Help...I'm super scared

I  had gastric bypass almost 10 months ago.

Since Having the surgery I have only been able to have a bowel movement on my own 3-4 times...maybe.

 My abdomen is constantly swollen, and when my stomach is pressed on, I feel pain.  I have  spoken to my surgeon and his office atleast twice a month about my problem and each time I'm told to drink drink drink.......and I DO  Also, to drink Olive oil, or mineral oil, 2 bottles of milk of magnesia at a time, enimas and sopossitories.

When I use the products they give me minor relief but, never completely, sometimes Milk of magnesia just doesn't work either.  On top of all of this, my BC failed and am now 13 weeks pregnant.  I'm going crazy and am miserable and to boot.....My surgeon is horrible at answering me and his office, my dietician through him is a nut as well......the bowel movements are not firm....sorry for the TMI...but super soft.  Is this a bowel obstruction  or am I really crazy.  I'm SOOOOO miserable and regret my decision to have this surgery EVERYDAY.

I would get to a Dr  ASAP    def NOT good....good luck :)

I don't blame you for being scared.  You probably don't have a full on bowel obstruction since you are able to go at times.  But you may have a partial one, or you may have something called lazy bowel, or a number of other things.  99.9% of this type of problem can be cured.

Find a doctor who is going to take you seriously.  Maybe your ob/gyn is a good place to start.  Being pregnant, you must be in the best shape you can possibly be in.  (I know you know that).  Something else to think about - constipation during pregnancy is very common, and can be quite severe, especially in the last trimester.  You REALLY don't want to still be dealing with what you have now and then add late stage constipation on top of it.

This is serious business.  Find a doc who won't just throw the same old suggestions at you.  Go to as many docs as you have to until you get one who will help ASAP.

Good luck.  I can only imagine how miserable you must be feeling.

I am almost 7 years post op. I have to take miralx - 2 capfulls every day.  Not skiping a day.  My BM is not solid, but i rather have that than being constipated. Constipation for me = gut pain. Not cool..

Miralax helps me, but I'd be scared too.  Can you find a different surgeon?  Or see a GI doctor?  

Right now the bowel problems are the least of your worries. YOu can't take any of that stuff now that you're pregnant. Didn't your doctor tell you to use 2 forms of birth control for the first 2 yrs after surgery as weight loss surgery increases chances of getting pregnant>? Didn't you get tested to see if your BC was working? If your doctor won't or can't help about the bowel issue find someone who can. Make sure you're eating enough food with roughage and fiber to help your bowels work. Have you had a colonoscopy to see where the trouble lies? You may have polyps or Diverticulitis. Both treatable. See someone about that soon. Has your pregnancy doctor done any testing on the baby to make sure everything is ok so far? You're probably going to need a high risk OB/GYN if you plan to continue the pregnancy. You can have the baby tested for developmental problems or abnormalities now and I'd do it soon. At 10 months out you're probably not eating enough for an adult female, let alone a fetus. You're going to have to go on super supplements, besides the prenatal vitamins you're on now. You'll have to increase your protein intake and other nutrients to sustain the baby. Your doc can set you up with supplemental liquids, pills or foods you can eat now. Get to your doc and have your OB/GYN work closely with your WLS surgeon. They need to work together. Change doctors if you have to - your baby's health is the most important thing right now. Your Ob/GYN can work out a meal plan for you - you're going to have to eat about 5 times a day to get in enough for you and baby - maybe more. You're going to have to supplement with liquids-protein shakes and other high nutritional drinks. If your weight loss doctor won't help you the doctor you've been seeing for your pregnancy can recommend someone he/she trusts to get you through the next 6 months. Good luck to you - make sure you take care of yourself and your baby. It's going to be hard to do but you may be able to work out good nutrition that will benefit both of you.'

Jen 2001 RNY

FWIW:

I had some serious problems having BMs after my WLS as well. I take a stool softener and fibre capsules daily, and I've added Miralax into the mix once or twice a week, when needed.

That said, the only other time I had problems having BMs was when I was pregnant! It was routine for me to clog the toilet! (TMI) The doctors said it's because the baby takes so much of the nourishment you provide, liquids included, and what's left is so dense and compact that it would pose a problem for me.

Talk to your OB/GYN who might have some great ideas. But depending on what they advise, check it out with your surgeon. I believe Miralax is safe but don't quote me on that. If it's safe to use during pregnancy, I'd use it daily!

Wishing you luck as you get this under control.