My least favorite subject...BM's

I am nearly a month out from surgery.  Can anyone tell me how long is TOO long to go without a BM? 

The fact that you are asking tells me it's been too long.  I personally won't go more than 2 days without taking serious action.  The longer you wait...the more trouble you get into.

I don't get into too much trouble anymore because I take Miralax (or the generic) daily.  It's a miracle to me...I swear by it.

I take a daily stool softener to help my process be regular... I had to experiment with the time I took it when I first started to what "schedule" I wanted to go.. ha ha...
 

I find that I am going about once a week.  I am taking iron as well as a stool softener.

We had our surgery the same day, how often are you going?

Iron can constipate you so it's good you are taking a softener!!

I may not be the best person to ask on this subject since I recently found out I was all constipated/impacted, but I can let you know how things have been working (or not working) for me.  Ever since surgery I've pretty much been constipated.  I go at least a week without going (or more sometimes).  But, also before surgery I was one of those people that would only go once or twice a week.  Right now I take a twice daily stool softener, which isn't helping.  I have a new course of action to take daily (Miralax, plus the stool softeners, plus some prunes, plus lots of fluids) to see if that helps.  I was given this course of action from my weight loss surgery clinic, so I would definitely talk with them if you don't think you're going often enough so they can advise you on what you should do to get going again.

Well, here goes...your daily dose of "TMI."

Last Tuesday the 23rd, I took Miralax, since I heard that it does NOT cause cramping, etc.   Well, about 30 minutes after I took it, I became very ill...cramps so bad that I started throwing up in the bathroom trash can.  After an incredible amount of pain, I did "go" several times that evening.  BUT...it's been since then...2/23.  And I am terrified to take Miralax now!  I guess it's time to call the clinic?

Thanks for your replies!!!

Did you call in & get any advice?  We have the same surgeon, so you probably got the same sheet of information that I got regarding the course of action to take to help you not be constipated (if you went in).  Melissa (at Fairview) also recommended for me to use Milk of Magnesia & a suppository to get things going for the 1st couple of days, before adding in the Miralax, prunes, stool softeners, and extra fluids to help keep me regular.  I find the suppository  helps a lot to 'soften things up on the bottom side' incase you may be really impacted/constipated (TMI, I know, LoL!).  But, definitely talk with them (if you haven't already) and see what course of action they suggest.

Hope you get things going soon!!!

I have been taking 1Tablespoon of Milk of Magnesia when I'm feeling a little uncomfortable and that really works for me.

I did call the clinic and spoke to one of the P.A.'s.  The first thing she suggested was a laxitave suppository.  It freaked me out, I am not gonna lie, but it worked beautifully.  The P.A. said that it was a good option to try because it wouldn't be going through the stomach & intestines so it wouldn't cause the pain like theMiralax did. 

WHEW!!

THANK YOU for all the feedback!!!!!!!!

Leah