Question:
Constipation?

I was wondering I am now 6 mths post-op and been having severe constipation, and wondering if anyone else has this problem too. I have tried laxatives and other medicines to help, and so no luck I have been checked out for my stomach pain cuz it hurts and doc said that everything was okay, but if this continues he might have to do exploratory surgery to see what is causing this pain and constipation so bad cuz a ct scan might not be always accurate. I am scared that something is worng and to have more surgery! Is any one else having the same prob and knew what caused it what what they had to do to fix the prob., and why can't a ct scan detect if something is wrong? thanks so much for all of your guys help I appreciate it! I am just so darn tired of being in pain!    — Melodee S. (posted on July 26, 2003)

July 26, 2003
I have the same problem and I have found that if I eat certain foods it gets things going again. For example if things have stopped and I eat some sugar free Hersheys candy about 4 pieces the sugar alcohol in it gives me diarrhea and clears things right up. The same holds true for cherries for some reason too. I have to do this about once a month to clear things out. Have you tried suppositories at all??? They may work even though they are kind of gross....you can even try an enema....I think I would do anything to affivd having more surgery. Good luck to you. Wendi
   — lovemonterey

July 26, 2003
hiya~ what is your water intake like? if you don't get enough water you'll get constipated. make sure you are getting at least 64oz a day. you can also add ground flaxseed to cottage cheese or yogurt - it has fiber that can help. i was told to never take a laxative post op but sometimes i have to take surfak which is a stool softener. try that for a few days plus get enough water and see if that helps. good luck, kate
   — jkb

July 26, 2003
I had that problem too. I found increasing certain foods like peanut butter, cashews, spinach , dairy helped (I'm lactose intolerant ). I also use sugar free citracel once in a while. Water and exercise also helps and I agree those sugar free candies will move the plumbing. Good luck! Lisa open rny 4/26/02 -150lbs
   — LisaTaz

July 26, 2003
As the rest of the guys said..... More water, excersise and increase you dietary fiber up to 25-30 grams a day. That did the trick for me. Good Lux
   — Robert L.

July 26, 2003
Check the library on this site. It has lots of info. I found answers there that worked for me. 2 stool softeners at night and a tbl. of Benefiber in my liquids in the morning. I also have an apple for a snack. Water and exercise do help. Do not let yourself get bound up. It just isn't worth it. If your problem continues, consult your doctor. There are prescriptions that can help also. If necessary, use a laxative. Best of luck. LAP RNY 8-28-02 down 112lbs.
   — Linda K.

July 27, 2003
According to my surgeon, constipation is a real problem after RNY because we don't eat enough fiber. Some of his suggestions are: GrapeNuts soaked in grape juice (grape juice is a natural laxative and believe it or not, this is good); Triscuits; two or three prunes or dried apricots a day; he also prescribes Miralax (an osmosis agent, not a laxative). I have found that when I am really, really constipated that eating a Carbolite candy bar works wonders - it really has a laxative effect on me. I found this out quite by accident and it worked so well that I didn't have to take the magnesium citrate before my hernia repair and tummy tuck.
   — Patty_Butler

July 27, 2003
I too had the same problem. I was sent to see a specialist. The prescription medicine from my primary care physican didn't help. By accident I found fruit helps me. I had eliminated it from my diet thinking it was just extra calories I didn't need. When I added it back in, things started working again. If I forget and don't eat fruit or can't fit it in that day, I take two stool softeners at night. I am regular now. If your not eating fruit, give it a try.
   — june22

July 27, 2003
During the 1st and 2nd month post op I had constipation too. I did not like taking the medications suggested to me. So, when I could tolerate foods better I began eating 4 baby carrots during lunch and then another 4 before going to bed as a snack. Ever since then I have had no problems with constipation. It sounds simple but it worked for me. Good Luck.
   — Cindy M.