Fiber and Constipation - kind of long - but looking for any suggestions

Hi BellaBean,

I too struggle with constipation horribly.  I drink 90 ounces of water per day, and was doing all of the right things.

After having three bowel impactions from the constipation and trying many different things, I minimize eating cheese, take four Metamucil capsules daily, eat a salad with spinach in it.  I also eat a vegetable serving three times a day. 

I even had medical testing to see if there was something causing it.  Thankfully, they were negative.

I hope you find something that helps you.  It is miserable to be constipated.

Congratulations on your 4 years!!

Cathy

Prune Juice-a warrior's drink.

Really all kidding aside, try a few prunes or prune juice.  If you dump start small 2-4 oz. or a few prunes spaced out throughout the day.  Be near a bathroom because when prunes work, they really work.

Thanks to everyone for their posts.  So based on today's diet, you would think something would happen, LOL

Unfortunately, it seems like I get no relief from foods.

For example, here's what I've eaten thus far today:

Protein Drink with 4 oz of soy milk and decaf coffee
6 oz of Light & Fit Yogurt with 1/4 c of Fiber One Cereal
1 oz of prunes (approximately 4 small ones)
6 bottles of water (each 16.9 oz) with two bottles I've used All Bran Fiber Drink mix (each has 10 g of fiber)
1 cup chicken noodle soup and I've taken 6 metamucil capsules.

When I get really backed up I vomit so until I am done with my tests, I am trying to each soft/liquid.

Thanks again for your suggestions!  I'm sure one of them will work!

I found that a stool softener (Dulcolax or other OTC type) was the best thing to get myself moving. 

I now include EVOL in most of my day's food intake (a salad for lunch, etc) and that really helps.

Good luck.

Maybe you need to do a clean out  and start new ??? 

Cuz that sounds horrible to have that much going in and nothing coming out.   How about  a bottle of bowel Prep and  then start slow on a high fibre  diet ??

What does your Dr  say ?

I noticed you are drinking protein drinks. Those things bind me up something fierce. I've only known one other person that's like me, but I just can't handle protein drinks, or Carnation instant breakfast drinks, anything like that. Do you think that may be part of your problem? Also, some of us need a good bit of fat in our diets. I know we're supposed to restrict fats, but I seem to work better with some fat going in me. I've known people to dip their food in olive oil before they eat it - they say it has a lubricating effect.

I'd get some probiotics which contain heathy bacteria for the digestive tract.  It helped me quite a bit though I used it for bloating and pain.  But it helped with constipation too.  Also, magnesium supplements can help.  Specifically magnesium oxide.

Anyway there are many brands of probiotics.  I bought mine online when I ordered other vits.  I just looked for one that had alot of different bacteria in it figuring that more were better.

Good luck, Kathy

I used to have problems with constipation. I then found out about ground flaxseed. It works wonders for me. I buy organic whole flaxseed and store it in my panty. I grind as needed and store the ground flaxseed in the refer. I use about 1 to 2 tablespoons per day stirred in whatever I am eating that day. For example, protein shakes, yogurt, cottage cheese, oatmeal or sauces.

It is important to use ground instead of whole due to the release of nutrients. This nut also includes good fats and protein.

The amount needed will vary depending on the person. I know someone who only uses a teaspoon a day.

It has made all the difference in the world for me.

Thanks to everyone who posted, these are great suggestions and I'm going to try a few after I finish my colonic study.  First I'm going to take a bottle of Phospho Soda to clean me out then start a new.

While I've been uncomfortable all week because of this study, the one positive thing is I have had to keep a food journal this week.  What a way to bring yourself back to basics.  I think I may continue journalling for a while, especially to lose these couple extra pounds I've put on this week.

Again thanks, and have a great day.
Melanie

Buy some golden Flax seed and store it in an air tight container in the fridge.  Put about a teaspoon full in a clean coffee grinder and grind it up just before you use it.  We put ours in our yogurt every morning with a little raw uncooked oatmeal.  This works for everyone in our house not just WLS post-ops.  You may need to start out with a tablespoon to get things moving.

PS we order our flax seed right from the farm in the Dakota's.