Embarrassing question???

Have any of you had issues with constipation so far? I seem to do good for a few days then it will be over a week and I end up taking stool softeners...which really don't work. Any other suggestions? Julie 268/265/203/130

Yep, it's an issue. I use Benefiber tablets every time I get a little backed up. It works well. I found if I take it before I "really" need it - it works better.

No need to be embarrassed. I think it's ok to ask anything here. It's a common problem. Alot of people take stool softeners regularly. I've been pretty lucky so no first hand knowledge. I bet there will be some good nuggets of info on this topic in the library from people who have been there and done that. Here's a link. http://www.obesityhelp.com/morbidobesity/showtopicquestions.phtml?Topic=Post-Op+Miscellaneous+Health+Issues I hope you find a solution that works for you. It's miserable to be constipated. Cheryl

Been there, done that. I have found that increasing water helps. I sip on water all day long and try to add some fruit at least once a day. Carolyn

dear julie i found that prune juice works for me, i have been lucky have not had to use it that often but do take 4oz if needed at night.(it tastes gross to me) but works like a charm. good luck

I have the same problem since about 8 wks out...Decaf coffee works for me...once I have my morning coffee, I'm good to go It doesn't really "soften" it up, just facilitates the process. Good luck, Michelle

Hi Julie, No such thing as an embarassing question on this site... I was having a terrible time with the constipation... and it has all seemed to ease up since I started eating salads. I'm having a hard time getting in most foods, but I am doing really good with a good green salad... and since then, I've been cleaning out just fine... sometimes even 2 times a day!!! Good luck!! Aloha Loree -69

Thank you all for the great suggestions. I have tried most of them except for the prune juice & the coffee.....I may try that some time. I have tried salad.....it doesn't seem to work for me. It seems like I will just have to experiment with different things to see what my trigger is. Thanks again... JUlie

Don't feel bad Julie, I have been suffering from this since day one. I have gone as long as 2 weeks, and my PCP doctor said that is way too long. Right now I'm almost at a week again, and he has given me every prescription under the sun, nothing works. He last gave me Zelnorm, it worked for ONE day. It's just gives me the "rumbling" noise all night long! My dr is referring me to a Gastro doctor for a upper GI. Good luck to you. Maybe you should keep on your doctor for help. It's not good to go too long without a stool. Hettie