Potty Problems

This really falls into the category of "too much information".  I was out of town for a death in the family and then Christmas.    Although my eating habits were pretty good, I had the worst case of compacted poo EVER on Monday.  I wasn't constipated - everything was just too "hard" to come out.  I ended up using 4 fleet suppositories and 2 enemas within 3 hours, but I darned near passed out pushing poo out.  It was miserable and extremely painful!  Does anyone have advice what to do if this should ever happen again? PS - Remind me NEVER to eat so much cheese in one day again :)

I'm afraid I don't have any advice for you, but I will be watching to see what is posted as this is a problem for me too.  I go so long in between that I almost fantasize about having a regular bm!!

LOL - poo fantasies - that's funny....but all too true :)

Make sure you're getting enough liquids in. Some people have had luck with using Miralax or Colace which are now over the counter, but check with your doctor.

This seems to work well for lots of folks.   Bonnie

Ohhhhhh...that looks interesting.  Where would I find it?

Welcome to my world.  This seems to be quite common after WLS.  I have to take 3 stool softeners with stimulant laxative every 2 days or so.  The stool softener without the laxative didn't work at all. Drink as much water as you can as well.  Also, didn't matter when I stopped eating cheese either, so started eating it again. Exercising might help, but it's got to be moving and bending and standing stuff, seems to get the intestines moving more. Good luck and I'm not sure we can ever have TMI as most have been there and that's what the board is for to help when we can.

I do drink tons of water - but come to think of it, I didn't get as much exercise as I normally do.  I bet that played a role.  Thanks :)

Hi - I'm nearly 5 years post-op and deal with poop problems all the time.  I too wasn't constipated really, just couldn't get it out and plugged the toilet all the time when I did.  The thing that has saved me is Miralax.  I mix it up in Crystal Light every day and it is tasteless and isn't thick or icky.  I can now "go" like normal.  I asked a gastro Dr. about using it every day and she said it doesn't go into the bloodstream, it just brings more fluid to the colon so it's safe to use every day.  You can ask your Dr as well - but it has been a "miracle" for me. Adding fiber and liquids will help too - I've also used softeners like Colace, but the most effective pooper helper has been Miralax. Good Luck and welcome to the "club."  Wish we didn't have so many members!

hehe - pooper helper :)  So many people mention Miralax, I guess I should try it.  Thanks!