Constipation

I know this is probably TMI, but I have to ask. I am 3 1/2 weeks post op from RNY. I am constipated. I've only had 2 BMs in the past 2 weeks. When I saw the dr. on Friday I mentioned it and also mentioned it to the nurse prior to seeing the doctor. The nurse said that the doctor would tell me what I should do, but that she would recommend I get cleaned out and then take something that will keep me regular. Well, when I talked to the doctor she said to stay away from laxatives because they can cause cramping. She suggested I use a stool softner, and recommended Dulcolax. I didn't really think to ask additional questions, but now I'm wondering if that is a pill I can swallow or am I supposed to ma**** up or what. Does anyone have any other suggestions? It's not painful or anything that I'm constipated. I just don't think about going to the bathroom and then when I did feel like I had to go I just had to strain A LOT, but it's not like I feel sick or crampy or anything like that. I just don't go. The nurse said I shouldn't go longer than 4 days without a BM. So I'm wondering if I reach the 4 days and haven't gone, does that mean I should take a Dulcolax?

Another question that I have is that I still have no appetite, no cravings, no desire to eat really, so should I force myself to eat 6 times a day or should I listen to my body and just eat when I get hungry? Anybody else had this situation after surgery that they were just not hungry, had no appetite, and no desire to eat, no head hunger or stomach hunger?

Thanks for any advice.
Heather

Hi Heather,

Again... this may be TMI, but I found myself so impacted that I had to have my PCP manually 'clean me out'. Suffice it to say, that no one ever wants to do that or have it done. She also put me on Miralax and of course, I checked with my Dr. who concurred that Miralax would be fine. It doesn't cause cramping and did the trick.  Now, I use it anytime I have an 'issue.'

Secondly, you need to go ahead and eat on the schedule that your Dr gave you, beause to be honest, you probably don't have 'nerves' to tell you that you are hungary and there is the issue with grehlin... the hormone that tells you when you are hungary. You need to be getting in sufficient protien and calories to keep you healthy as you loose weight, so be sure that you are eating 5 to 6 times a day.

Wishing you all the best,

Thanks for the advice. I will continue eating on a schedule and try to get in the 5 - 6 times a day. I'll also try the miralax and hopefully it will help. Thanks again.
Heather

Hi Heather,
For me I had this problem too as I think many people who have had RNY .
There is light at the end of the tunnel here.
Barb is right about the Miralax.
My pcp said for me to take it everyday.
I usally mix the Miralax with half of my fluid in take for the day I mix it with Red Ruby Grapefruit Crystal light it has no taste.
                                                                 Annie

Thank you. I will definitely get to the store tomorrow after work and pick up the Miralax. I'm assuming they sell it somewhere like WalGreens or Rite Aid or CVS, right? Thanks.
Heather

Hi Heather you can find it most anywhere I have even bought it at  Food Lion.
I usally on the first of every month buy the largest bottle at Wal mart it runs around 20 dollars but will last for 30 days.
When I first started taking it I found it took about two days to work.
Because of what my pcp said I just take it everyday.
Dont forget fiber.
Kellogs has a fiber bar that has 9 grams of fiber in it that is 35% of your daily amount.
                                                Annie

Thanks Annie. This is all still overwhelming trying to get in everything that I'm supposed to; drink the right amount of water, get in the right amount of protein, remember to take my vitamins, and now fiber. I still have no appetite or hunger, so I even have to remind myself to eat. I hope I can get settled into some sort of daily routine as far as my eating goes soon. I'm on the soft foods stage right now (for a few more days), would the Kellogg bars fall into that category or should I wait? Thanks again for the advice. I definitely need all the advice I can get.
Heather

Heather,
Follow what your doctor wants you to do and if you are not sure always ask so you completly understand what you should do.
I promise you this will all be so worth it.
Soon taking your vitamins and getting your fluid in will all become second nature to you.
                                        Annie

Before I left the hospital I was given a prescription for liquid Colace.  They said it was a stool softener.  The nurse said I could probably get it over the counter.  I haven't needed it yet.  In fact, I'm more regular now than before.  It's wierd!