Question For Those Who Are Post-OP!

I'm having all of the same problems listed above. I now carry a can of air freshner with me to the bathroom at work. I could've set a clock on my BMs prior to surgery. Now, I'm lucky if I get one every couple days. Which is interesting considering I'm consuming almost a 1/2 gallon of fat-free milk. I eat the refried bean and bagels...all rumble but no action. I bought some chewable fiber pills and took two a day over the weekend. What a mistake...I feel like I have a blockage in my lower stomach. I could use a little regularity. Chauncine

Hi Hope! I'm sorry about your troubles. This is probably strange, but I have IBS and before surgery I had constant Diarrhea. Since surgery I've gone to normal. I am so glad for it! Maybe we change from what is "normal" for each of us and we have to adjust somehow. I hope things "clear up" for you soon. Best Wishes! Carol

My oh my! Sista you rang a bell for me!!! I have the same problems that you guys are talking about. I'm have a lot more gas and no movement and the smell!!! My son has chronic constipation (encopresis) and his doctor has had him on Benefiber for a few years. It seems to work great for him. He puts it in his juice and shakes and can't tell it's there. I bet we could put some in our protein shakes and get the same benefit. Just a thought! It's so funny...when you first have kids you talk about their poops and stuff and now we are talking about ours. Hope everyone has a great valentines!! Paiger 248/206/???

Dear Hope, I am so sorry you are having these problems. For a couple years I have taken fiber pills, because as I got older I needed them. About a week after surgery, I had a somewhat hard BM, so I began taking ground flaxseed right away. I mix it with my yogurt. It adds a slightly nutty taste. Since then, I have had no problems being regular and comfortable. If you go to Dame Tooter's web site, she has very informative and practical information about ground flaxseed. http://www.bariatricbytes.com Good luck! Pat

Sounds like many of us share this problem! I have found sugar-free citrucel to help - I have 2 scoopfuls before I go to bed and it helps a lot. It also has the added benefit of making me feel full without eating any calories...