constipation-- What is okay to take

Okay I take colace stool softeners every day. I eat salad and apples every day. BUT about every three days I have to take lots of exlax and other things to go to the bathroom and it is not pleasant. Bad subject I know but I am in some serious pain here. I am still taking the stool softeners and bought milk of mag today. I just don't know if I can handle taking that nasty stuff. I think we cannot take the metamucil stuff is that right because it expands in the pouch? I need some ideas if you have any. I go weigh in today for the first time at weigh****chers. I joined the wellness center last Tues and go every week day morning and walk, bike, and do weights. Loving it but really sore still. Shins and upper body is really sore today. I seem to be down some so I am thrilled. I sure feel better about things since getting active. Talk to you later. Thanks in advance for responding. Jane

I have started to have some bad problems with constipation lately myself. And I eat plenty of fruit and salads and stuff. I guess mine could be due to lack of water but I am doing better in that department and still having problems with constipation. From what I understand we can take stool softeners daily just not laxatives as those are habit forming. So, I started taking either dulcolax or Phillips gel cap stool softeners every other day. Get the ones with no stimulant or laxative. Simply stool softener only. And that has helped me. I had tried the colace and it did nothing. Good luck Congrats on getting back on track and exercising. Glad it is working. It does feel good to be active and it really feels good to see the scales go in the right direction. I workout 4 to 5 days a week. I love it. Melissa

Never have the "bathroom problem", so no help. I am so proud of the lifestyle change you have decided to make! You will certainly see a change now. Keep it up (and I'll try to do the same - ha). Love ya - DeAnna

A tablespoon of mineral oil may do the trick. But it taste like you are drinking baby oil. Sonya

I have missed you!!!! glad you are back. Hot oatmeal several times a day helped me. I would try to eat it as hot as possible. Also, I tried suppositories as well. (I was desperate!!!) We need to get together soon. Maybe in Hattiesburg??? I can go to H'burg Saturday. glenda

Hi Jane, I have not gone thru wls yet. Hoping to. I go to a seminar in April. I've always had constipation problems especially when dieting. My mother-in-law gave me this recipe and it really works. Not sure if it would be allowed foods but it would be worth a try. I used an individual package of SF applesause, a small handfull of raisins and about 3 to 5 mandarin orange segements and run that thru a blender until smooth. It would only take about 2 tbls a day to keep me regular. A lady had told her they used this recipe in nursing homes to help some of the elderly. Hope it helps.