Constipation

OK guys, I have no idea what to use. I have been taking laxatives 2 times a week because I am unable to go to the bathroom. I will be contacting my doctor today I hope to find out what I should do. or what he feels I should do. I don't want to continue to use the dulcolax because it causes HORRIBLE stomach cramps and pain. I hate them but they work really well. I am unsure what kind of fiber i am able to take. I am 4 months post op. Please give me your suggestions. Thank you in advance for you advice. Hugs, Di 254/185/154

Hello Diane..... From one who gets constipated easily, let me share with you what works for me. 1. Eat more FLAX SEED in your diet, or use flax seed oil, available at most health food stores. Flax seed is in cereals, and breads, just read labels. 2. Watch the amounts of: cheese, peanut butter, peanuts, and foods that are constipating. I limit my intake of those items, because they can constipate you. (me) 3. Eat more fiber in your diet, like oatmeal, whole grains, and drink more water. 4. Iron can constipate you also so watch your levels -- check and see if maybe you are taking too much. It all depends on what multi you are on. 5. What I try to do is eat at least one bowl of weight control oatmeal with raisins every day, and then one slice of multi grain - flax seed bread (available at Meijer) per day. This is good fiber. If you can tolerate broccoli, eat more of that. It's good source of fiber. Start reading food labels and eat things that are higher source of fiber. Don't become dependant on laxatives or other remedies because sometimes bodies may become so use to them that it won't work without them. Best way to modify your issue is to eat more grains and change your diet. That's just what I do when I get 'clogged up' and it aint no fun. hugs to you girlie!!! Stacey W 310/151

Hey there Stacey, You are such a beacon of information! Thank you I think I will try the flax seed so it is more natural. I have tried adding a little salad to my diet but at 4 months post op I still don't eat a whole lot. And I hate taking drugs for this. They are so crampy. Thanks Stacey! Hugs, Di P.S. You look amazing.

i have had the same problem talked to soe girls in my support class and they say it is very common my doc told mr to use milk of magnesia and he will also write a script for a liquid laxative caled verilax . the milk of magnesia got me moving with no cramps, good luck

I just had a discussion with my Dr. about this problem. Natural tips would be to follow what Stacey said but he also says "Water, water and more water". I did not think I could increase my water anymore and I did. It has helped. So far my senakot for my "back up" plan has not been opened. Positive Vibes Megan

Ok I AM 3MONTHS OUT AND HAD THE SAME PROBLEM TILL ABOUT 3 WEEKS AGO THE SOLUTION WAS SO SIMPLE FOR ME I JUST DIDN'T KNOW. I WAS TAKING STOOL SOFTENERS TWICE A DAY AND STILL NEEDED LAXITIVES AT LEAST 2-3 TIMES A WEEK AND IT HURT SOO BAD. THEN I HAD A SALAD (HAD NOT HAD ONE SINCE SURGERY) ALSO SALAD NEVER HELPED ME BEFORE SURGERY, BUT THE NEXT DAY LIKE MAGIC EVERYTHING WORKED GREAT. SO NOW I CONTINUE WITH STOOL SOFTENERS 2 TIMES A DAY AND A SALAD EVERY DAY AND EVERYDAY ALL IS WELL AND NO PAIN (IT TOOK ABOUT 1 1/2 WEEK FOR THE PAIN TO GO AWAY. NOW I HAVE A SALAD EVERY DAY AND YOU CAN ADD PROTEIN I ADD CHICKEN AND MOTZERELLA CHEESE AND BAM 22 GMS PROTEIN. I CAN ALSO EAT MORE SALAD THAN ANYTHING ELSE IT IS EASILY DIGESTED. GOOD LUCK

Di, I started taking the Fibersure. It is a powder and mixes into anything. It is tasteless and odorless and mixes smooth so you can't tell it is in there. Plus upping my water has helped. I would check with the doc, but one thing I did was have a "cleansing" day where I took a magnesium citrate and did all clear liquids. The next day I was pooping all day long, but it got me cleaned out and now I feel so much better. Then I started over with the fiber program. It helped tremendously. Sorry if this was TMI. Wendy

I used to have this problem. I got the omega 3 supplements. It contains borage, fish oil and flax oil. The flax is great and totally relieves the constipation problems. The fish oil is great for your skin. Another thing is to add some fruit. Grapes and clementines work wonderful, and it doesn't take too much. I hope everything comes out okay.....LOL Hugs Linda

I remember at 3 months out, going to my appointment to see my surgeon. I opened up my purse and proceeded to take out colace, laxatives, and MOM. I told him that I was desperate! He recommended 2 juice boxes a day of juicy juicy. Well that does help, but the further I get out, I don't want all of the calories. So now I take 2 flax seed oil pills a day. I can now say that I am regular! Robin

You know what I say? Go right to the source and ask the horse, he'll give you the answer that you'll endorse,,,,,, Jay???? For immediate relief thare ain't nuthin like a butt missile. Butt, everyone here told you the good advice. Preventative diet with natural supplements is the way to go. Laxative dependency is bad to begin with but worse for GAPs. Our chitlins are in a pretty delicate balance especially in the beginning and to mess with them with something that can send your colon into spasm is a bug gamble. Glycerin suppositories just attrac****er to the are and make things nice and squishy! Almost like new playdough but without the colors. If you want the colors though a little food coloring can make a nice vibrant display! Keep us posted. We like hearing about bodily functions. When they used to display how many people read a post those would get a lot of reads. kp