Question:
I seem to stay constipated, ever since my surgery two years ago.

I have to get medicine from my doctor that relaxes my colon so I dont stay constipated. I have been this way every since my surgery, does anyone else have that problem, and can it make yougain weight if you stay constipated?    — Laura W. (posted on January 19, 2005)

January 19, 2005
I doubt that constipation would lead to weight gain, but it sure is uncomfortable. I'm just under two years out, and I find that I'm OK as long as I get at least 60 ounces of caffeine-free, sugar-free liquids a day (more is better--I shooot for 80 ounces), and two tablespoons of Benefiber each morning. If I lay off the Benefiber or the liquids, I suffer. Constipation was never a problem pre-bypass.
   — Vespa R.

January 19, 2005
My husband has Parkinson's Disease which contributes to severe constipation. He took Miralax (prescription) and Colace every day and was still constipated. We finally discovered a combination of prunes and cereal (with 10 grams of fiber per cup, such as Nature's Path Optimum Power or Kashi's GoLean) keeps him regular. We get the prunes in cannisters labeled "Dried Plums Pitted Prunes". We buy the cereals at Sam's Club and/or Kroger's (in the health food section). Good Luck!
   — [Deactivated Member]

January 20, 2005
I'm over 2 years out and I've found that I HAVE to have fresh fruit in my diet or I pay for it big time. My favs are fresh(never canned or frozen) pears,apples and oranges. I try to have some everyday. If I skip for just 2 or 3 days I can tell a difference in my bathroom habits. I have to peel the apples and pears cause the peels dont "sit" well but other than that I've had no problems and I'm still holding steady in the weight loss area. At goal for over a year. Good luck. Sidney
   — Siddy I.

January 20, 2005
I'm 3 years out and I have this exact same problem. I just started eating frozen peaches each night before bed, and although it's still a bit painful to go...I do. Even taking laxatives and Ducolax don't help. If I don't go, my whole day sucks because I feel bloated and all fat. I was considering going to the doctor to ask for meds, but I figure if I can do it with peaches I'll be ok. God, I hope I don't get sick of peaches. lol
   — Paula Prichard

January 20, 2005
I don't think it causes actual GAIN, so much as that uncomfy feeling. I did have this problem pre-op, then was free for the first year. Then, it came back and has gotten worse. I've added water, more water, more fiber, insoluble fiber, soluble fiber, combos of fibers, tried prunes (which are WAY over my sugar limit), added fats/oils, use colace. Miralax helps some. Finally have a dx, which is almost too simple, but does fit with the pre-op time. They dx it as IBS. They could actually SEE the colon doing oddball things as they watched! (nope, I didn't get to watch, sleeping). It's very possibly NOt your diet, if you've tried everything. Please pursue it, though, because chronic constipation can set us up for all kinds of problems
   — vitalady