What do you do to stay regular??
Yep when I say regular I mean it that way. I have had major issues with being able to "go" since surgery. The only way I am able to go with any regularity is by taking laxatives but I don't know that I should be taking one each day. I have decided to up the fiber in my diet but I don't know what kind of amts to shoot for. What do you all do in order to avoid the day after day of not "going"?
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on 1/17/09 3:23 am, edited 1/17/09 3:24 am - San Antonio, TX
on 1/17/09 3:23 am, edited 1/17/09 3:24 am - San Antonio, TX
I add a serving a benefiber to at least one drink per day, usually two. I also take a stool softener (4 colace) throughout the day - one each time I take some vitamins. That, and getting at least 20g of fiber from food each day, usually does the trick, but sometimes a hot cup of coffee or tea is needed to get things going. If I don't drink enough, or if I eat especially low fat for a few days I will still be clogged inevitably. Also some kinds of iron bother me more than others. I did well with polysaccharide iron (which many hate for the constipation) but vitron C clogs me up and gives me gas. I am going to try tender iron from vitalady next. Calcium can also be constipating, so make sure your calcium has magnesium added to it as well or consider adding a magnesium pill to your day. (Citracal plus is a good calcium with magnesium and vitamin D in it - I take 4 per day).
Edit - also, between your food and fiber supplements aim for 25-30g fiber per day for regularity, and if you must take a laxative, miralax is safe and no addictive and gentle. I have a bottle but I only use it if things get really bad, which they rarely do anymore.
Edit - also, between your food and fiber supplements aim for 25-30g fiber per day for regularity, and if you must take a laxative, miralax is safe and no addictive and gentle. I have a bottle but I only use it if things get really bad, which they rarely do anymore.
Wow so until I get used to it maintaining regularity is a full time job. I think I am going to ask if it is okay if I take miralax everyday because the laxative I have been taking everyday is working okay. I found that if I don't have regular bowel movements I don't lose a bit of weight. So the lord only knows just how clogged I am getting. lol
I think I will start tracking my fiber intake along with my protein and calories and then add the fiber drink as well. I have some stuff I can't remember the name but it doesn't taste like orange anything.
Thanks for the tips!
I think I will start tracking my fiber intake along with my protein and calories and then add the fiber drink as well. I have some stuff I can't remember the name but it doesn't taste like orange anything.
Thanks for the tips!
Honestly, this is one of the worst side effects of surgery for me. I was NEVER constipated before surgery. I take x4 docusate a day, Benefiber, I drink 100+ oz per day. I take MOM as needed. It has become a part time job. I'm thinking my body liked all the raw veggies I did before surgery (I used to eat a salad for lunch almost every day). Because I despise fat free and low fat salad dressing, I just don't find salads appealing anymore.
Hopefully you will find your personal solution soon.
-Dawn
Hopefully you will find your personal solution soon.
-Dawn
I had the same problem about my 4th week out. I take the benefiber chewables, 3times a day and that has seemed to help, i'm still in stage III which means no salads or raw veggies yet, so i'm hoping once that is over I won't have to do the chewables anymore.
Good Luck!!! oh and the chewables are suger free!!!
Good Luck!!! oh and the chewables are suger free!!!
My regular routine is a dose of Miralax plus three colace (ducosate sodium) gelcaps at bedtime. That's also when I take my iron supplement, which has a tendency to bind things up, so this combination works well for me. I also drink a reasonable amount of water (at least 64 oz. a day), plus I eat a couple servings of fruit and veggies. Finally, I eat one of the Quaker oatmeal packet w/ higher fiber for breakfast most mornings. Exercise also helps, as it helps keep things moving through your system. In terms of fiber, most dieticians recommend 25-30 grams of fiber per day. That can be hard to get when you are a newer post-op, but at 3+ years out, it's not a problem for me.
Good luck finding a routine that works for you!