Question:
— [Deactivated Member] (posted on November 7, 2006)
November 7, 2006
I was reading back through some of my preop information and it recommends
that if you become constipated to start using a fiber supplement like
metamucil, etc. Go back to the basics and start all over .... clear
liquids, then advance. And, measure, measure, measure. You have to
retrain your bowels.. Some people, it seems, can advance at the specified
guidelines, but others have to move slower. Everyone is unique. If you
are still having problems, or feel that this really isn't going to help....
contact the Registered Dietician that you saw preop and look for
suggestions from them..... good luck.
— Kari_K
November 7, 2006
This has been a big issue for me. I am now 7 months post-op and it has
gotten better. You will need to call your doctor to see what he/she thinks
you should do.... My doc at first said Milk of Magnesia (sp). That works
great, I get the mint. Then he told me to get Benefiber. It worked at
first. Then he told me that I needed to add Fish oil suppliments. That has
made a difference. So I now take Benefiber 3 days a week along with 2 Fish
Oil daily. I now only need MOM a couple of times a month. I know that some
people drink the Smooth Move Tea, it works I just don't like the taste.
Hang in there.. It will get better... Jules
— Jules O.
November 7, 2006
Are you still taking Pain meds because that causes BAD constipation. I am
3 months post op~I had major complications from surgery though~and I am
still constipated on a regular basis due to my pain meds. Water Water
Water!!
— Shannon J.
November 7, 2006
I am pre-op but I have bad constipation now and have always had it. I eat
Activia Yogurt by Dannon every morning. They come in 4oz containers and
this is the first time in my life that I have been somewhat regular. This
works but the only problem is if I run out and can't get to the store right
away for a few days then I am constipated again. But as soon as I start
eating the Activia again I am relieved.
— alceen
November 7, 2006
Hi Roxanne. Everyone has good adivice. My experience is that you'll have
to try several things and see what works best for you. Milk of Magnesia is
good.....and pretty easy to get down. I am now two years out and have
tried SO many things for my chronic constipation. I find that chewing the
maximum dosage of Sugar Free Fiber Choice EVERY day helps keep me regular.
Even with that, I still have a few times a month with all the pain and
cramping, but it's certainly better than before the Fiber Choice. Be
careful if you try the ACTIVA yogurt. The last time I checked it was
pretty high in sugar, so you don't want to try it until you know how much
sugar you can tolerate. Everyone also says regular exercise will
help.....I can't help you with that one, as I procrastinate and exercise is
LAST on my list! I do hope you find some relief. Hang in there. Also, if
you're only getting fluids, don't expect frequent BM's. You may be pushing
when there's nothing to push. Take care, and God bless you! ~christi
— christi_in_VA
November 7, 2006
This is something you need to address with your doctor because he knows
your history and will know what can work for you....I used smooth move tea
after my hysterectomy and it worked...you can put in lots of splenda
although I don't think it tasted bad. Yogurt should help and water too!
Definitely call your doctor today!
— Sheri A.
November 7, 2006
For the quick relief I use Milk of Magnesia. I also use Benefiber twice
daily as part of my regimen. At almost three years post-op I take 1200 mg
magnesium citrate (in tablet form that I grind up first) each night to keep
me regular. For many people being constipated is a sign of being deficient
in magnesium and it does help. I have heard that Magnesium Oxide also
works very well, but have not tried that. I no longer have a problem with
the big C. It is most important to avoid constipation if you can because
it can do a lot of damage over time via hemorrhoids or even a rectocele
that requires surgery to fix (I have the latter as a result of a post-op
impaction). Good luck and don't worry about this being a vile topic, it is
a fact of life. Sandra
— Arizona_Sun
November 7, 2006
hi Roxanne. I would definitely call my doctor and explain it to him just
because you never know. I am 1 year 5 months post-op and just had to have
surgery again because I started having pain in my stomach and my bowels
changed dramatically. I called and he had me go to the ER where he had all
kinds of tests done. Turns out my adhesions never healed themselves and I
had a hernia in there. Just had the surgery last monday. Hopefully yours
is just constipation (Milk of Magnesia works the fastest) but definitely
give your a surgeon a call and explain your situation. All the best to
you!
— theroses03
November 7, 2006
Be careful with Metamucil and other fiber supplements. They made me too
full and seemed to clog up my pouch. My doctor prescribed Ducolax for me.
— puffmommy
November 7, 2006
I am almost 3 years post op, and have had some gyn issues for many years of
being obese. My Gyn Dr. perscribed a tastless powder called Polyethylene
Glycol 3350, NF Powder. I used a whole dose which is one capful with a cup
of any drink (it really has no taste) and then after one or two days go to
one half dose because one dose is really too big for us surgery gals, it
will cause cramps and painful bloating if you use too much (I know from
experience). It is supposed to be non habit forming type of med. I do not
use it all the time because I don't need to all the time, but I do use it
when I am at a stand still. It really works gently and it really has no
taste. It was very cheap to purchase and was very helpful. You might want
to speak to your doctor and give it a try. I also would use one of the
fleet enemas when I didn't have a few days to wait for the glycol to work.
They are not painful and do help. Do what you need to with your doctors
advice to move those bowels, it will be a serious issue health wise if you
don't. When I first was recovering, popsickles were my best friend too,
just keep eating them, sip what you can, and exercise. Walk, even if you
have cramps, walk through them, even just around the block. Obesity is a
head issue with a body consequence. You have to fight the head issue the
rest of your life, one day at a time. You can do it! Call you doctor
about the meds, drink and chew popsickles and walk! Be brave girl, you can
do it!
Take care,
Patty P
— Patricia P
November 8, 2006
I know you said you cant swallow pills but try Colace it is an over the
counter stool softner... It has worked great for me and I am almost 2 weeks
out. You can buy these at Walgreens and it comes with 10 capsules and cost
is around $6.00..... Let me know if this helps ya....
Lesa S. - Texas
— Lesa S.
November 8, 2006
i am 2 week post op.....i have opposite effect......very soft stool
sometimes gushes out like liquid....very bad feeling
— jengadog
November 8, 2006
I'm 4 months post-op and have suffered from this too...I eat a fig daily
and that seems to help! Keep drinking LOTS of water too! It does get
easier...be encouraged! Patricia
— zoeysgrami
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