Question:
How often should I be going to the bathroom? I feel bloated

I am having to take pain medicines which I know can constipate you but I can't live without them yet can anyone tell me what I can take to help I did have a good weight loss going 43 lbs in 7 weeks but now this week I have gained 4# and I know it is because I cannot go #2 and when I do go it is not very much.    — ROMONA A. (posted on January 19, 2002)

January 19, 2002
You're 7 weeks post op and you are still on pain medication AND to the point that you "can't live without them"??? Hmmmmm
   — [Anonymous]

January 19, 2002
Phewwwwww......I tend to agree with the first post....you need to discuss this with your physician right away!!!! Seven weeks and still cannot live without pain meds??? Something there is bad wrong! Also - he can advise you about the constipation. I use fiber powder in water daily (like Metamucil or Citrucil) to keep myself going.... (Open VBG 06/11/02 - as of today - I've lost 121 lbs!)
   — Cathy J.

January 20, 2002
I really would talk to my doctor if I were you. Number 1, you really should not still be on pain meds at 7 wks. post-op. I know we all move at our own pace but I had an open SRVG (silastic ring vertical gastroplasty) on Dec. 11, 2001 and took my last dose of pains meds on Dec. 16. Number 2, we CAN still get constipated. While at almost 6 wks. out I find that I usually have a BM only every 2-3 days and in smaller amounts (sorry to get so graphic but I'm trying to help you);much longer than that and I would get concerned. Call your doc, he/she can advise you about still being on pain meds and also give you some tips on avoiding and/or relieving constipation. Good luck to you!
   — esthjb

January 20, 2002
I TOTALLY agree... if you're pain meds are from your surgery.. and you still have so much pain that you "can't live without them yet.." then you need this addressed by your PCP or surgeon NOW. I mean RIGHT NOW. Get offline and CALL THEM!!! One of two things is happening here.. either something has gone wrong and you really still ARE in pain.. or you've developed a dependence upon the pain killers. Either one is BAD NEWS!!!!!! Get HELP with this..!!
   — Diane E.

January 20, 2002
Hi, hope I can help, is your pain from surgery or have you been taking pain meds. for your back etc.? If you are still having joint pain or back pain that you were having before surgery, it takes time I have chronic back problems and I'm a little over 3 months post-op, it takes time and you may never be 100% but you will feel better. In the mean while if it is your back etc. ask your doctor (pcp) to sent you for pain management, they are great. Good luck Pat
   — patricia P.