Question For Those Who Are Post-OP!

HI: I have been post-op now for 1month and approx. 17days. I am having the hardest time w/my "bodily" function...#2...lol I am still on liquids but I have tried to eat really soft things like brown rice, or tuna, a small piece of chicken etc. But mainly still broth and soups. I feel like I have to go, but it will not come out! My doctor's office suggested I take Phillips MOM, which helps, but I've never had this problem BEFORE surgery. Is anyone else experiencing this problem or have? I know everyone is different, but normally how long does it last. I do not like the idea of having to take something to help me go, and when I go it's not like I should have had a problem (if you follow me)... Hope

Thanks I for the advice. I go back onthe 28 of Feb. hopefully my doc. will have something better for me to take than the phillips.

When I started having this problem, my doc suggested introducing some fiber into my diet. He gave me the choice of steel-cut oats, or Metamucil. I tried adding Metamucil to my food but it made everything clumpy, so I decided to get my fiber thru food. It's amazing that 3-5 grams of fiber keeps things moving nicely. Many posters have also suggested using ground flaxseed. Many put it in their oatmeal or in their protein shakes. I haven't tried this yet, but it's supposedly yummy and doesn't affect food texture too much. My advice: suffer through the laxative first, then introduce the fiber. Otherwise any fiber you add while you're constipated will make matters worse. Also, make sure you're getting all your water in. Good luck, Sweetie. It's gonna get better for us!

Eat some refried beans! lots of fiber! Also eat a fruit cup, No sugar added every day..I have not yet had a problem goooinggg....I'm 6weeks post op.

Good lord I hear where you are coming from I am 8 weeks and a few days post op and if I di not use my Dulcolax supository (Sp?) I think I would go mad I use one about t times a week and its like heaven when its all said and done... you may need to make sure you are getting your water intake up there if you don't it could cause this prob as well but the Dulcolax is amazing...... (((HUGS))) Dori 286.5/239.0 -47.5lbs.. WooHoo

I live on the Choc chew MOM too. (Yummy!)I would be slitting my wrists without it. I tried adding fiber with no change. Anyone else notice a color change in their poop? Mine looks much more yellow than brown. I can't believe we are discussing this, but I guess if Opraqh can do a show on it we can discuss it. LOL!

Mine is lighter also.....ughhhhh.....I said it was all the milk and cheese I am eating and drinking now

Yes...lol mine is always dark green like the iron pills

Hi, My nut reminded me that fat lubricates the large intestine and if you are FF then things are not going to move. With that I am supposed to keep fats in my diet - a little bit of butter, some olive oil, avocados. Nothing major but enough every few days to keep things moving. I also eat a lot of beans (baja fresh has black beans with no lard, a side is $1.30 and it lasts 2 meals) and that also helps. And since we're way into TMI, I will add that mine smells HORRIBLE no matter what I eat, like something died. The surgeon says the change in color is due to different absorption patterns. HTH, Tiffany

Hi Hope...(oh that is funny) Anyway, I am having the same problem...I am 2 months out and I have been taking Mineral Oil. It has helped some but I am willing to try these other suggestions. I never had a problem before surgery...usually leaned toward the other way. I am hoping to get this problem solved....it is driving me crazy...glad to see it is not just me. I am so full of it anyway, don't need this. Hehe. Hugs, Betsy 12-16-05