Constipation keeps returning

[AR40 88]

I'm hoping to get some advice on this persistent issue. I am 7 Wks post op and eat mostly soft Protein and veggies, so why is Constipation still a weekly issue? When I asked my doctor he just said to use Colace but I don't want to live on stool softeners for the rest of my life! I take Metamucil daily but by Fri/sat I am in excruciating pain and need a laxative on top of some Miralax for relief. What are others experiencing? I am really frustrated I have been really faithful with my protein but it's making my problem worse. Help! I would appreciate any advice. Could this be just a temporary adjustment of my body?

[Kooky1 96]

I have dealt with chronic Constipation for the last several years. Can you drink prune juice? Maybe add it to a smoothie as a liquid base?

For me, if I consume too much Protein and not enough Water then I tend to become constipated. Are you getting enough Water? The miralax helps to draw moisture to the stool which will help it pass. Depending on the other laxatives, they may be stimulants that are just triggering your body to go but not necessarily making it easier for the stool to pass.

[lialove 12]

I have struggled with this ever since surgery, as well. I have just made stool softeners a part of my pill routine. I take three every night and if I don't go int he morning I take MOM on top of it. I had some horribly excruciating BMs and I swore I would never let myself get to that point again.

[AR40 88]

So how ling have you been taking the stool softeners daily? Isn't it harmful long term?

[slvrsax 301]

I struggled with Constipation for nearly 4 months. I thought it would NEVER clear up. I took MOM once or twice a week during that time. Now all it takes to keep me regular (although not daily like before but regular for me given my caloric intake) is 2 Quest bars a week. They help a lot.

[LivingFree! 478]

Are you able to get in your 64 oz Water in yet at 7 wks? It also may just be as you reach more solid foods in your eating plan you will become more regular again. But there are a lot of people who get their 64 oz in and still have the Constipation problems. But keep talking with your doc until he gives you some relief. Don't suffer.

What I'm going to say about coffee is controversial but, of course, it depends on what your surgeon says especially at your early stages of healing.

Most WLS patients are advised to stay away from ALL coffee for at least a few months post-surgery. Some are advised NEVER to drink it again. I was allowed to drink Decaf after about 6 weeks. I have to tell you--I have never had a constipated day in my 3 years since surgery. Okay so this is a little TMI--Like clockwork, within an hour or two after drinking just one 8 or 12 oz cup of coffee every morning, any worry about having constipation is "eliminated" (if you know what I mean!). Maybe I'm just one of the lucky ones. I never drink any MORE than that because I am cautious about too much acidity in the sleeve, and I always make sure I drink at least 12 oz of Water shortly after I've had my coffee.

So many different things work for different people--just wanted to share my little "secret" that works for me. I hope you find something that gives you relief SOON. Good luck. . .

[AR40 88]

I drink plenty of Water and make sure to get my veggies in but still having issues. I already drink Decaf now and then but it doesn't seem to do much for me. I will try the Quest bars and MOM. Thanks everyone

[Shari Romane 3]

This is the worst...this will lead to lack of weightloss, and pain, bloating...not to mention the frustration....I started eating 1-2 oz of well cooked Beans a 2 times a day...just to help plus taking chewable fibers...daily...

Im at week 4 and I now eat 3 oz of Beans, lentils of some sort daily sometimes 2 to 3 times to keep regular, this is a great Protein source as well as Fiber...eating this fiberous food will keep you full longer as well...

[unbesleevable1 420]

i am still struggling with this 7 months post. You have to keep the fluids up and I also take colace and senna every day. This will sound funny but indian food is really helpful. It's the only complication I've had, so I'm pretty ok with it.