a sensitive question

I am eight weeks out of Lap RNY and I am having a problem with constipation. Right now I am only going to the bathroom once a week, and it is very very painful with bleeding. I eat prunes, I take senna but they don't work. Did anyone go through this? Does any one have any suggestions as to what i can do..... THX Angela

Hi Angela, Did you call your Surgeon and ask him?  He would probably be the one to help you.  I had my surgery (open RNY) 8 weeks ago,what date did you have it? I had mine on 7/16/2007, maybe we can chat.  I have some questions maybe you can help me with. Melissa

Hi there Melissa,  I haven't called the surgeon as yet since he is only in his office on thursdays. I wanted to solve this problem on my own, but I will try next week to see if I can get any help from his PA. I had my surgey on 7/18/07....you can send me an email anytime. thank you  angela

Like the poster above said,  check with your doctor....  this isn't  something to let go unchecked.  After you do, you might want to try Colace  (or the store brand equivelent)...  it's about $4.99 by me at Harmon Drugs for 90 pills, and I take 1 a day.  It's a stool softener.  It doesn't make you go, but when you do go, it's not too hard and painful.  (Dulcolax is this plus a stimulant, I think,...  not the same thing)     Mary C

You need to call your doctor's office, not treat yourself.  Postop constipation can have several causes... and you may be making the problem worse.  How is your water intake?  All the fiber you're taking will only work if you are able to take in enough water.

Irene

Yea...I would definately check w/ your surgeon...each one prefers and dislikes certain products...but you do need to get things moving again.  A stool softener would probably be good, but for the first couple of days, you may need something similar to a stimulator as well in order to get things moving downward.  Also....are you getting in your fluid?  Make sure you do, otherwise everything else will be for naught.  The bowels need water to mix in with the solid waste to make things softer and easier to move.

Pam

hi angela a prob with constipation is VERY normal after rny surgery.  many of us have been there, and gone through it.  the reason is that all the protein kind of clogs up our system. for the first few month, i only went to the bathroom every 3-4 days with the same results you mention above. colace helps, as do prunes.  increased  fiber such as fiber one powder or similar powders also help. drink all the water you can and then some more. as you add fruit and vegetable back to your diet down the road, this problem will start to get better. i still think its not a bad idea to contact your doctor, but be assured that many of us have felt your pain.  i thought i would never be normal again, but i am now. hugs , jacki

hi angela i agree with the others to check wth a doc  but keep in mind that this could be 'normal' have them also check your calcium intake and your iron intake -- both will constipate you  good luck  roberta

i would suggest you taking sos of that milk of mag stuff

DELEATED, MISREAD THE POST, MY ERROR