Colon Cleanse

Has anyone done a colon cleanse? I don't know wether to do one or not. The constipation is back full force since I have been back on track. I hate the constipation issues, but love doing the program correctly again!

Hi there:
I will tell you I considered the same thing, and had even asked a similar question on the RNY board.  I decided to look further into them, and decided a colon cleanse was not the answer.  I have had constipation issues for a few months now, and it's the most miserable I have been since my RNY.  Which was 13 months ago.

Have you considered taking probiotics?  I had seen someone suggest it on OH, and decided that sounded sensible to me.  I have been taking them now for 2 weeks, and could tella noticeable difference after just two days.  I had flaming gas issues, bloating and constipation, and so far I have had zero issues since being on the probiotics.  I had eaten yogurt, but it must not have been enough to help things along.

You might still have to do some things to help with the constipation.  Upping your liquids always helps.  Even if you are like me and drink at least 120 ounces per day.  I have added 2 fiber choice chewables to my diet daily, and I think that helps as well.  I cannot tolerate the sugar free fiber choice.  I take the regular orange.  They are actually almost as good as candy!

You might also want to make sure you are taking in enough fats.  As crazy as it sounds, I started eating chicken fingers.  From a place around here named Zaxby's.  51 grams of protein in 5 fingers, and the fat must help too because things have been so much better since I upped my fat a little.

I do hope you get some relief.  It's the worst feeling ever!!

Oh, and I use a brand of probiotics called "Accu-Flora" that I found at Wal-green's or Rite Aid.  Hope this helps!

CJ

I agree with the previous poster - I really doubt a colon cleanse will cure your constipation long term.  Sure it will clean you out, but you can't use them all the time.  I like the idea of probiotics too - however I was too far gone for them.  I'm five years out and the only thing that keeps me "normal" in the poop dept is Miralax.  A capful everyday in a glass of crystal light and I'm poopin like a pre-op.  I asked a gastroenterologist about long term use and she said it was ok.  It just brings more fluid to the colon and doesn't enter the bloodstream.  I also eat 1/2 cup of Fiber One cereal every day.  I also used to use Citracel but found Miralax worked a ton better.  I tried Benefiber and that nearly ruined my life - so much gas that I nearly blew the roof off.

So - try loading up on fiber, water, probiotics first maybe - but don't rule out a jug of Miralax - it's done miracles for me.   I have my poop cereal and poop drink every morning and life is good again.

Good Luck! 

ditto on what was said above.

i also found that eating a few dried apricots a day worked for me as well.  better than other dried fruits.

also up those fluids.

good luck, jacki

p.s.  i would not do the colon cleanse.

When I take iron I get constipated.....so vitalady told me to add 1000 mg of magnesium oxide to my suppliment regime...it works. better then Miralax and MOM for me.....

Scott

I agree about probiotics but I also take extra fiber in the form of vege caps. Renew Life has one called Daily Multi Cleanse that works well. I take two of them in the morning and then 2 of the Organic Triple Fiber in the afternoon and evening. I take my probiotic in the evening too. I find most days I am regular but can tell if I cut back.  You can get these a lot cheaper at www.vitacost.com and no matter how much you order, shipping is only $4.99. I usually order 6 months worth at a time.

Stool softeners seem to help this some too. I think this is something we will have to face for the rest of our lives if we stay on program and make protein our biggest portion.

Diona