Question:
6 Yrs Postie Wanting to do a Body Cleanse

I am 6 years out and a friend of mine (who hasn'd RNY surgery) did a 14-day "Body Cleanse" and said it was the best he's ever felt, and had tons more energy. It's a daily program that involves taking certain vitamins, a fiber vitamin, and something else I can't remember. He said you wouldn't BELIEVE what comes out of your body and warned me not to look after a bowel movement he said it looked like little live worms in the stool). Gross, I know, but it kind of freaks me out that there could be things like that in my body. Anyone ever do this?    — Renae (posted on January 16, 2008)

January 16, 2008
no I have never done this, but I have heard the same thing about the "body cleanse" stuff.. I'm pretty sure that I wouldn't want that in my body either.. your doctor can give you a "stool" test to see if you may have worms. If so the stuff you take taste horrible.. my ex step daughter had to take the stuff.. :( I would strongly sugest that you ask your dr first about the "Body cleanse" sometimes there are vitamins and minerals that we wls patients shouldn't take.. might hurt the tool. :( Good luck with everything. God bless you. Paula
   — japaad

January 16, 2008
I don't have any direct experience with this, either befor or after my RNY. Sounds pretty to me though, for someone who has had bypass surgery. I STRONGLY recommend consulting your trusted physician before going ahead with this; otherwise, you might do more harm than good. Should THAT happen, you'll be seeing your physician anyway to try to remedy the mess you've made fot yourself.
   — [Deactivated Member]

January 16, 2008
fleet phospho, and other bowell preps, clean you out and are cheap too. If its clean enough for bowell surgery, or a colonoscopy, it must be clean:)
   — bob-haller

January 16, 2008
From all the information I've ever seen, heard or read on this "body cleanse" all the professionals "actual physicians" come back to the basic concept that the body cleanses itself. That if you are eating right and taking care of your basic needs the body will generally follow suit. That's not to say that is the rule for everyone because as we all know so well, there's always special circumstances. Just please, before doing this or anything that could jeapordize your surgery, get advice from your surgeon or even consult the office's nurse, she may be familiar with it, if not she'll know who to contact. Good Luck to you, Leslie
   — LuvNSummer

January 17, 2008
I've done them not for a full 14 days well close to 14 days--I didn't have great results but I have a history of IBS w/ constipation that only got WORSE after RNY. My advise is you're thinking of trying it do so on a weekend when you aren't going to be so busy! It's also good to have a good cleanse before or after RNY. I almost think more so after RNY (a couple years post RNY in my opinion) but I'm not a doctor simply because once you are so far post op you are able to eat much more than early on and your insides have been re-worked. I think it's a good tool perhaps not a full 14 days. Some people also only eat organic fruits and veggies while doing so; I ate alittle more not just fruits and veggies but I def went everyday so for me it was worth the money. Also, whole foods offers brands that aren't so pricey. I used one that was $88 but like I said I did go everyday which for me NEVER happens on my own. Good luck lets us know if you decide to do it!
   — Ambitious

January 17, 2008
Don't do it! My husband did a Grandma's Colon Cleanse and it was the worst thing he could have tried. He was told he would feel better. He has Crohn's disease and it really gave him a setback. I've heard of those wierd stools but don't beleive it happens. How come the Drs. don't see them during a colonoscopy? I think you're better off eating healthy. Fish makes you alert and gives you energy. I'd watch out for these crazy schemes.
   — thecountrymouse

January 17, 2008
Hey Renae ~ I did the "master cleanse" for 40 days and lost 40 pounds and felt great!! but I gain it all back plus 20 more from not following the post cleanse instructions...it is true about your bm's...it is creepy!! http://www.curezone.com/ take care ~ chris
   — Christina N.

January 17, 2008
From a health standpoint: Check with your doctor first. These products are designed with non-WLS people in mind and may not be appropriate for those with altered anatomy. My personal opinion: This is a waste of your money. These products are essentially fiber and laxatives. The fiber, taken without sufficient food, mixes with fluids you drink and expands, forming a weird stringy, gel like mass which you then poop out due to the laxatives. If you think you have worms or parasites, you need to see your doctor and get treated because this *will*not* cure them. If you truly feel the need to cleanse, go buy some fleet phospho-soda or magnesium citrate... two bottles and you'll be pooping clear and all for under $10. Great deal. Sorry to be graphic, felt the situation warranted it. Good luck.
   — mrsidknee