Constipation

I was wondering what kind of issues anyone might have with consitpation. I am a little over 3 months out from RNY.  I have been having consitipation issues since January. I was told by my doc's asst not to start stool softeners at that time, but then it got so bad I had to call the doc on a Saturday. I'm talking birthing a baby here people!!!  Unable to sit down directly on my bum because of the pain. I think it's caused by the protein mixes. Is this possible? Anyone else have first hand knowledge of this uncomfortable subject?

Martha,

I had my surgery in November and I have suffered with constipation ever since I had the surgery.  Even taking the stool softners did not help too much (or maybe they did and things would have been worse!!).  Anyway, my doctor's office told me to make sure I get in all the water, which I am still struggling with.  I am now exercising regularly which is supposed to help as well.  For a while I even had to use an enema from time to time to help things along.  At my three-month visit, my doctor gave me a prescription for Amitiza helps get the bowels moving.  I have to say now that I have been on it for a little while that it seems to be helping.  I think the key is probably staying hydrated, and as I seem to have trouble getting all tha****er in, that is where I keep trying to improve.  I don't know if any of this helped, but I am definitely one who understands just how frustrating this particular side effect of the surgery can be.  I hope things get better for you soon!

Angie

Thanks Angie!  I, too, try to get all my fluids in and have been more successful now that I am drinking 2 glasses of milk a day regularly.  It gets me 16 oz of liquid but also 16 g of protein, so it helps.  I asked about a script stool softener and he said just start with OTC.  Easy for him to say, he isn't taking 3/day at a cost of $5.00 for 30!  I can say that if I have another episode like this past Saturday, I'm going to really be upset!  I'm glad that I am not alone though, you hear so much pre-surgery about the opposite happening.  At this point, I would worship the opposite!!  lol

Hi Martha,

I have had trouble with constipation also.  I use the generic colace.... its only a couple dollars for a bottle of like 50 or 100... not sure what your buying that is so expensive.  The generics are just as good for this.  You can also try a glycerin suppository.  I need them sometimes just to get things moving!!!  I am farther out than you, but once I could get a little more fiber in that helped also.  Oatmeal or total cereal helps me to keep regulated!!  Hope this helps!! Happy toilet times!!!

Caroline

Caroline,

I think the reason the generic cost so much is whenever I have needed it, I've been unable to go out myself and get it.  So my son does the shopping!  I have to go check it out while I'm not stuffed up already!    I thought it was probably cheaper, but when he's using my money he isn't as aware of cost!  lol  go figure

Thanks for the info!  I have already gone back to oatmeal daily for breakfast, regardless of what the nutritionist says!

I drink hot green tea and it helps keep me regular. You might want to try that also. I buy Kroger tea bags they are a lot cheaper than the named brand and it all is the same. NOW GREEN TEA does taste DIFFERENT so be aware if you do try it.
Robin

Appreciate the suggestion Robin, but I have never been a hot anything drinker.  No coffee, tea, hot chocolate, nothing.  I'm not sure why, but I just don't drink hot drinks.

Benefiber has helped me when in the same situation.  It takes me a couple doses.  I recommended it to a friend and within 1//2 hr she had to run to the restroom.  I think it effects everyone differently.  Hopefully you are doing better!

I occasionally use Benefiber, but most of the time, I just slightly increase the amount of fat that I take in (healthy fats only -- nuts, etc.) and decrease the amount of dairy, and the problem resolves on its own.

Lora