Weekly Enima use

I had WLS 12/03, started at 325, lowest was 178, got back up to 209. I followed the advice from you grads, started back on the all protien, no breads or pastas, plenty of water, cut out the diet sodas (went back to some old habits, B4 I knew it I brought back 30 pounds!!) ANYHOW, in 2 weeks time of going back to basics, Ive lost 5 pound!! My problem is - I do benifiber in every protein drink, I put it in my water, I take a stool softner DAILY, but, I still have to use an enima once a week to finally be able to have a bowel movement.  PLEASE, is there anyone with same issues and how have you solved it??

I know if I don't eat enough grains, fruits, and veggies I get blocked up, too and have to use an enema on occasion.  You may want to try to add an apple, some celery, whole grains, prunes, etc. into your diet to see how that helps.  They're all natural so may be better than the artificial stuff. Michelle

I've posted many times about my prior constipation problems. the benefiber did not work for me~it just made me bloated and miserable. a colon/rectal surgeon recommended eating Fiber One cereal instead of taking the benefiber and it helped alot. I still do 3 stool softeners nightly and after trying every med under the sun for constipation, I was put on Zelnorm 2x's a day and it did the trick! Hope you can get some constant relief soon! Don't give up!

Smooth moves  tea helps me at those times. 

I make sure I eat 1/4 cup fiber one cereal every morning.  This works for me.

Ask your doc for an RX for Mira-lax or it's generic.  It's a plastic type pwd that you mix into juice, water, milk, crystal lite.  It pulls fluid into the bowel.  I have taken it almost every day for the last 3 years.  It works great for me.

Thanks for all the good ideas and advice. Planning on doctor visit so I can get some insight on your suggestions.  Why I didnt post earlier I dont know, but I should have known I would find help and answers here!!

I have had this problem since the day I had my lap RnY (1/22/04). After 3 months of trying every fiber product and still had severe constipation and impactions I went to a Gastro doctor who gave me a perscription for Colyte daily. This is pure electrolytes used for bowel prep before surgerys, etc. I started with 1 tsp of the powder in 64 oz of water a day and increased every 5 days till I got to 2 tbs a day in 64 oz of water (+ crystal lite to flavor).  Everyone will not need 2 tbs a day, but I do. I sip it all day. I've been told that I can stay on this indefinitely as it is not habit forming.  ***Check the ingredients of anything you take regularly for constipation and if it has senna in it that is a laxative and can become habit forming which means you will have to take more and more to get it to work. Hope this helps CathyA

I had this problem constantly and finally added Fiber Choice Weight Management which is strawberry and so good.,.,made with sucralose. I take two in morning with my coffee and they help so much since I don't do bread which if fiber....most times if I remember I take two more at bed time. I get iron IV infusions every 3 to 4 months   and do 9 treatments which I go twice a week and after a few weeks I am blocked up again. I have been taking ducolax when needed usually take it on Sunday evenings and if I still don't go I use a Fleets enema. My dr gave me Zelmorn and it doesn't seem to help but the last few days I have added Papaya before bed and by morning it has cleaned me out. Gross topic but it seems not to only be our problems, all my friends who don't know I had RNY have the same problems. 

I found this online  when doing some resarch on IBS / severe constipation 1/4 cup nsa applesauce 1/4 cup All Bran ( I use the bran buds) 1/8 c prune juice. mix all together. eat 4 tablespoons each day.  was found to have over 80% effectiveness rate, as opposed to stool softeners at about 40% success rate.  Works for me. constipation is the side effect of diet - we are designed to eat whole grains, fruits and veggies. while I know many are very carb conscious, brown rice, whole grains etc are necessary if you want to poop on a regular basis with out ingesting laxatives.  I would be afraid to use enemas very often.  http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/home-enemas/AN01562

I find that weekly home enemas seem to help keep me "regular" and prevent constipation. Is there any reason I should discontinue this practice?

- No name / No state give

Answer

 

Yes, there are several reasons. An enema is a solution injected into your rectum that stimulates evacuation of your bowels. The occasional use of home enemas for constipation is generally safe for most people. However, habitual use of home enemas can be harmful — especially if used for an extended period.

Frequent home enemas can increase the risk of injury to your anus and rectum. Also, home enema solutions can irritate and cause changes to the lining of your large intestine (colon). Frequent enemas can be dangerous for people with kidney or heart disease, who are more likely to experience fluid overload (hypervolemia) or electrolyte imbalance.

Over time, frequent use of enemas can impair the natural ability of your colon to evacuate stool. If this occurs, you may have to retrain it to go without enemas. You can do this by consuming plenty of fiber and water, taking a bulk-forming laxative, increasing your exercise and taking time to have bowel movements.

If you've used home enemas for a long time, your doctor may suggest that you gradually reduce their use to give your body a chance to return to normal. Be patient because it may take many months for your intestines to get back to normal if you've been using enemas regularly.

Occasional constipation is normal. But chronic constipation should be evaluated by a doctor. Some doctors may recommend home enemas for people with special health problems. However, enemas should be used only as a last resort for treatment of constipation. If you find yourself relying on enemas, laxatives or any other medication to have a bowel movement, you should consult your doctor.

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AN01562