Another embarrassing question: Constipation

I hate this topic but I really want to ask keep in mind I am blushing while posting this.... How do you deal with Constipation? Do you call your doctor or take something for it? I have never had it this bad before and I'm worried about bowel obstruction since my stomach hurts at times and it's been 3 days. I walk everyday, I drink my water, and I try to eat high fiber foods. ~Nothing~

I chew 2 Fiber Choice each day. When needed I'll do a few swigs of Milk of Magnesia. I know that some folks take magnesium supplements to help. I may have to give that a try. Not sure of doses but I think I read 50% of the mgs of calcium you take a day or something like that. Will check with doctor to see if that is okay. Kathy

Don't let it go! I have been dealing with this issue since early out and have actually had to go to a colon/rectal surgeon due to prolonged constipation and damage that I did to myself internally during several months of constipation. Thankfully I don't think I will need sugery to repair the damage, yet~keeping my fingers XXXcrossedXXX! The only thing that worked for me was Zelnorm, 3 stool softeners every night, upping my water to 100+oz and eating Fiber One cereal daily~now its smooth sailing here! So my advice is don't let it go too long or get to uncomfortable for you. Good Luck! Tracy B 328/150 5'9"

Hi, If your problem is just once in a while have you tried a daily fiber supplement or bar? Benefiber or Fiber Sure can be put in anything. For a fibere bar the new GNU brand has great tasting bars. The have several flavors, are all natural, and low carb and calorie. I love the cranberry orange. If your problem is all the time like mine is, you should talk to your doctor about perscription meds. I suffered for 3 months until they put me on Colyte powder. I have to use 2 tablespoons in 64 oz of water a day. Cathy

I've got the same problem, and have had all my adult life. Even pre-wls, it was perfectly normal for me to only "go" once every 7-10 days. So after my wls I wasn't concerned until I'd gone longer than a week w/out a BM. When I finally called my wl surgeon he was most unhappy with me for not calling sooner. He said "straining" was not good for anyone, but was particularly bad for us post-op. He wanted to know if I went more than 3 days w/o action. He recommended more water, more fruit, stool softeners if needed and if all else failed, use Milk of Magnesia. I've discovered the "flavored" prunes by Sunsweet. I love the "Cherry Essense" prunes (dried plums) and the orange flavor is pretty good, too. If I eat 3-5 of them I have no problem going the next day. Also found out that cantalope helps too. I know both of these are not low cal, but they work for me so I allow for the carbs & calories and include them in my food plan. Good luck! Vickie J. PS - Several folks in my support group swear by a product called Smooth Move Tea (in the organic section of the grocery store and at the health food store). You can make it with water or some use the Sugar Free Alpine Apple Cider mix for a better flavor. I've never used it, but my mom says it helps her.

My first "visit" to the grad forum and this is the post I relate to! Prune and prune juice work for me. A few ounces of prune juice taken for a couple of days usually does the trick for me. It's kind of like drinking sewer sludge but the result is a gentle release not the effect that laxatives often give. However, I've always been one who went almost daily so this might not be enough for you. When my husband had back surgery and was on powerful pain pills he had a lot of trouble with constipation and the daily prune juice helped him. Best wishes. Something like this can really ruin one's day. When my father in law lived with us he had a lot of trouble. Looking back I wish we'd been more sympathetic! Karen C