It takes time, but your digestion should eventually return to normal. You will always need more fluid (2 litres per day) than a "normal" person, though. As my surgeon explained it, before surgery your stomach would hold a certain amount of fluid in reserve that your body could draw on when necessary. But WLS removes that portion of the stomach; hence the need for more fluid.

I assume you're taking citrucel for constipation. One thing I learned from a pharmacist is that medications for constipation won't work if you don't drink enough fluid. After learning that, I found that I could usually "fix" constipation by simply drinking extra water. I really learned this lesson when I got my first blood work done. I needed to drink 1.5 litres of water in about an hour so that my veins would swell up enough for them to be able to take the blood. That cured my constipation! Also, I felt so good from the extra hydration.

In my case, I think I was off the anti-constipation meds after about a month. I had frequent problems with constipation before surgery, and I still do now, but I can usually solve it with more water; I rarely need medication. Although I was able to get off the constipation meds at about a month, everyone is different. You may need longer.

How much fluid are you getting in? Even if you're getting your 2 litres, you may want to drink even more water. Some people on the forum have found that they need 2 1/2 litres.

I'm considering WW to help with accountability. Anyone else on it? What plan?

I was sleeved 3 yrs ago... but not losing at a rate that I'd like. I pretty much stick to the same diet M-F:

1 shake in am (GNC lean shake with water), salad for lunch w/ grilled chicken 1 oz feta, 1 built bar- late snack, apple slices (sometimes), protein for dinner... either steak, chicken, pork... and sometimes an enlighten bar (my weakness). This is pretty much M-F and weekends I'll have eggs in am, no shake. I've added it all up before and its 900-1000 cals... does this sound like a lot? Anyone else a few years out- is your daily intake similar?

Heat is your friend when it comes to period pain, and can help almost as much as stronger NSAIDS which you're not supposed to take post-WLS. You may not have a ho****er bottle, but you can improvise one by filling a plastic soda bottle or similar with ho****er. Cover it in fabric, and place it on your lower abdomen.

When that's not practical (e.g., you're at work), drink hot tea. Drink it while it's as hot as you can comfortably manage it. Herbal tea is best. I prefer chamomile because, according to tradition, it's supposed to help with period pain. I don't know if the chamomile itself actually does anything, but just thinking about the tradition comforts me. In any case, the heat of the tea does help.

One advantage of the heat is that it works almost immediately, unlike medication.

Awesome! And yes that is a great thing to do :) Focus on all the reasons and positives :)