Constipation - Hard Stools - HELP!!

Hi, Not a great subject, I know but I've had trouble with the above about 3 times since my surgery on 8/13. I talked to the dietician today and she suggested eating prunes or trying stool softner/laxative stuff at least until I can eat more fruits, veggies and fiber.....currently, I just eat mostly protein. Has anyone else had this problem and did you find anything that helped?

I have had problems off and on since surgery - some people like baby food prunes better than regular ones. I don't know, I am scared of the sugar in both because I dump. I've added a sugar free fiber tablet twice a day. If you add supplemental fiber, go slow because it gives you gas. I've had less problems when I eat more fruit and veggies, and also when I drink lots and lots of water. Just another reason to water load. I also added some flax seeds to foods because of the fiber and omega-3s. The daily recommended amount of fiber is 25g for women, but if I get at least 10g/day it really helps. At this point 25 is virtually impossible. Gentle laxatives are ok now and again but don't use them regularly because it will make your bowels move even slower without them! Milk of magnesia is what I was told to use if it was really bad. I am thinking about using it once a week just as a preventative because constipation HURTS! There are numerous cereals that are high in fiber (and Kashi go lean is high in fiber and protein) - maybe that would help? Or oatmeal! Best of luck, Jenn

Thanks Jenn for your advise.....I did purchase a sugar free fiber supplement tonight and I think I'll try that. I bought some prunes and I did notice the high sugar content so I'm a little afraid to try those as well. I haven't dumped yet and really want to avoid it. I'm glad to know that I'm not the only one who's experience this and I'm hoping that adding this fiber will help.

Hi Julie! I had the same problem for about the first two weeks of eating soft foods. I got Milk of Magnesia and it worked within an hour. I've never had to use it again. One thing my surgeon and nutritionist told me was to make sure you're getting enough fluids. If you're not eating anything but protein, you're most likely going to be experiencing constipation. Water, water, water. It helps immensely. I hope this helps . God bless you! Brenda

Thanks Brenda.....I'll make sure and drink all that I can.

Two weeks ago I had a problem that I would classify as major! Resulted in going up there after some blocked items actually. I tried the Colace stool softeners, Milk of Magnesia....nothing. What finally worked is this. WHen I take my Calcium tablets at night, I take 500 MG of Magnesium (2 small tablets) along with it. See this article here: http://ezinearticles.com/?Using-Calcium-and-Magnesium-for-Constipation&id=40719 I am regular as clockwork at 7 AM. My NUT told me this week to increase fiber. I am eating Kashi Go Lean Crunch now as a mid morning snack. The PA at my surgeon's office said to take a 4 tsp dose of MOM if it happens again.

I have been having the same problems... Doc said to eat more fruit if I can and told me to start drinking a gallon of watter a day he also put me on 2 Colace a day. I have not been in pain or anything but I have been constipated (spelling) for almost 4 days then again for 2 and counting LOL... I think the reason I am having trouble now because I amtaking some more pain meds.

My doctor said to use Benefiber no taste and it works really good. Just add it in your water or food .. Give it a try...