More of the same!!

First let me say, I am so glad to have found this forum!! I didn't even know it existed, I haven't read through all of the posts, of course, but in just glancing through I see that so many of us are having the same tummy problems. At least I think so!! Here is mine! I think it's constipation. I only go about every other day and I think it get pushed up to my pouch (sorry for being semi graphic here!!). I am taking stool softeners now. But oh my gosh, the pain in my tummy is bad. I don't feel like I'm going to throw up, just a real bad pain. Any suggestions?? donna

Donna... No idea but let me knwo what you find out. I poop once a week, litteraly. So far it's caused me no pain but Im concerned non the less. Thanks! Erin 276/240/160

Hi Erin, from what I've heard, if once a week was your pattern before surgery you're fine. Especially if you have no pain. The tummy pain is a killer!! donna

Donna; Welcome, glad you are here! Yes, I think a lot of us have some of the same issues. It is good to talk with others who had surgery around the same time. As far as your pain, this doesn't sound like constipation to me, but I am not an MD. I just don't think it is possible to have it back up like that. (Graphic is fine, that is what these forums are about, getting answers!) I have changed from 1x/day to 1x-2x/week now in that department. We are not getting alot of calories! What foods are you eating? I personally am having trouble with most everything this week.. I suggest talking to your doc, see what s/he says... Denise 253/s232/204/140

Hi Denise, yeah I did talk to my doctor and he recommended stool softeners. He's pretty convinced that it is constipation. I'm not eating much at all. In fact, I am on some days not even getting in two proteins. I feel bad about that cause I know it's important. Oh, and my doctor said to increase my fluids. I'm trying!! I had a couple of bites of beef stew this week! Yikes - bad decision. Never again, at least not for awhile!! donna

It sounds like you might have two issues going on. First is the constipation, and you should take care of that with stool softeners or som MOM...You don't want a bowl obstruction to happen with backed up stool. Secondly, are you sure the pain up to your chest isn't from eating too much and filling your pouch too much? The reason I ask is, I had poached eggs for breakfast this morning and it was too much. It sat there in my chest for two hours! I was too over full and had to wait until it pushed out and down. It didn't come up in the form of vomitting. Thank God. If you're still having the pain over the weekend, I suggest you phone your surgeon and inquire about it. Don't take anything lightly, afterall, you did have major surgery and your plumbing was dissected and put back together! Are you intaking enough fluids? Constipation is caused (for the gastric bypass patient) from not enough fluids in the system. I've found that I HAVE to get in at LEAST 65 ounces a day to stay hydrated and feel good and not weak. My surgeon told me that fluid intake is essential in not getting constipated, which is a big issue for WLS patients and you have to tackle it quickly. Try upping your fluids and see how that goes. Hope you're feeling up to par soon. paula

I keep getting impacted myself, every 3-4 days. I have to extract the, err, material myself. Gross, but I have no choice. MOM makes me dump! I have an appt with my surgeon next week and I am going to ask for stool softners.

Hi Paula, What is MOM and where could I get some if I need it. I try to keep away from laxatives. But If i get like I did the last time. It was quite painful. Thanks Barb Do you know of any kind of laxitive supository.. Like they use to have for babies. I spelled that wrong. I had noone here to help me with my spelling... Thanks Barb

Milk of Magnesia

LOL Thank you I had no ideal