Suggestions for Fiber sources for a woman:

This is something I had been debating about posting but after a few days feeling like I need some answers from other WLS post op patients on this matter I decided to go for it. I would like to ask YOUR sources for fiber in your diet after WLS, and how you become more regular "you know" in the bathroom sense. Sounds silly but I'm having some minor problems and wondered what you take, or eat. I am just past 6 months post op, and vegetables are hard for me to digest still, lettuce is terrible on my stoma, and and greens have to be mush for me to eat it and it go well. I rarely eat toast but I have english muffins and got wheat, but I eat 1/3 of an english muffin. Other thoughts??? Thank you

That early out I took Benefiber. I still take a fiber supplement (pills now), because no matter how many fruits and vegtables I eat I still don't get enough fiber to keep things moving the way it should. Good Luck! Mary

Hey Stacey, I used flax seed and drinking a gallon of water per day (per my surgeon). I have a whole bunch of flax seed, if you would like to try some. I put it into a pepper mill and ground it up and put it in yogurt and other foods. It actually added a little crunch that I enjoyed and the taste is not strong. The fiber of the shell is good for constipation and it has omega 3 fatty acids inside the seed that help with nutrition and also softens the stool. To get the maximum benefit of both, it is suggested to grind the seeds (hence the pepper mill). Just let me know, I am replying to your email right now too, Dorothy

My surgeon suggested either metamucil or citrucel... I bought the citrucel but haven't tried it yet. They told me to use it if needed, but to not rely on it on a daily basis. Don't mean to be gross or anything, but how often are we supposed to "go"? I used to be regular every 2-3 days... since surgery it's more like once a week. I'm only 6 weeks out, so will that change? The flax seed sounds like a good idea... may have to give that a try too. Good luck in your quest for fiber!

I eat a grapefruit every day. Carol

Thanks for all the great ideas! I wish I could do the grapefruit but because of one med I am on for life I cannot eat or drink grapefruit juice. Which I honestly don't miss because I really never liked it. I miss fruit...I have a hard time with it right now. I'm going to try some beneful and maybe consider finding this granola I had once that had FLAX seed in it- it may contain to much sugar tho. So I'll have to look online. Thank you all!

At Meijers I found Sugar Free Orange Flavored fiber chewables. They actually taste good and have inulin, a vegetable fiber that is supposed to increase your calcium uptake for some reason. If I'm good about taking one with each meal, I stay fuller longer and no issues with constipation. If I don't, I have issues. To be expected given all the protein and the lack of carbs at this stage of recovery. Good luck! Best, Michele