Question:
5 weeks post op and terribly constipated.

I am about 5 weeks post op and terribly constipated. Ive moved my bowels about 4 times since surgery. And that was with the help of the glycerine sups. I tried taking the Milk of Mag but, cant tolerate the taste of it. Im still on crushed pills and have a hard time with the taste of certain pills crushed. Anyone have suggestions on what I could take? Could I take the wafers I have read about and how do they taste?    — m b G. (posted on October 3, 2002)

October 3, 2002
Hi, I'm 4 weeks out...Have the same problem... but not antymore. Have you tried citrucel orange powdered fiber therapy? It tastes okay goes down quickly. I take it every morning and don't have the problem antmore. I "go" once every 3 days or so now, and it's not nearly as hard or painful....
   — Debby M.

October 3, 2002
Like you I also had severe constipation I know mine was brought on by my vitamins with iron. I have been eating apples and prunes plus taking a Fiber Choice chewable pills that are sugar free. I bought them at Wal-Mart and this has help me get back to normal.
   — charanewme

October 3, 2002
I feel your pain! I am five weeks out too, and I really struggled right after surgery, and again last week. I use Metamucil sugar free. I drink it first thing in the morning. The directions say not to take it before bed time. You really need to be careful, and I speak from experience. I even had hemorroids, which I had never experienced before. I wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy. Make sure to drink as much water as you can. It really helps.
   — Valerie B.

October 3, 2002
I too have been having lots of trouble with constipation. I tried eating 2 or 3 prunes each day which didn't help at all. The key I have found is to drink your water faithfully and I am also taking 2 FiberChoice chewable tablets a day. I also try to go to the bathroom at even the slightest feeling that I might need to go. That seems to prevent the strain of waiting. Even when you think you don't feel like you would do anything. I know that sounds sort of gross but it really does help. If you are going to try the fiber it is best to start them directly AFTER you have your last bowel movement. DON'T take them if you are still plugged up and haven't gone yet. It will only make the problem worse. I speak from experience. I hope that helps. Good luck. By the way, I am now 9 weeks post-op and down 50#s. :)
   — Laurel C.

October 4, 2002
This is a medical issue; CALL YOUR DOCTOR! My surgeon told me never to let myself get constipated and he gave me a prescription for Miralax (not a laxative) to use if I even think I'm getting constipated. It is a powder that disolves completely in any liquid and has no taste at all. The first time I used it I had been on pain meds for about a week and they are notoriously constipating. It took about three days for it to work. That was almost three months ago and I've only had to use it one other time.
   — Patty_Butler

October 4, 2002
Rather than take all those medications, try something natural, like popcorn. I started popcorn at about 5 weeks out. If you have a handful or two every night, and drink lots of water, trust me, you will start to move those bowels! Popcorn is a natural fiber-in fact, all forms of corn are....
   — Cindy R.

October 4, 2002
Hi there: I was wondering, are you still on any kind of pain medication? If you are there is a 99% chance that is what is causing your constipation. It is like the most constipating thing in the world. If you go off pain meds, the constipation may subside. If you are already off pain meds, I would consult the doctor cause something else could be wrong. Good Luck
   — Annie E.