Question:
Sorry to ask but I really need to know...

Im 3 weeks post op and I just went a week without a bowel movement. I really didn't want to ask but I thought I better. During that week I didn't really feel like I had to go but had some gas and grumbling. Is this normal since Im not eating very much. Right now my diet consist of mashed potatoes, yogurt, fish, cottage cheese.    — [Deactivated Member] (posted on October 29, 2003)

October 29, 2003
You need to have a bowel movement every 3 days to prevent impaction. You can use Milk of Mag, which comes in diffent flavors. If that doesn't work in 24 hours you can use a ducolax suppository. Even though you aren't eating very much you still need to go. The longer the food sits in the bowel the harder it gets because the fluid in the food continues to be absorbed. If you have any question you can e-mail me. Hope you feel better!
   — Danna S.

October 29, 2003
Hi, I am 4 wks post op and i use applesauce to keep my bowels flowing the unsweetend anyway. That is what my dr. told me to do. I hope this helps
   — Lynita C.

October 29, 2003
I am now 6 weeks post op but for the last several weeks,I take half a small apple and cook it in the microwave,add a dash of cinnamon, keeps me regular and tastes great. Good luck
   — Kathy S.

October 29, 2003
Milk of Magnesia works wonders. Give it a try! Kat 9 months post-op 138 gone 4-ever!
   — Kitty Kat

October 29, 2003
I use SenokotXTRA. It worked great for me. Also I have found that exercise and drinking water helps a lot. When I when for walks everyday and to the gym I did not have to use Senokot. I'm 6 mths post-op and I have not had to use this product in 4 months. Good Luck.
   — Linda R.

October 29, 2003
Sure hope you are getting your fluids in. That is something to consider. I am 3 1/2 weeks postop and dont have a problem with a BM. But I use M>O>M if I dont have one or I get too gassy. Also glycerin suppositories are great for quick relief.But the fluids really help with this problem. Good luck.
   — loisph

October 29, 2003
Try eating a hot cereal in the morning which contains a good deal of fiber. "Low Carb Success" has some good ones with a lot of protein and fiber. Good Luck!
   — kultgirl

October 29, 2003
Try Benefiber ... a lot of us don't get the fiber we need ... and Benefiber is tasteless and can be added to beverages (I put it in my oatmeal or cottage cheese). LAP RNY 06/18/03 -70
   — Karyn B

October 30, 2003
all of the previous posts have great sugjestions, keep in mind you are now eating in 3 or 4 days what you use to eat in 1 so things will go slower anyway! as long as the poo is not rock hard i would not be concerned about 'nopt going' daily, many of usa do not. but increase the fibor it will help! all the best luck to you!
   — janetc00

October 30, 2003
A week is too long... you need to go!! I am 22 months out, and one the third day of not going, I eat a handfull of shredded wheat... by that evening, I am going strong! LOL! Also, apple cider works for me as well as pickled okra! LOL! :~) You DO need to go at least every three days... beyond that, and it could cause major problems. I've let myself go for a week before and ended up digging out hard clumps in order to be able to go... I was lucky I didn't tear anything... keep yourself going, okay? Good Luck!
   — Sharon m. B.

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