Zelnorm anyone?

I'm about at my wit's end with constipation issues, and don't know what else to do at this point. Does anyone know if we can take these types of medications? I hate the thought of taking "another" pill in addition to all the supplements I already take, but I am just going nuts over this, and really want to get some resolution. I'm planning to email my surgeon's PA to see if there's any reason I couldn't take it, but I was just wondering if any of our grads have any experience with it. Thanks for your input. Carlita

I would say drink a cup of coffee. That has always helped me. Good luck, Sharon

If only it were that easy, Sharon! I already drink 3 cups a day, normally, sometimes more. Thanks, anyway!

I'm in the same boat as you. I take stool softeners daily, but inevitably end up having things get stuck and needing to add a stimulant at least once per week. I've added Fiber One cereal to my daily regimen, which makes the stool much larger (and consequently, harder to pass). Drinking more water for me seems to bypass my colon, goes directly to my bladder so I do get more exercise going down the hall to the restroom all day. Zelnorm is on my list for my visit with my PCP next month. Sue O.

Thanks for your response, Sue. I'm planning to see my doc soon, and will ask about the Zelnorm. I also contacted my surgeon yesterday, and they don't have a problem with post-ops taking it.

I have 3 tablespoons of Benefiber in my cup of coffee first thing every morning. No problems since adding this to my daily routine. TwoHats56

I like your handle, TwoHats56! Thanks for the tip, but I'm already using Benefiber, plus FiberCon, plus multiple stool softeners daily. I'm glad you're not having problems with your routine, though! LOL

I add Benefiber to my protein in the morning. That does it for me--though I really don't have much of a problem that way. Is your iron constipating you? How many times a day do you take it? Just a thought. Pam

Pam - it definitely could be the iron. I recently increased the amount I take, since I was feeling a little tired and sluggish. I only take it at night before bed, and always have since surgery. I guess I could try it in the AM, and see if that might help to counteract the constipation problem. Thanks for your input. Carlita

Morning Carlita, Not often I feel I can really contribute to a lot, but this is definitely a subject right up my alley lol I suffer from severe constipation, and can only take my iron pills once a week (sometimes every 10 days) which is sad, as I'm anemic and really need them. Anyway, about 6 months ago my doc diagnosed me with IBS with constipation and perscribed Zelnorm. The over the counters did nothing.. I tried colace, and others. This is my regiment, and if I'm strict with it, it keeps me regular, although its not always smooth passing, if you know what I mean, it does keep me going. Morning and evening 1 Zelnorm, 6mg EVERY morning, in 2 cups of coffe i shake a couple spoonfuls of benefiber. If I drink my protein shake, I shake benefiber in it DAILY I have baby field green salad. About once a week (sometimes more often) I take a chlorophyll 100mg pill. I drink a lot of water and decaf in the afternoons, and eat a lot of ice too (shaved) to help keep the fluids I haven't had any problems due to WLS restrictions taking the Zelnorm, but I do feel it makes me a bit gassy. I dont complain about that, though, cuz I've always felt when there is gas, it means the bowels are active, and not lying dormant clogging me up more. Hope this helps Wendy