Question:
What do I do about constipation?

Just over 5 weeks post op and I have some serious constipation. I know for future I need to try to get in more fiber, etc. What can I do for it today? Is it okay for WLS's to take something like X-lax? Please respond quickly...I'm dying here!! Thanks!!    — Karen A. (posted on March 11, 2001)

March 11, 2001
Hi, I posted this same question just yesterday. I just copied and pasted all the info I've received so you could have it. Also the Super Colon Cleanse from GNC and LBS from other health food stores seems to be very effective. Good Luck!! Question: I was hoping and praying I wouldn't have to ask this embarrassing question. I read through all the questions posted about constipation. I feel like I've tried every rememdy suggested and I'M STILL CONSTIPATED!! It's not a blockage - if I take THREE laxative tablets I can go (after dealing with hours of stomach cramps and misery). I am 4 1/2 months post op and have lost 57 pounds. I do okay with liquids but I'm sure I'm not getting quite enough exercise. Constipation has never been a problem for me in the past. Two days ago I started taking "Super Colon Cleanse" that I bought at GNC. It's the same as a product called LBS (Lower Bowel Stimulant) which I saw recommended in several other posts. 2 days and 20 capsules later - still nothing except gas and bloating. I haven't tried prunes yet because they are so chocked full of sugar and calories. ARGHHH!! I know that I won't necessarily go every day because of decreased food intake. However, it can't be healthy for me to only go once a week or even every 10 days. Right now I wouldn't even mind something if it gave me diarhea every day. I'm getting blue :( about this. Can anybody help me? Thanks!! - Rona Scott 03/11/01: You might try a tablespoon or two of mineral oil mixed with orange juice or diet Tang. Mineral oil is an inert oil and does not get absorbed, neither does it cause cramping or gas. It just makes "things" slide on through. - Anonymous 03/10/01: I am very distal and am "supposed" to have chronic diarrhea. HELP! THIEF! I want my promised free diarrhea! BOY, do I know how you feel!!!! After that first year, I returned the family pattern of the chronic C. I have tried a coupla zillion things in the last 5 yrs. Any changes I've made work "for awhile". Then, back to misery. The things that gives me the most consistent relief are peri-colace (no cramping) and/or the Rx Mira-Lax. This is a powder I mix with 8 oz of Crystal Light---it's FINE. Honest. But the Rx is fairly new. Safe enough for kids, it is to be used for 30 days to "retrain" the bowel, in theory. Also, NO cramping. My doc had not heard of it, but checked it out. I don't think MY bowel will ever be retrained, but at least it will give me a break. - Michelle Curran 03/10/01: My suggestion is to give your doctor a call or a visit. It sounds perfectly miserable. - Cathy Miller
   — ronascott

March 11, 2001
Maybe you're addressing the problem from the wrong end. Try http://klystra.com/ for another solution. It worked for me.
   — [Anonymous]

March 11, 2001
When I was about ten weeks post-op I had such horrible constipation that I developed anal fissures.......not a pretty experience, believe me. I have found that THE MOST IMPORTANT THING for me is to get a minimum of 64 ozs of water a day. i also try to eat fresh fruits and vegetables because they have a high water content and fiber. When i do have trouble I use Colesce stool softners......they are gentle and work well.
   — Nanette T.

March 14, 2001
Place about 4 prunes in a small sauce pan with a couple inches of water boil for a few minutes then turn off the heat and let cool down. The next morning you should have results without the cramping and the fear of becoming addicted to stool softeners or laxatives which was my concern. Cindy Dinsmore
   — Cindy D.