Constipation Question

In the beginning did any of you have to use a laxative, suppository whatever so you could go? I only went once on my own, the day after I came home from the hospital. Now I am not able to go unless I use something. Surgeon said this is normal because I am not eating as much food and if I notice I havent gone for like 3 days or so to use something. So I usually use a suppository every 3 days or so if I notice I haven't gone. Just curious if others needed that extra "oomph" in the beginning LOL. I am hoping once I am on solid foods more that I will just be going on my own. When I do go it looks very normal LOL tmi I know but I don't want to have to keep using something because is that dangerous? Kali

Hi I had problems going and was tld to increase my water and it really helped. I took MOM several days in a row to get things moving. Things will get better, I promise! Hugs Chris

Thanks Chris, I'll be honest I haven't been getting in my 64oz a day which I am sure isn't helping.But I am trying and I've since been adding a couple tsp of benefiber to whatever I drink so lets see if that helps. Thanks for the input. KALI

I had to use a softener once.  I agree with the water.  Get all your fluids in, it does get better.  Once I was on pureed foods, I noticed the change.

Totally normal in the begining to have bowel issues.  Just keep an eye and if it goes on to long contact your doc again.  He is right, your not eating as much so your routine will change a bit.  WATER WATER WATER helps alot.  Good luck LisaMarie

CONSTIPATION

 

Constipation can be from so many things including BUT not limited to:

 

~1) FLUIDS: simply from not getting in enough fluids...BUT THIS IS NO ALWAYS THE PROBLEM!!! So first before you do anything ask yourself? Am I drinking at least 64 oz a day (8 cups)...If not try increasing and see if this helps. Look at this neat hydration calculator! It may open your eyes! It says I need 117.5 oz day (I do get that too still not enough for me!) http://nutrition.about.com/library/blwatercalculator.htm

 

 

 

~2) EXERCISE: Get moving! I do 30-60 min cardio a day + wts. Yes it helps! Start somewhere!  Something is better than nothing!

 

~3) FIBER: We get constipated because our diet is now volume in general & lower in fiber especially due to lack of tolerance also (less fruits and veggies).

 

So many try increasing fiber by using benefiber (non swelling/no taste) or some like liquifiber at Vitalady: http://tinyurl.com/5edxn  I have used Metamucil caps in past but I DO NOT RECOMMEND it is a SWELLING FIBER  & may NOT be good for pouchie! ***We do not want to stretch it!!!

 

I swear by Flax Seed ground. I get mine here: http://www24.netrition.com/now_flaxseeds_page.html

 

I started with 1T ground a day (in yogurt, shakes or on my salad it has slightly nutty flavor) now I am up to 1T three times a day. The benefits of flax are so much more than just for fiber!!! Read for more info! http://www.flaxcouncil.ca/flaxnut10.htm (A lower risk for heart disease, Prevention of some forms of cancer, Treatment of immune disorders, Diabetes helps in stabilizing Blood Sugars, Relief from constipation) http://www.flaxcouncil.ca/faq.htm You can also buy it in GNC, health food stores, Wal-Mart has it in vitamin aisle and baking aisle. KEEP refrigerated for longest shelf life and so it doesn’t go rancid! It has to be ground (bought that way or ground in Magic Bullet or a small coffee grinder for the benefit ok!)

 

 

 

 

 

~4) OTHER NUTRITIONAL/SUPPLIMENT CAUSES: Higher protein (in diet and shakes), Calcium Citrate (form we need to absorb after bypass), Iron supplementation can all add to the constipation scenario postop (things we need!).

 

 

 

Different forms of Iron are more constipating than others (Ferrous sulfate for instance AVOID!!! Many feel carbonyl iron like vitalady’s tender iron http://tinyurl.com/3ve5x , ferrous gluconate *I get OTC at Wal-Mart just ask pharmacist, ferrous fumarate, polysaccharide iron are less constipating).

 

 

 

Another solution Magnesium: HERE IS JULIA Z’s recommendation: Magnesium as magnesium citrate or amino acid chelate 400-1000 mg a day. OK to take with calcium but not with iron. Can be taken all at once or throughout the day. Start out with 200 mg and increase dosage every few days until the desired level is reached; decrease dosage slightly if loose stools result. Preferred dosage is 1 part elemental magnesium to 2 parts elemental calcium or 1000 mg magnesium to 2000 mg calcium, but this ratio is not accurate for each person. Increasing the dosage until you get loose stool and than backing off a little seems to work best for most people.

 

 

 

IF still NO GO: my surgeon recommended Colace. It is an over-the-counter stool softener. Try it once a day and increase to 2-3x if needed. (It is cheap too, buy the generic brand, docusate sodium)...

 

 

 

If this is ineffective, my surgeon said I could use a gentle suppository (such as glycerin, ducolax or the generic form)....only to get things going, they can get habit forming so be careful. It is always best to ask your surgeon or MD about his but this is what I have been told. I use Colace 2x a day, it does help (with my flaxseed)

 

 

 

I also have used Milk OF Magnesia a few times week if needed.

 

 

 

My Clinical Nutrition/Bariatric MD prescribed Miralax (generic is glycolax) works great also (I used a few times in severe cases w/ some bloating but no taste!, it is a powder mixes in water great!) In the past I got away with it a few time month now I need it almost daily! U Can buy it OTC NOW, but my rx copy is only $10/mo…

 

 

 

Many swear by Smooth move tea, it is just senna in a tea (you can buy senna tabs OTC also called SENOKOT Tablets:  Each tablet contains 8.6 mg sennosides.). Or ingredient in: PERI-COLACE® TABLETS (Purdue Products) docusate sodium and standardized senna concentrate  (so is a stool softener and laxative in one!) http://www.tealand.com/SmoothMove.asp  BY: Traditional Medicines in Health food, Wal-Mart of many health food aisles of grocery stores!

 

Contents: Active Ingredient: 20mg. Sennosides A & B per cup from senna leaf. Other herbal ingredients: Licorice root, fennel seed, orange peel, cinnamon bark, coriander seed, ginger rhizome, natural orange flavor. Directions for use: Pour 8 oz. of boiling water over one tea bag and steep, covered, for 10-15 minutes. Adults and children over 12 years: Drink 1 cup before bedtime. If necessary, repeat the next day not to exceed 4 cups in 24 hours.

 

 

 

A few prunes (3) also have helped me in a pinch…few times a week (watch cal/carbs)…Some gain w/ carbs/sugar or get triggered hunger! It has been ok w/ me as it is seen as medicine and used accordingly!

 

 

 

 

 

Just my thoughts/ideas! I do Exercise/Water/Colace 2 day/Flaxseed 3T total a day and it generally is ok, with the Miralax daily..this may be only short term but quite possibly a long-term issue post RNY!

 

 

 

 

Kali, I know that drinking more water really does help, I also had to take Mirolax that the Dr gave me a script for. It was awesome stuff, so very mild and no cramping. I sure worked really well for me and IF I needed something a bit stronger I also recommend Smooth Move Tea, WOW that stuff sure makes ya go. I hope that helps some..

I am one of the lucky ones...no issues.  But I make sure with my food selections I try and get the fiber and veggies in.  I also am a HUGE water drinker and I walk and everyday.

Hi Kali, I am the Queen of Constipation....much like you I depended on Laxatives and enemas Post-Op. I drank all my water...ate lots of fiber.  It got so bad that my Surgeon sent me to a Gastroenterologist....who put me on a prescription medicine called Amitiza. It's for chronic idiopathic constipation.  It helps to a degree. I don't use enemas too often anymore, thankfully, as they are not good for continued use. Let me know how you make out. Hugs. Karen