Medical Question (Poop involved)

Why does iron constipate a person so?  I'm trying to figure out an iron schedule-like two days taking it, two days off, that will allow me to take my iron and yet not back completely up.  The milk of magnesia works to break through the blockade, but I'd like to figure out something that would work without.  I do take fiber regularly, and I am always very very regular, except when I take that stinking iron.

I'm interested in this answer too.  I don't know the answer but I feel for you.  Constipation can be extremely painful.

I'm not sure if anyone knows the exact mechanism of what happens with iron that causes constipation, but HERE'S A LINK to a good theory from a reliable source.

I think daily Benefiber, or even scheduled Miralax, are options for a less drastic or habit forming solution. I know Dr. Nelson recommends both options.

Milk of Magnesia can cause laxative dependence. It works, but it may eventually be the only way to *get things to work* if you don't use caution. ; )

I think I'm going to use the old pill minder thingy and try iron every other day-that's better than none at all, but hopefully the day off will allow things to pass.  I'll report back the results of my experiment.

Looking for that answer too.... Hope your experiment works for you!

I do not know about how to take the iron as I cannot take any at all because my iron levels are too high.  But I have been told to take Miralax two times a day, but I only take it a few times a week and it works great.  It does not cause you to be dependent on it and it is much nicer to your body than MOM is.  The only thing I would recommend is to take the first dose at home if you are a RNY patient.  I had my stepmom take it because she was having a lot of problems with constipation and she took a little more than a dose and it went through her pretty fast.  You can even take a half of a capful at first if you want to see how it will react with your body. Good luck, Kim

Hey Debra,  How are things moving...LOL, no, for real, hope this finds you well....

dont know why it stops up the drain but it does have you tried a lower dose? is that an option? I take a multi vit with iron now.. but i am preop.. might be a question for the doc.

Deb, I have been on iron for several years- way before WLS.  When my wonderful pharmacist sold me my first bottle of icky iron ( really hate taking it!) he told me to take Sennokot S at the same time.  I take my iron every night at bedtime along with the Sennokot S.  You will have to play around with the dosage- you can take up to 8 a day if needed.  I fine they work well for me especially since I can have a cup of real coffee now.  CVS has the best price on a store brand that I have found.  And, CVS is having a sale on all their store brands of supplements- but one get one free. Try the Sennokot S and take your iron!!  It is important to not get too anemic because it is dangerous and you feel like crap!  Oh, take the iron with some vitamin C to enhance absorption- another pharmacist trick! Denise