What can we take for constipation...

This is the first time I have had trouble with my bowels since my surgery last November.  Normally it has been a regular morning thing but not no more and I need relief. 

I eat a lot of veggies, salads, and fruit because I still don't tolerate much meat or protein.  I eat small meals thru the day. My husband says I have most men beat when it comes to that wonderful gas thingMy weight loss has stopped completely for the past couple of months and I had remained at a certain level, but now I have gained 6 pounds in the last couple of weeks.  How can I jump start my body again?  I am not like most people where you eat like a normal person should. GRRRRRRRRR

I just now started taking some vitamins after reading what happened to Ramon.  The only thing I was taking is my B12 shot monthly. My doctor had not put me on any yet because my blood work was okay back in May.  I am now taking multiple vitamin for Bariatrics, Super B complex (stress), and Biotin for my hair loss.

All advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Carrie

This has been a major problem for me.  My surgeon finally put me on an RX that I take when things get bad.  I can't remember the name of it but you can check with your surgeon.  I have been able to get some relief with MOM but even that sometimes won't work.  I have tried the suppositories that work for some but they did nothing for me.  If you aren't going regularly that is why you may have gained some.  I notice with me when I go up like that it's usually because I need a good cleaning out.  I hope this helps some.

Once you're constipated and you need quick relief, my surgeon recommends either Milk of Magnesia or Magnesium Citrate (which was the stuff I had to use before surgery).  Either one should give you quick relief. 

To prevent constipation I take 3 Benefiber SF Chewable wafers every day.  You may also consider a daily stool softener like Colace.  Make sure the stool softener is not also a laxative. 

I hope you feel better soon.  I know that miserable feeling very well.  I had problems with it early on after surgery.

I would recommend Miralax - It is wonderful and you will find that it work well!

From one gas queen to another!!

If you like it saurkraut is a great natural laxative! If not daily miralax is great. I have rearely had the constipation problem but cure it with 6sf peppermint patties by York! It is the surgar alcohol!! But then this is just me and I am "special"!! Good luck to you!

Meggie

try gas X - that helps with that - all the MOM and stuff work for most peeps - I just try to keep water and whole grains/veggie high in my diet and when I opps and eat white flour it is time for the fleet - not elegant nor fun but it works when you need it

When you're really constipated glycerin suppositories are cheap and work in about an hour.  (Walmart, around $5 for 50 of them).  For prevention I put Benefiber powder in my protein drink everyday.  It absolutely has NO taste or grittiness.  I don't even know it's there.  Miralax, fleet enema's, MOM and Dulcolax suppositories also work.  Whenever I get constipated, I know I'm eating right.  When I "stray" I have no problems going.

As far as vitamins goes, shame on your doctor for not stressing the importance of regular vitamin intake.  You need more than multiple vitamins and Super B complex.  Please email Dana and ask her for her list.   Most people need at the MINIMUM calcium and Iron too.  The calcium HAS to be CITRATE and can't be taken at the same time as Iron.  I'm not fussing at you, it just frustrates me that some doctor's don't follow-up the way they should.  The surgery is only a tool-knowing how to use it to get healthy and STAY healthy is the biggest challenge.  I'm so glad you're on this site to get the info you need.

What I like to eat is Almonds they help to keep me regular.  I eat them for snacks.  They have fiber and protein so I get a twofer one deal.

Tonya

warmed prune juice, i know,  sounds yummo doesnt it?

it works wonders, but u gotta warm it or it may not be as affective.......

might also try eating oats if ur able to tolerate them, followed with hot lemon water...that ones an oldie from an old country doctor...


both have worked for me but im still preop, so what do i know...lol

oh wait ive been a nurse for 16 years, that should count for something...lol

It sounds like you know alot to me.  Those are things I have never heard of but will try and remember.  My problem is that I went from having IBS before surgery to consitpation after.  My poor body doesn't know what I want it to do.LOL    For years I took medicine so I wouldn't go all the time now I take stuff so I can go.