Question:
Does anyone have problems with constipation?

I AM 8 WEEKS POST OP, I ONLY HAVE A BOWEL MOVEMENT EVERY 4-5 DAYS OR SO AND HAVE CONSTIPATION, I JUST BOUGHT A STOOL SOFTENER, AND I AM 8 WEEKS POST OP. I AM VERY PLEASED WITH MY 45 - 50 POUND WEIGHT LOSS, AND COULD USE SOME IMPUT ON THIS, THANKS.    — peaceangel58 (posted on December 28, 2000)

December 28, 2000
Hi I am almost 4 wks post-op and I have the same problem, the doc told me to take two stool softners every day! kim
   — kimberly G.

December 28, 2000
Hi there Debra. I was plagued with painful constipation postop for quite a while. I checked with my surgeon and found out that drinking Metamucil every day would be fine for me. It's kept me regulated for months now and oh what a relief it is! BUT, I think you should always check with your surgeon before adding any kind of medication to your regimen, even over-the-counter stuff. Take care.
   — Martha O.

December 28, 2000
I have had serious problems with constipation. Usually they occur when I have not gotten enough water. My doctor provided me with an information sheet listing approved OTC medications and I have found that Coalacse stool softners help a great deal......along with lots of water. I am also cautious about eating certain foods. I find that cheese can constipate me so I limit how much cheese I eat and I do try to eat salads for the fiber and moisture.
   — Nanette T.

December 28, 2000
I have this problem too. First off, the reason you have so few BM's now is because of the little bit we eat. I know that before surgery I would have one at least once a day...Now, I go every 3-5 days. Second, are you taking iron supplements? This could very well be one of the reasons for the constipation. Also, increasing your water intake will help, as well as increasing fiber in your diet. Just be careful with the fiber b/c you can actually constipate yourself w/ fiber too. I have done that to myself *G* Hugs~
   — Marni

December 28, 2000
If you are taking iron in ferrous SULFATE form, that can give you "tar poop" or slow you to a crawl. If you reach a point of misery, you might ask for a prescription for Mira-Lax. It's an odorless powder that mixes completely with Crystal Light and then the next day, everything is NORMAL. No cramping or explosions. I started back to my old constipated ways about 1 year post-op, and have remained so for years now. This is the first thing I've seen that works so gently without causing me more pain. The object is to take it daily for 1 month to retrain the bowel to be interested in daily movement. Since this tends to run in my family, it seems to be physical, rather than dietary.
   — vitalady

December 28, 2000
Metamucil is a great natural constipation releiver. I know it sounds crazy, but it also helps with diarrhea. When I worked as a LPN years ago, my head nurse told me about this solution when our patients had loose stools. It helps to form up the stools.
   — Jan M.