9 days post surgery - Ended up in ER today!

[attitudz 0]

I was banded on 11/19 and after a few days of pure hell I have been feeling great. Moved on to mushies and maybe a few things that weren't and still everything was aok! However, I started having pains on my left side below the ribs yesterday that has progressed into unbearable pains today. A call to my surgeon on a Saturday morning and I will say I was impressed by the less than 5 minutes it took for him to call back. (YEAH for Dr. Kirshenbaum in Denver!!!) He recommend me seeing a doctor in my area (Wisconsin) if not better by morning....long story short, my reg MD was on call so I went in. Turns out I am constipated!!! How? I have barely eaten a thing! And I have gone a little #2 each day so I have to say it was not what was expected!!! SO the point is ....... ANY ADVICE ON RESOLVING THIS??????? AND IS IT COMMON? I'm afraid to eat now!!!! The doctor gave me a light laxative but it's been over 8 hours and still nothing! The pain is so bad I'm thinking about vicoden but that's what caused it in the first place!!!!!

[btrieger 21]

Fiber, Fiber, fiber & Dulcolax stool softeners.

I always thought Constipation was a funny thing when it was talked about until it happened to me. One of my medications does it to me and I have been able to keep it under control with the help of extra fiber Cereal and breads and Dulcolax stool softeners.

You could also try Metamucil. I've heard that it taste much better than it used to.

Beware though, my doctor warned me that I should only take laxatives if needed because my body can build up a tolerance and require them if I overdue it.

Stool softeners are ok every day though.

If you are going to take my advice, please run it by your doctor. I am the furthest thing from a doctor. :Yawn:

[michelleintheoc 0]

I had 2 breast surgeries this summer and the Dr. warned me about the anesthesia making me constipated. And yes, he was right! Colace capsules work right away. Just try to drink a lot of Water with them. If that is possible. I don't know because I'm having my band surgery on 12/9/09.

Good luck!!!

[TracyNYC 4]

I take 2 sennocot every day or else I can't go at all. Doc want s me to use Miralax if it is really bad, but the pharmacist said it is VERY strong. As a teacher, I can't leave the classroom at will, so I need a gentle laxative. One week it was really bad and I used the Miralax on Friday night. It sure was strong and did the trick.

[mominkansas 2]

I add benifiber to my Water daily. I love the citrus flavor and it gives me something to look forward to something other than plain old water!

[kband 0]

I am on day 5 and I took one ducolax last night. It worked in the middle of the night, but at least I went, right! I am planning on seeing how things go today and if needed taking it again tomorrow night. The ducolax was way more gentle than the colace I have tried in the past. Good luck!

[LollyMoe 1]

First of all I am sorry that you are having problems. Constipation is very painful at times. You probably weren't as clean out as you thought prior to surgery. Sometimes that happens.

Second: it's really important to drink your fluids..water is best. Eat FIBER ONE Cereal with milk or mix it with yogurt. I also eat a peeled apple every aftenoon. Take 1-2 Ducolax pills each night. Walking is also good to help the system adjust.

Third: I don't like Miralax as I think it's too harsh. Metamucil is too thick. I've never use Benefiber but lots of people say it's wonderful. Watch for things that are somewhat constipating naturally..e.g. bananas, cheese.

Fourth: About every 5-6 days, I will take MOM to get a complete cleaning out. I feel that the sigmoidcolon is what is being emptied and not the main colon and I want a complete "poop" removement. After, I do this & everything is empited, I eat Active yogurt to replace the flora in the colon that may have been lost. All of this done with my surgeon's approval.

Edited November 29, 2009 by LollyMoe

[ElfiePoo 109]

I've tried Miralax and others and the only one thing that works for me is to take 2 Dulcolax. Like clockwork, 12 hours later and I have results...without cramping, gas or some of the other side effects I've had with some of these other products.

Most important...drink your Water. It helps your intestines keep things moving along. I found that (not drinking enough) was my problem. Unfortunately, some days, it still is. I realized at the end of yesterday that I'd only had about 4 cups of Water along with 1 cup of sugar free International coffee.

.

[Lupe 0]

This happens to everyone, part of what causes it ... the drugs we get in the hospital and the lack of fiber in your diet. I take Colace and Benefiber. You have to try different laxatives and find the one that works for you, just remember the pill has to be small. Also you should ask your doctor for a recommendation.

[attitudz 0]

Thanks everyone for the advice! The doctor prescibed Miralax and after a full day I still haven't had any results, I have been trying very hard to get my fluids in and walk today. The pain is less so something must be moving! I am definately going to follow alot of this advice and NOT end up in this situation again!

[LindaInWa 0]

I was very constipated after surgery. My Dr suggested MOM. Two doses and it finally blasted it out. I thought I was giving birth!! LOL Relief. I find I dont go but maybe every 2 days now and not enough. I dont hurt but I feel uncomfy. I am going to try to add Fiber in some form. Water and walking helps. Also I know watching what I am eating I wasnt taking in much in the way of fat. I changed that this week. Added some mayo to some foods. That seemed to help a lot.

Linda