TIME OUT AND FIBER (B/M) HELP

Hi i need help from any one doing the t/o program.. Okay here goes my question to you. Why does only drinking protein drinks cause constipation?? I have been regular and now for 2 days cant go. and suggestions. I have lost 3.5lbs probably more if i can get reg. again.. any one else have this problem,,  PATTY IF YOU READ THIS, DOES BENEFIBER HELP, IF SO HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO WORK?? THANK YOU 

Hi!  I have the worst time with constipation rather I am on TO or not.  I do use benefiber every single day.  I took about a week or so before I saw any real change.  I still unfortunately have a problem with constipation.  I typically only go every 3 days or so since my surgery.  I am kinda used to that but even going every 3 days I still use the benefiber.  I also have used good old MOM (milk of mag) to get things going.  I try to eat lots of veggies and chicken too.  I also have gylcerin (spelling) spositories (sorry for the graphic details) but my dr. suggested I keep them on hand.  I have had to use them twice sine my surgery.  I did get checked out by my surgeon and there isn't anything medically wrong he said it was just "me".   I would definately start the benefiber it sure can't hurt!

Are you constipated or just not going?  I'm thinking if your just doing liquids, you may not need to go as frequently, kinda like immediately post-op.  I know for me the iron supplement (I take hema-plex) can be a bit of a binder so I do supplement and do LOTS of water.  I also use Miracle Fiber from the Vitamin Shoppe (I don't get anywhere near enough fiber in my reg diet) and I guess it's like Benefiber. If you think your constipated (pain, discomfort, and/or bloating) try a bottle of sodium citrate or something to get things moving.  Good luck!

I have constipation sometimes too but have found that taking Fiber Smart by Renew Life (available at most health food stores) and using the Smart Cleanse series has really helped. They are capsules but are vege caps and they melt in plain old water in less than 10 minutes so my doctor said they are fine to take. The cleanse lasts 10 days and then you can use the daily cleanse and the fiber smart on a continuing basis. My biggest problem comes when I don't drink enough so once in a while I take a stool softener too just to keep me regular. Hope this helps! Diona

I not only take benefiber, but a stool softener ... EVERY DAY.  About 3 months post-op (4 years ago) I developed 2 fissures ... never want to go there again.   Good luck, Karyn

Many people who have RNY eat little to no fat. This causes constipation. I had a distal RNY and don't absorb fats very well, and even someone with a proximal RNY will absorb less of the fats you eat. I'm not suggesting you eat a stick of butter, but upping your fat consumption will help with constipation. Make sure it's not trans fat, or saturated fats. Even a teaspoon of olive oil a day will usually move things without making you sit on the toilet all day. Don't eat fried foods to get the fat, eat a salad with a quality oil and vinegar dressing for example.

I add Benefiber to each protein drink.  My surgeon assures me it helps but I can't swear to it.  You also need to take a stool softener every day.  I have problems with constipation because of other medication I'm on.  But it makes sense that the all liquid would keep you from going as much - you aren't putting any bulk into your body. Patty

Patty, I am trying to do the time out program.  I started today in fact, but, I have the complete whey protein drink from GNC.  Will this work?  It was all I had and I wanted to get started.  HELP! LOL I am running amuk.  I have gained about 25# and madness has got to stop.  I write to you because I have been reading your advice ever since I had surgery 3 1/2 yrs ago.  Any help you can give me will be appreciated.  My email is dubowitz @excite.com. Thank you, Jan Park

I started having problems with consitipation when I went on a similar diet to lose weight before surgery.  I tried all types of things to help with the constipation and the only thing that works for me is Miralax.  It used to be a presription med, but is now over the counter.  I still suffer from constipation problems, so I'm still taking miralax. I add a little to my coffee in the morning and it helps to keep me regular.     Talk to your doc and see if this is something that you can take. Suzanne