PERMANENT, SAFE SOLUTION FOR CONSTIPATION!!

Good Morning Everyone!

After just reading and commenting on a post regarding "constipation after surgery", I felt compelled to write this post regarding this awful problem.  There is a simple, safe, pleasant, healthy solution.  Forget costly Miralax (which contains sodium and causes bloating/swelling), Metamucil (which can cause blockages) stool softeners (that don't work), etc.  The two types of laxatives are: Bulk or Stimulant.  If you want to completely solve this problem buy a "stimulant" laxative and this is what you buy - go to Walmart and pick-up either/or both, The "Equate" brand of X-lax which is nothing but an herb (senna) or another inexpensive, safe, effective herbal remedy - Cascara Segrada.  Either of these will work for everyone!  They cannot hurt you!  The "Equate" X-lax is next to the regular X-lax; the Cascara Segrada is on the vitamin/herb isle, it is made by "Spring Valley".  Either of these, depending on the severity of your problem can be taken together or separate.  So don't waste your money on all those other synthetic, ineffective, expensive, disgusting bulk producing or stool softening products.

Have a Great Weightloss Day!
COMETGIRL

So glad you have found something which works for you.

My band doc actually advised against even natural laxatives as he said that over time we become dependent on them and so fibre in our diet is much preferable. But I suppose that as we are likely to have this problem for our whole lives, being dependent isn't as bad as for someone who expects constipation to be a short term issue.

As I no longer need to worry too much about calories, i rely on prune juice every monring and evening.

Kate

Hi Kate:

Yes, some people need just a little fiber, however, some folks have nerve damage which all but stops regular action of the intestines.  It just depends on the person and how severe their problem is.  I mentioned Miralax as alot of people don't know how the sodium in it can cause bloating and swelling.  And products like Metamucil can cause blockage.  You have to figure out or see a doctor: do I need a "stimulant" laxative?  And sometimes, that is the answer.  Herbs are by far the safest and it has been my experience that they have not proven to become a dependency, but that old saying "If you need it - take it, if you don't then don't take it,"  holds true.  Chronic constipation is one factor which can lead to colon cancer; so you just have to discuss options with your doctor and then realize what is necessary for yourself.  However, some people don't realize the difference between bulk/extra fiber and stimulant laxative, and unfortunately, the common suggestions of extra water, fiber, etc., do not work for everyone.

Have a Great Day!
Cometgirl  

I am preop but when I have a problem with constipation I take a few magnesium tablets. They are inexpensive and I can vary the amount I take. I try to take two a day to keep from getting constipated. I don't have any gas or bloating when I take them. I just am able to go to the bathroom.
If I miss a few days then I take four or five magnesium tablets and have a BM before the day is out.
This may not work for everyone but it works for me. Stimulant laxatives tend to cause me cramping and are unpredictable about when they will work! Usually at the most inconvenient time like when I am in my car between home and work! Ugh! Sorry officer, I can't stop for a speeding ticket I have to get home and s___! Forgive the TMI!

I am RNY and my doc specifically told me to stay away from laxatives he wants us to use fiber EVERYday. He feels that we can all use extra fiber, but that our bodies can become dependant on laxatives.  Yes people with damgae to nerves are different...but so are each of our surgeons. I say go with what your surgeon recommends to stay on your program.


teach

I don't really think the "stimulant" laxatives should be recommended, especially for the new post ops. I've always avoided the stimulant laxatives since my surgery. You cite "nerve damage" and that is a special case--not everyone has that condition. Senna is in the herbal tea I take, and I agree this works well. I'm brewing some of the "concentrated" tea at this time, that I'll refrigerate. I can then use it as a cold beverage, or heat in microwave as an evening relaxing tea. DAVE

You can also enjoy a cup of Smooth Move Tea, located in just about every market, problem solved. 

i don't know about anyone else but there is no way i am going to take a stimulant laxative.\ as it is a stimulant it makes me unable to sleep (if taken in the evening) and very jittery and uncomfortable with horrible pains in my belly if i take it during the day.  i have been taking something called "align" which is a probiotic that is supposed to help with digestion.  i also occasionally mix in some "all bran" into my greek yogurt and eat that.  i know we're not supposed to be scarfing down fibrous foods but i find that that occasional addition helps things along.  i will use miralax if nothing else works but senna definitely isn't the way to go for me.  thanks, though for posting your suggestions.

Thank you so much for posting this.  I have been on Miralax for about a month now, daily, at the advice of my doctor.  I have SUPER SEVERE constipation and the nerve damage of the intestines that you spoke of.  Well, anyway, I have been feeling sick and "odd" since I've been on the Miralax, but did NOT associate it since my doctor told me it was virtually side-effect free.  I've had horrible migraines (went to the ER, even), been so bloated up with water I can't wear my rings, been dizzy, been dry heaving...

So... after reading your post, I decided to Google Miralax and look what I found...

http://www.webmd.com/drugs/drug-17116-Miralax+Oral.aspx?drug id=17116&drugname=Miralax+Oral&pagenumber=6


Good lord, just when I found something to help me "go", it's been making me feel like CRAP!

Thanks again for posing.  If anyone has any other ideas, please let me know.  I cannot take fiber because of my intestinal nerve damage.  I cannot take stimulant laxatives because of my "several" intestinal surgeries since my bypass.  Stool softeners only give me gas.  BAD gas.  I am so depressed.

Thanks for listening.

~m

actually stimulant laxatives CAUSE nerve damage, which is what makes you dependent on them.