Question:
How can I prevent Constipation??

I am having a terrible time battling constipation. I feel like I am living off of Correctol. I am eating only what I am supposed to....does anyone have any ideas as to how I can take care of this? Anyone out there have the same problem?Please let me know. Thank you!    — Heather C. (posted on June 16, 2000)

June 16, 2000
Heather: I do not have any problems with constipation. I did a couple of times right after surgery. But, I wonder if you are eating any veggies with your diet? Are you drinking at least 64 ounces of water a day? Are you taking your vitamins with plenty of water? I think water will solve your problem and always add some good veggies and fruit to your diet.
   — Cindy H.

June 16, 2000
I too have many problems with constipation. I take childrens liquid laxative called Flether's Castoria. I tastes like rootbeer so I can swallow it, however I must take it for 2-3 days before it works, and even then I usually have to drink some type of juice, such as apple, grape, orange, before I go. Can you take correctal with an open RNY. I used to take it before my surgery but have not dared to try it since. I read it takes too much of the nutrients out of your system.
   — rosemary I.

June 17, 2000
Hi If you go to the WLS Library and look under post op complaints and go under constipation you will find that some people use LBS (lower bowel stimilint) or I use colon clense. I haven't had a problem since. But be sure you check with your doctor first. I got mine at at health food store.
   — [Anonymous]

June 17, 2000
Of course the best suggestion is lots more water, and the second best is to eat prunes or drink prune juice, if you can do so without dumping. My doctor prescribes Dulcolax, these teeny pills. I take one, and if I don't have results in 6-8 hours I take another, which usually works. I'm about 15 weeks postop or so and I tend to have either watery, loose bowel movements or I'm constipated. I did find that a good strong cup of coffee will sometimes loosen things up down there, too.
   — Elizabeth M.

June 17, 2000
I eat 3-5 prunes every morning and drink my 64 ozs. of water or better a day.. And I have absolutely no problems either way with constipation or loose bowels. My life is every bit as normal now as before surgery... I just eat a lot less and weight 117 pounds less.. YEA!!!
   — Victoria B.

June 17, 2000
Heather - I had an awful time with this and still do occasionally. All these remedies took several WEEKS before my body returned to some regularity -- and you have to be consistent - do it every day or it doesn't work. (believe me, you DON'T want to develop anal fissures - tears in the rectal lining from straining). I have to have at least 20-25 grams of FIBER a day. I get it thru Fiber One Cereal (17g), a serving of beans (5-9), and a salad. I take a stool softener twice a day (100g) -- was up to 400g a day untl I was regular. My doc recommended Colace. I drink the gritty stuff in water twice a day - I have something called 'Konsyl' which is no sugar/flavor, but has the most fiber (I can't think of any of the other brands. 64 ounces of water is a MINIMUM. If I don't drink that - I don't go. 30 minutes of exercise is a MINIMUM - if I don't do it, you get the idea. I too felt like I was abusing laxatives, and the discomfort was horrible. There are no foods (prunes, beans, cabbage, broccolli, watermelon, etc) that seemed to work -- I just got more gassy and bloated and it made me more uncomfortable. ALSO, many of the b-vitamins are constipating -- check with your doc, you may need to switch to the spray vitamins.
   — Toni B.

February 25, 2001
Kosher pickels will clear you out. Just eat one, slowly, and you will need to go in about an hour.
   — Mark B.