffee...

[JessLS99 26]

Iron supplements in the form of ferrous sulfate will cause Constipation. Ferrous fumerate for your iron doesn't cause nearly as much constipation. I had to have CVS special order it for me.

[vsg_joanna 67]

I was sleeved on 4/8 and I had zero constipation- don't know if I just got stupid lucky or if my plan is helping out. Everyday I take two Fiber Well gummies and Metamucil Clear fiber- about a teaspoon every other day. Also, once I got to full liquids I had cream of wheat twice.

Also, I forgot to add- I walk A LOT. I found that it really gets things moving.

Edited April 21, 2014 by vsg_joanna

[Andrew0929 1,101]

At 4.5 months out that continues to be a problem for me even as I've added more fruits and vegetables to my diet. I'm now taking a prescription med and have had limited success. Just made an appointment with a GI doctor.

[leo0704 48]

Take probiotics! I had the same problem and now I go daily!

[Andrew0929 1,101]

Take probiotics! I had the same problem and now I go daily!

Is that a prescription or over-the-counter med?

[leo0704 48]

It is over the counter.

[newbegin 21]

Sorry if this is tmi, but it is what it is! I was sleeved 3/31 and am having Constipation issues. Ever since I came home, I'll go 3 or more days without pooping, then I'll have to take a laxative before bed and once I even had to use a suppository. I have metamucil and stool softeners and I'm going to try that daily starting tomorrow. Is this normal? How have you dealt with it? Thanks!

Have had this issue for a long time. It got worse with my sleeve. I take 500 mg of magnesium a day it it works. I also have one Quest bar instead of a shake. It has plenty of fiber. (But check with your physician before you switch) and I crumble bran flakes into my yogurt. It's a constant battle..good luck!