Question:
my doc recommends mineral oil for constipation.

does anyone else use this with success? how on earth can i manage to gag this stuff down--it's gross! thanks    — HOTSALLY29 (posted on February 12, 2003)

February 12, 2003
Heavens - uck. I don't know how you could manage to drink it- how much would you have to take? There has to be another alternative!? My two hounds managed to sucessfully track and catch a bottle of canola oil (the big one, too)the other day- let me tell ya, it does work! They were verrrry regular. Still- after the groomers and professional carpet cleaning to remove the oil, it turned out to be the most expensive laxative we've ever paid for. Fiber One is a great cereal- expensive as well, but you only need 1/4 c. a day. It works for me. (Yes, I do lock the pantry now.)
   — Karen R.

February 12, 2003
Sally, I try to eat a cup or two of popcorn every day. Along with a ton of water, it keeps me pretty regular. If I skip popcorn for a few days (I do get tired even of that fav!), then I'm constipated too.
   — Cindy R.

February 12, 2003
I have tried Fiber Con, then I then switched to the clear metamucil then I went on to Freelax. I too deal with major constipation issues. Now I eat some Fiber One or Grape Nuts you can add them to yogurt. Or some wheaties. I do not dump at all. But to be honest I wish that I could find one thing that makes me dump therefore it would help me out. Best of luck to you. I definately know where you are coming from. your weightloss sister
   — Darlynn C.

February 12, 2003
In the beginning (almost 2 1/2 years ago) constipation was a HUGE issue for me. It was so bad the laxatives even stopped working. AGH! It was awful. I guess my system finally adjusted but here's some tips. When you feel like a snack try some special homemade recipe Fiber One cereal. Divide a box up in individual serving ziploc bags and sprinkle with Splenda and Cinnamon. Let it sit for a couple of days and then just munch on it when you feel like snacking. It's so good. Next, consider Kashi Go Lean cereal and Uncle Sam Cereal (generally found in the natural or specialty cereal section). Just eat it with skim milk like you would any cereal. I recommend eating it at night though because it generally works wonders first thing in the morning. Best wishes to you.
   — ronascott

February 12, 2003
Rona's got some great suggestions below. Also, instead of the yucky mineral oil, you might try Sunsweet Lemon Essence Dried Plums (a nicer way to say "prunes"). They are really good! They're in the section of the grocery store where they have raisins, dried fruits, etc. They come in a resealable sort of metallic zip bag, and they also come in Orange Essence, and Cherry Essence. I eat ONE in the morning (20 calories), and usually mid-breakfast I have to say "excuse me", and visit the bathroom. I never even knew they existed until I visited my 87-year old parents in Florida this past Christmas. Works like a charm! Hugs, Joy
   — [Deactivated Member]

February 12, 2003
As a nurse in the 1980's when we still used mineral oil after certain xray procedures, we gave it to patients followed by a wedge of fresh orange. The citrus helps "cut" the grease. Also, if you like salads, you could try some lettuce, etc and use mineral oil and vinegar.
   — Dana S.

February 12, 2003
Sugar-free jelly beans work for me every time!
   — Karen E.