Constipation

[Debbieduck4 399]

Okay let me start by saying that NEVER IN MY LIFE would I think I would post a thread titled Constipation! haha... How far the mighty have fallen! But seriously, since surgery I have been really struggling with this... I think it's the high Protein and lack of fresh fruits and vegetables. (I'm still on soft foods) I even resorted to ExLax one day which was awful because of the cramping. Does anyone have tips to get the plumbing going properly again?

[Kindle 8,667]

Fiber is what worked for me. And it has to be INSOLUBLE Fiber, not the soluble fiber found in the "usual" fiber supplements like benefiber and all those fiber chews and gummies. Soluble fiber will actually slow down your GI tract, often making Constipation worse. Prior to discovering the wonders of insoluble fiber, I was taking Benefiber and Metamucil everyday. I would still have to take Milk of Magnesia every 2-3 days just to produce a BM. (And it was hard, compact and painful). Once I started adding insoluble fiber to my Protein smoothie everyday, I began producing a nice firm, yet pliable and easily passable poo every morning (occasionally every other day).

Other people have good luck with prunes, prune juice, Miralax and Smooth Move tea. Regardless, whatever you try, give it a good week or two before you declare it a success or not. These more natural remedies may not produce instant results like some laxatives, etc.

Edited December 28, 2014 by Kindle

[Chele H 427]

Miralax is non habit forming and works very well. At the beginning I would use it about 3 times a week. Now that I am eating a full variety of foods I only need it on a rare occasion.

[4Anna 7]

I also have issues with this and was very concerned because I used to have to have an iced skinny latte every day in order to go and we can't have caffeine. My surgeon said that I can take any stool softener or helper - such as Miralax, Senakot, Colace, etc. But I have tried those before and they didn't work. One of the guys in my monthly hospital group support session said that the narcotics can cause Constipation. So I took as little as I could and haven't taken then for a week now (I'm 13 days post-op). What I have found to work is milk with Protein in the morning - or applesauce. I also think there is something to the "apple a day" saying! And of course Water & walking like any doc will tell you. I have tried the Smooth Move tea. I didn't really notice anything but like a good cup of tea anytime. Good luck!

[Midtown girl 44]

I use Smooth Move tea. Works like a charm.

[WL WARRIOR 692]

Is Miralax approved for post op patients? I read that it expands in your stomach. I am having difficulty contacting my bariatrician and my GP wasn't sure.

[katmaar 22]

Milk of magnesia!

[Goodlife1206 9]

Sorry about the TMI nature of this post, but I am away from home and don't know what to do next. I am 7 weeks out and starting to eat a regular diet. I have not had a BM for over a week. I have been taking a capful of Miralax each morning for 4 days, and last night took two suppositories and two Ducolax. Nothing! When I was on liquids and puréed foods I would have a small, but soft BM every couple days. I was trying to decide whether to take some milk of magnesia or do an enema. Any ideas?

[Kindle 8,667]

Is Miralax approved for post op patients? I read that it expands in your stomach. I am having difficulty contacting my bariatrician and my GP wasn't sure.

Miralax is an osmotic laxative, which means it works by drawing Water into the intestines. Yes, this can be interpreted as possibly "expanding" in your stomach, but with our tiny sleeves, liquid runs right through (thus the no eating/drinking at the same time). So as long as you drink plenty of water, or juice or whatever, when you take it, all of the action is going to take place in your intestines, not your stomach. Milk of Magnesia works by the same mode of action, in addition to neutralizing stomach acid. I take insoluble fiber everyday and it expands WAY more than miralax and I have never had any problems.

Edited December 28, 2014 by Kindle

[SuperDave 1,115]

Milk of magnesia!

+1 on MoM! It works like a charm! I have learned to take a half dose, otherwise it works too well!

[Shells_Almost_There 357]

I used Milk of Magnesia, but it took many doses to get things moving. It was horrible. Even now, 15 months later, I am prone to Constipation. So annoying!

[katcycler 95]

Milk of magnesia . I take it everyday cherry flavor and I only use half the lowest dosage cause if I take the full dose, It is too much.

[Elode 8,093]

I can not believe I'm recommending this since I was initially freaked out by it but the Smooth Move tea is a winner! I drink it and I've never been constipated! I may be becoming at little addicted to it though

[CheleLynn45 615]

I had no problems after surgery, took four days and things starting moving again. Then around the month mark OMG I don't know what happened but things stopped.

I had a horrible three days, but when I called my docs office they said I could use Miralax. I put a capful in my tea every night and I have had no problems since. I probably don't need it every night but I still put it in there every night. I am so scared of that happening again. It was awful.

I go back to my docs this Tuesday and will see what they say to do then.

I hope you find something that works for you!!

[Jersrose43 837]

I do two Fiber gummies a day has helped. I go pretty regularly. Evry other day or so

I use milk of magnesia if it goes more than 3 days. I just don't feel good mode than 3 days without going

My parents use Smooth Move tea every day and it works for them.

My mom also made me a baked apple last month that sent me running to the potty in couple hours That was her goal