Anyone else have chronic constipation?

Not being one who is delicate, I am wondering if anyone else is suffering from chronic constipation?  I only go once a week and am currently using stool softeners everyday.  I am trying to drink two plus bottles of water per day.  Any advise?  I get to the point that I can't eat anymore because I am so blocked.

What can I do?  I feel yucky all the time!

Umh Hello... I am so with you there sista!  I am the queen of bowel issues. It is so bad. They told me it would improve. I hope it does.  If you hear of some secret cure let me know ASAP.  I spoke with a pharmacist and they told me that because of the surgery that many of the over the counter products will make it worse.  They said that I should only take them sparingly because they will hurt my new stomach.  I am hoping that excercise helps.  It seems the only way I can get things moving in the right direction but the agony of the episodes is not fun. I feel like I am giving birth.  

 yes, i was very constipated too, took some stool softners for awhile but it did'nt really help much, but since i started walking more, drinking mre, and eating a few more carbs.  the problem seems to be solved. hope you feel better soon

Post Date: 12/4/11 5:39 am
I was having this problem too and started including V8 in my diet and it has done wonders. Because I can't eat enough veggies I was having a hard time getting enough fibre and vitamins from the veggies I was missing. It took two days of having about 2 cups of V8 a day and then my bowels returned to more then normal. Now I try to include at least a large can (3 veggie servings) a day and I have no bowel problems and take no form of softeners. Try it and let me know if it works...Tomato juice works just as good. :o)

Hi there. I'm not sure what surgery the previous posters had done - for me it was the RNY in April 2008. Right from the start I had issues with constipation. I used to use Milk of Magnesia on an as needed basis. It did work. Most of you know I ended up sick and then with Emergency laparotomy to repair a Petersen's Hernia in Aug 2009. In the weeks I was unwell, then really sick before I ended up in surgery - I felt as if I was more constipated that usual - and during my one short hospital stay - my surgeon (no surgery that time - I settled a bit) - who is a very smart man - told me I should NEVER take Milk of Magnesia or dulcolax or any stimulant. He recommended just softeners. So - I have been taking 2 Colace (docusate sodium) 100mg each twice a day for the last few years. Even then I do have issues at times. Every now and then I take an extra Colace or two. I take the occasional swig of mineral oil - 20 - 30cc - I know it's gross - but it works. I have to be very aware of my fiber intake - fluids - never had a problem getting them in anyway, activity, definitely a factor, as it actual dietary intake of fats. I am taken by surprise every now and then and have an issue in the other direction - who knows what makes our body do certain things? So - you are not alone - there are many options, the trick is to find what works for you. And I'm not downing those of you who do use mild stimulants to help you with this issue. That route does work for so many people. I also have read many, many times that some people swear by miralax. Good luck and take care!

I went to the health food store and got some softeners but only use them when really need to I have found hemp hearts are very effective and high in protein.

I have the opposite issue. I have had since I had my gall bladder out 28 years ago. It didn't go away with surgery. Dam.