constipation

Good morning everyone this is the first time i have posted but i usually read all the posts everyday but i see how wonderful everyone is about helping each other and now i need your help,I am 3 weeks post-op and having trouble with constipation can anyone help or give me some advise so that i can get back to being regular?? i sure would appreciate it thanks and have a wonderful day.

Pam, By any chance are you taking an iron pill daily? That can cause constipation. Some others have reduced their intake and it subsided. If that isn't the case, you may want to call your doc and ask for some advice. Amy

i pray to be constipated. I keep lose stools all the time. Good luck to you

girl trust me being @ both ends of the spector - don't pray for constipation...... Drink - some warm water that should help with the constipation.

Call your surgeon for advice, don't wait too long! I waited 10 days and my surgeon's nurse read me the riot act. According to my doc, anything over 5 days is too long. I would normally suggest dried plums if you can handle some sugar, but you're still early out. You might try "Smooth Move" tea. You can find it at Publix in their organic/healthy foods section and/or at health food stores. My doc has also OK'd OTC stool softeners like Colace. Good luck & hope you'll be feeling better soon! Vickie J.

Pamela, As I am preop I don't know what foods you are able to have right now but a lady I know swears by ground flaxseeds. She grinds them fresh each morning and puts them in yogurt, on salad, in smoothies etc. She says that she eats about 3 or 4 tablespoons of them a day and they prevent constipation. She also says they have a nice nutty flavor to them. You might want to check with your doctor to make sure you can have them at this point in your recovery first though. Good Luck! Kat

Hi there-Im 7 weeks post op and have had the constipation problem since 3 weeks post op--my doctor recommends taking 1-2 T of milk of magnesia every other day--Ive been taking it at bedtime every 3-4 days and have gone the next day each time--Im only intaking protein so until my diet allows me to eat more fruits and veggies I am expecting to have this problem for the next several months--I drink 10 8oz glasses of water every day as well as do 45 min on the treadmill and that hasnt helped..good luck and hopefully we will both become regular sooner rather then later! Take Care-lori

Pamela, I call myself the Queen of Constipation! Here's what's helped me...Benefiber (3 chewables 2X a day) and 2 Colace (I get the Target brand, 2 pills, 2X a day.) Good luck! Rhonda

Depends on your type of surgery. Ask your surgeons RN about what is recommended. That is the safe way. For me, well, milk products. I had the classic endo RNY. Stewed prunes cause they are so wet and can't over absorb water from the colon and lodge(ich). Also a small cup of coffee followed by a nice walk. Flax seed oil also helps. dj