Products to Prevent Constipation after Surgery

I'm just making sure that I have all my notes in order for after my surgery on Friday & I can't seem to find all the suggestions made by everyone regarding how to deal with constipation.  I'd like to be proactive and get on the right foot before it becomes a big problem. 

I'd appreciate it if someone could list the products that they found that worked for them so that I can have them on hand when I come home from the hospital.  So many people seem to have this problem - I'm wondering if anyone suffered from diarrhea, instead of constipation? I'm asking this because my normal stools are usually very loose and I'm wondering if that will change.

I apologize as I know the issue of constipation has been discussed on here previously, but I seem to have misplaced my notes that I thought I had printed & saved in my WLS binder.  Thanks!

Deb

Natural Calm, is a magnesium suppliment. It works great but I don't know if you could use it right after surgery. When you mix it with ho****er, it gets kind of bubbly, I didn't start using it until later.
I use it regularly and it was great when I was traveling.

Thanks Liz, I'll check into that. Did you buy it at a drugstore or a Natural Foods store?

Deb

 I got it at a local health food store but since they advertize on TV they might now be available at drug stores

Thanks!

Deb

Milk of Magnesia is what most, if not all centers recommend post-op. I used it post-op but havent had any issues for months [thank goodness!].

Thanks Simona - I think that I actually have some already on hand. I'll just check the expiration date.

Deb

Deb I was really badly constipated post op. The centre told me to use the Colace alone with the suppositories. The suppositories really help big time so it wouldn't hurt to have a package on hand. I am 9 1/2 months post op and really have to keep track of my BM's to make sure I go at least every other day otherwise problems start to arise.

Also I wouldn't worry about asking questions even if its has been asked and answered  before. I know some members get snarly and suggest looking it up in the search engine.Personally its nice to have your own question addressed, after all isnt that what this fourm is all about.

All the best with your surgery, I look forward to seeing you on the Bench 

Ann



 

Thanks for those suggestions Ann - I remember Colace being mentioned before on here & I think that I have heard of Dulcolax also. Sure hope that I don't have to resort to suppositories. I drink a LOT of water right now & I always have but I'm worried because I know that after surgery we can only take small sips and I'm afraid that I won't be able to take in enough water to keep things moving right along.

Thanks so much for your good wishes for my surgery - I can't wait to take my place on the bench with all of you!!!!

Deb

This is a great question.  I was recently looking up this very thing as I'm having surgery in August and don't want to put any pressure "down there" if at all possible.  One thing I read was to take a natural stool softener for a few days prior to surgery.

HOWEVER.... I can tell you that I was not at all constipated after my RNY surgery. My stools were very loose and watery, so I would ask your centre for further advice.