Fiber question??????????????????????

Hi, I had my surgery on June 14th. I gradually upped my protein until I reached 60 grams at 4 weeks. I was very glad to finally be able to take enough in. However, I have developed a terrible problem with constipation since I have upped my protein which has resulted in a severe case of hemmroids. I don't mean to be gross, but has anyone else experienced this? It is painful, and the discomfort is now interfering with my daily activities such as sitting and my exercise time. Did anyone have to see a specialist regarding this? What did you end up doing? I have been using Colace and Milk of Magnesia and still developed this problem. Also, what types of fiber did your doctor recommend that is safe to take after having WLS? I would appreciate your suggestions.

I had surgery in may and also had a hard time with constipation. I take 2 citracell fiber tablets along with a stool softener every morning first thing. Make sure you follow with plenty of water. Since I started this remedy I go every day now. Sometimes if you drink something hot after taking this, it also helps get the plumbing going, like decaf coffee or hot tea. Just a suggestion, good luck to you. candy

Thanks for your advice. I truly appreciate that you took the time to respond. Thanks again!!

Hi Miss L, You are doing great getting your protein in I just read in a WLS book last night that the reason most people get constipated after surgery is because they are not getting in enough water, just a thought, I've only had the problem once and MOM worked great for me but I don't think you can use that all the time. I hope Candy's suggestion works! As for the "H" I can sympathize, thanks to my 5 year old, LOL. I use prep H suppositories and the generic prep H wipes. These offer relief. If you can't get any relief talk to your surgeon. I think our surgeons handle that kind of problem in their regular practice. I know, it sux! You are doing great Lorri, its so glad to 'see' you on the mend. Love, Barb

Hi Barb, it is so good to hear from you. I am doing much better now. It sounds like you are too!! Thanks for the info on my current issue!! I did see my surgeon (for my 6 week appointment) and he told me to get Magnesium Citrate (about $1.19 a bottle) at my local drug store. It came in Cherry and lemon flavor and I was to drink 1/2 the bottle (5 oz.). It tasted bitter and sour, but I got it down. I am hear to tell you, if you need cleaning out this is the stuff to do it---and fast!! He also called in some ointment for me to use, so hopefully I will improve soon. I already feel better after my cleansing! I never had heard of this stuff, but boy you need to stick close to home if you use it! Take care, and have a nice weekend. Thanks for your encouragement. You are such a sweet person. Sincerely, Lorri

Hi, Lm... here is what you want to do in addition to MOM and Colace... buy Sitz- bath... they sell them wherever med. supplies are sold... it's cheap....it goes ovet the toilet bowl and you can actually sit in it.... now.... get a pack of calmomile tea and brew it as if you want to drink it in a cup... then pour it into the Sitz bath and add water so that it's warm, not hot... and sit in it for a few minutes...I've used it it it works....Hemorrhoids can be very painful although hardly ever dangerous....I'm saying all this not only as a practicing PA but also as somebody who found "it" to be more painful after giving birth to my first child than the birthing process itself...)...I still remember it 9 yaers later..)... do that a few times a day if you can.... also using baby wipes instead of regular toilet paper helps... and if you can't get it under control you can see your PSP...and they can give you a script for suppositories or prescripiption ointment... hope it helps... best of luck , Rita

Rita, thanks so much for your advice. I will definitely look in to getting a sitz bath. I did not know that such a thing existed. I already have calmomile tea on hand, so I am anxious to try it, and get some relief. Thanks again for your response. I have learned so much from this site and kind people like you who take the time to respond! Sincerely, LMW

Yeah, I am having similar issues. I am about to have my SECOND surgery in a month due to constipation causing a fissure (tear). Anyway, drink fluids and then drink some more. Get fiber any way you can. FLax seed, cereal whatever you can stomach. MOM and all of that can work too, but it has been a constant battle for me so far. I still don't know if it will end or if this is just the beginning. Overall, I'm happy about this surgery, but gosh, I am tired of the pain and discomfort. Best of luck.

Thanks so much for your response. I am so sorry about what you have been through. My husband also had a fissure and he said that it was the most painful thing that he had ever went through. I felt so sorry for him. I could see in his face how painful it was. He waited so long before he went to the doctor too. I know you are tired of the pain and discomfort. I hope that you can get some relief soon. I saw my surgeon today, and you are so right about the fluids. He said anyone who gets in less than 64 ounces of water a day is subject to suffer with this problem. I am working up to that amount of water. I am not there yet, but I am definitely making an effort now. Good luck to you too, and thanks again.