Constipation

Has anyone suffered from major constipation being on their new post-op diet??  I am 4 months out now and have lost 72 pounds but am suffering horrible constipation. I have also been having blood in my stools. I am taking OTC gentle stool softener but that doesn't really seem to be helping, and information that I have read suggest that you shouldn't use it too often because your body might become dependent on it.  My back is also killing me from this.  My diet isn't really containing much fiber since I'm mostly focusing on getting my protein in.  Any suggestions??? Thanks, Holly

Holly,

When constipation was my issue, what I found that worked best for me was Smooth Move tea. I would drink a cup of it at night and the next morning would be back to 'norm'. I usually had my cup of special hot tea about once every 2-3 nights. I had tried the colace, correctol, etc and the tea worked better than anything else. I think I got mine at Meijer.  Naturally, with the bleeding especially, contact your pcp's office if things don't improve.             Sherri

Holly, I suffer from the same problem.  When I was at your stage (I'm 8 months out now) I was using Gerber Apple Prune juice.  It comes in 4 oz bottles.  I would drink one as soon as I woke up and would have a bm by the end of the day.  Never went more than two days without a bm.  Unfortunately, my urine started smelling like pure fruit juice.  My surgeon told me to stop the juice.  He actually started me on it too.  He then told me to use ground flax seed.  I found some at Meijer in an oatmeal mix.  It didn't work as good as the juice but it did help.  It got to the point where I was only having a bm once a week if I was lucky.  It was very painful and I bled a lot.  I even had to go "have it removed" at one time.  Believe me, you don't want that to happen.  What I've found to be the best for me is to take 3 stool softeners at bedtime.  I use the Wal-Mart brand for Collace.  It works wonders!  I have a bm every day.  I take three every single night and don't care if I have to for the rest of my life.  It has really, really helped.   Of course, talk to your doctor but mention these suggestions as well.   Hope you find something that works for you.  I know how miserable you are.

Blessings,

Jacqui

I am around 8 months out. I've tried everything......miralax, prunes, prune juice, apple juice, mineral oil and the tea....nothing worked for long!  Dr. C finally had to call in a prescription for Amitiza.  I've been on it for 3 days and it does work!  I still take 6 stool softeners every night plus 2 Benefiber chewables.   Hope you get some relief soon! Robin

I suffered (and believe me I know it is suffering) from constipation when I first got home and for some time after that. I tried different things and then I told the doctors PA. She told me use a stool softner ever day (I had to take 2 every morning) that she gave me script for. Then when I told her that it helped a bit but not the greatest she had me stop the chewable vitamins with iron and just use the chewable vitamins without iron. They watch my iron count good and so far nothing is happening to it. It has helped immensely not having the iron in the vitamins. But don't do this with out the say so of the doctor or his PA.

Thanks all!!  As always, I truly appreciate the valuable information! You guys are great!

Holly

I am 2 1/2 years out and have had constipation issues since my surgery. I swear by Miralax. my doctor prescribed it at first and now it's OTC. I use it every other day in my coffee. It dissolves completely and has no taste. It seems to get my body back on track and then I can quit taking it. There is no bloating or emergency trips to the bathroom as it works very gently.

Lorie