Question:
Have anyone tried magneium citrate for bowel movements?

I'm going to call the doctor today because the mom is not working for me. I had wls 7/22 and one small movement. I have always had problems in that area before wls. Any thoughts on how to keep regular movements? I'm going to contact the nut on Monday.    — Toby2 (posted on August 9, 2008)

August 8, 2008
You may need that for the initial treatement if you haven't gone in over 2 weeks but one time? Drink plenty of fluids, and exercise, and that will help the first couple of weeks when on limited foods. Once you begin foods, continute water and exercise, begin eating foods, and you might consider either Miralax stoof softener powder (Mixed with water) or a stead diet of one or two generic stool softeners daily. As you diet is increased in variety, try to eat high fiber foods, as that will help also. Constipation will be an issue for most RNY patients, as it is for me occasionally. Once you're 3-4 months out you could probably also try dried peas or dried edamame for snacks. These are high in fiber and protein, and I eat them often. If you've had issues prior to surgery, it's probably because your diet was relatively low in fiber or you did not drink enough fluids. Fluid intake and fiber is important after surgery, as your intake of food is limited, and consitpation can be a daily issue--especially if you don't drink enough water or have fiber rich foods. DAVE
   — Dave Chambers

August 9, 2008
I use powder capsules of magnesium citrate regularly for regularity and it does work for me with all the many vits and iron I take daily. I was miserable until I began MC. Dave mentioned fiber and lots of fluid and I totally agree with that too...I normally eat a lot of fiber...I aim for 30 g's of fiber in my daily diet....and I supplement with dry Fiber One cereal. It is sweet tasting and has 14 g's of fiber for a 1/4 cup. It's a great crunchy snack dry or on dessert, like pudding, Ice cream, or yogurt. Bowels take a long while to adjust to the surgery. I didn't think I'd ever have a "normal" day...I never knew what to expect from day to day. MC keeps thinks unplugged and fiber keeps everything from falling apart and heavy enough to move! Plus fiber scrubs your intestines and that alone makes vitamin absorption much better...Kinda like an old plumbing pipe with years of buildup...a daily diet rich in fiber cleans down to the intestinal wall where nutrients can can absorb without the build-up blocking it. It also absorbs toxins and disposes of that junk too.... Without your small intestines, the more help you have in absorption and ridding of toxins the healthier you will be. So fiber is a good addition to any diet...Too much fiber will make you feel bloated too...So 30 g's is a good number to aim for...
   — .Anita R.

August 9, 2008
Good results with bowl movements by taking powerful "liquid" vitamin/mineral VEMMA. You get round, firm, fully packed movements. Sorry for the vivid description. Go to www.TrySomeVemma.com
   — [Deactivated Member]

August 9, 2008
My mom has always had trouble with Bowels. Her doctor has her on 1-2 tablespoon of Miralax daily. Hope that helps.
   — VeraWalker

August 9, 2008
I had WLS June 30th of this year, I take liquid magnesium calcium citrate twice daily in conjunction with the recommended supplements, HOWEVER, I take those supplements WITH PEAR JUICE BY GOYA! It's a natural stool softener & has helped me since day ONE to be regular. Now, my post surgical 'regular' isn't the same as my pre surgical movements but they're regular enough to be every two days & consistent. Hope this helps! -Amy
   — mom4ruby

August 9, 2008
MIRALAX...thats the answer. Not saying that everyone elses answer wont help, but I tried it all. This is the only thing I can use that helps. You mix it in anything once daily and it is tasteless as well. Get it most anywhere, Wal-mart is where I purchase mine.
   — Babbles

August 10, 2008
I was given colace capsules to take. The directions I had were to open it up and squeeze out the liquid. That stuff was vile!! I sent my husband to the store for some kind of liquid stool softener. He brought home miralax and I have taken it ever since. I spoke with my Dr. about it and he said it was very important to take it the first couple of weeks because of pain meds will back you up. Since I was only taking them at night I didn't have too much of a problem. I am almost 7 weeks out and use the miralax about once a week now. Just depends on how things are moving. lisa
   — Lisa B.