Bowel Movements

I will be six weeks post op this Friday and have yet to have a bowel movement without drinking Milk of Magnesia.  Has anyone else experienced this and if so does it pass? Also, is it safe to be drinking Milk of Magnesia on a regular basis?

I plan to discuss all of this with my surgeon at my six week check up, but wanted input from here since the information on the forums is usually better!

OH YEAH!!!!!    Many of us!!!!   Im 8mth and its improved...but hasn't passed by any means.  M.O.M might be a little harsh for constant use?? I use it I haven't gone for 2 days, it usually gets the ball rolling.  I take Senekot herbal lax pills with a built in stool softener daily still.  I have also started taking a probiotic recently to try to eliminate the need for the pills.  Its a work in progress.

 None of these products are good for you, especially on a regular basis BUT desperate times call for desperate measures sometimes.  Let me tell you .....I thought a few times I would have ended up in the hospital trying to pass these "boulders".  Its horrible and very scary!!!!

My clinic suggested prune juice followed up by a hot beverage.  You could give that a try for a more natural approach.  Definitely have it on your list of topics to discuss with your Dr.

Any laxative, can be habit forming - as in your body gets used to it and then needs it. Most people I think try to work with Miralax or colace which are stool softeners, some people even take them everyday. They are safe for everyday. Still trying to figure out the balance myself.

I tried mixing Miralax in my hot tea but I couldn't get it down.  I drank about 1/3 of the cup and it all came back up.    I really think it was the texture that bothered me more than the taste.  I will try it again with coffee.

I'm 3 months out and take 1/2 cap Miralax every morning in my coffee... Seems to be the new norm.

I am 2 and a half months out and I am having problems! At first it was tolerable I was going every day and was a little difficult but the last week or so it's been horrible I've started taking laxatives every day and stool softener  but I don't want to rely on that so last night I went to the store and bought bran to add into my yogurt and Metamucil. Today is the first day trying that and I am praying it helps! I look forward to reading everyone's tricks!

try smooth moves tea from GNC. very gentle and non habit forming.

I used it for the first year and don't need it anymore. 

I am 5 yrs out, and still use Miralax. I put it in my coffee every morning. works like a charm. I just get an RX form my doc and my insurance covers the cost!!

I also was soooooo... constipated. I found what worked for me really well-It eliminated the issue completely was

a. Eating Prunes each day. Several in the am and several in the pm. and b. Mixing ground Flax seed(1 Tablespoon) into Yogurt or oatmeal one or two times a day. Hope it works for you as well.