bowel regiment

[tanqueray 16]

Hi all,

I was banded last Thursday, 9/3. My surgeon instructs all patients to follow a bowl regiment the day before surgery so all day I went to the bathroom. Problem now is that I haven't had a bowel movement since last Wednesday. How long is normal? My visiting nurse wants me to take a stool softener but I am hesistant to do so. I would like to know other people's experiences in this matter please.

[itsalmosttime 0]

I went a week having just liquid in liquid out, I still an not regular. I am taking clear Fiber stuff you can put in Water. This might be too much infor but a stool softener really helps your body has changed and it makes it easier to go to the bathroom and it doesnt hurt so much.

[DianaG 0]

I too am searching for the right combination of prune juice, fiber Cereal, fiber dissolved in Water, etc. Went 7 days without a BM. Tried Milk of Magnesia......didn't work. Finally on the 8th day I gave in and took a different laxative...don't want to have to do that on a regular basis..thus the search for the right combo!!

Good luck to you! I think it must be an individual problem and solution.

[RestlessMonkey 7]

Take the softener. You should have gone by now. If you wait, you don't want the alternative if you can't go naturally, trust me on this!

[k-baby 0]

I was worried about taking fibre supplements soon after my op - thought it might get stuck - but it was fine and gave relief. Now I take an Asian "Slimming Tea" from my Asian grocery store - one cup after dinner each night and it keeps me regular - no yucky fibre just one cup of tea - works wonders.

[SoAnnaBanana 1]

I was banded on 9/2 and I have also had bowel issues. I called the nurse yesterday because I still hadn't gone. I had starting taking Miralax the day before and she said that is good and that I should try prune juice and Fiber. I have since had a bowel movement but think I will have to continue with the MiraLax. I am sure once I am on to better foods (not full liquids) it will be less of a problem.

[tmbowe 1]

I was having problems as well and Started Eating the Activa Yogurt. This has really helped not only am I getting my Fiber but I am also getting my Calcium as well. Plus it is easy to get down.

[justmel1957 1]

I've had to use Mira-Lax since surgery (1 1/2 yrs ago)......that's just how it is for me...... :blushing:

But.....there is no cramping, urgency, etc with this product. All of my MD's approve of its use.

[LollyMoe 1]

My neighbor uses the Atkins Advantage shake. It has 15gm Protein, and 5gm of fiber. She gets her protein and her fiber all in one shake. However, I didn't like the taste.

[RestlessMonkey 7]

My neighbor uses the Atkins Advantage shake. It has 15gm Protein, and 5gm of fiber. She gets her Protein and her fiber all in one shake. However, I didn't like the taste.

Adult females should get about 28g of fiber daily. That's the problem with supplements; you need to take a LOT for it to be helpful. (men need more)

I do like the Mission low carb flower tortillas (8 or 9 gm fiber in each, I think) and also Fiber One Cereal, if you eat cereal, is a good source. My nutrition prof suggested, if you just hated it, to mix it w/a cereal you like.

Of course, this is all way post op when we are losing and/or maintaining loss. During the pre= and post-op phases, check with your surgeon, don't self-medicate.

[aimeenichole 0]

I went a week before my first BM after surgery and I was freaking out. I would not use a stool softener yet if your still on the liquid diet it slows everything down.

[RebeccaJ 0]

I did not go for at least three days after my surgery, so my instructions from the doctor advised taking a dose of Milk of Magnesia. I took one teaspoonfull and had results in about six or seven hours with no pain. Since then I go about every two or three days, but not much. Only liquids does not generate much!:blushing:

[jollygreen1955 0]

Our nutritionist tells everyone to take Vitamin E pills. I did not take it till I REALLY HAD A PROBLEM..so now I take one every other day if not everyday. :blushing: It is the oil in the Vitamin E.

If you go to TRaders Joe and buy there aphadafelix (spelling) pills..that works on an empty stomach.

[kimk 0]

I had surgery 8/26 and have had only had about 4 bowel movements since the surgery. My doctor said to take Metamucil, but drinking that makes me want to vomit. I need to look for something else, or just choke it down.

[aimeenichole 0]

I found these drinks from all bran Cereal brand that are iced tea flavored and you put them in your Water like crystal lite. They only have 20 cal. and they have 10g of fiber! (metamucil and benafiber only have 3gms fiber). The taste is pretty good too. Also there is crystal lite live active that has 3 g of Fiber and 100% Vitamin C. Hope this helps!

Edited September 10, 2009 by aimeenichole