LAXATIVES?

i was reading a post from a little bit ago, where laxatives were mentioned. now i think taking laxatives for the sole intention of purging food from your body is a form of bulemia, as i did this many years ago. but i am wondering, are there long term effects that will harm your body from taking them? i have been taking them almost every day, but to truly try to go to the bathroom. i usually "go" once a week, but with the laxatives i can go 2-3 times. still not enough i don't think. this is the #1 thing i want to talk to my doc about at my 6 month appt on tuesday. how exactly can they hurt you? thanks for any input. i hope my doc can help me with the bathroom trouble and i won't need to take them! hugs~mary jo

I read that we should avoid laxatives and take stool softeners [which I do take now]. I have to take something or I'd never go! Ruth 3 pounds to surgeon's goal!

thanks ruth. i have also tried the OTC colace, but hasn't helped.

Try milk of magnesia. I've had two occasions of constipation and M.O.M had me going in 90 minutes. I'll warn you that it tastes like crap, though.

i haven't tried MOM. that may be the next step, going to ask doc about that. thanks!

I take two Colace EVERYDAY. I, also, take 250-500 mg of magnesium -- most days I take 250 mg and occassionally I take 500. This keep me somewhat regular -- I would be in big trouble without them!!!!!!!!

Magnesium helps? I take a store brand of Colace. Ruth

Yes, the magnesium seems to help. Usually the two Colace per day -- I use a generic brand, also -- keep things like they should be. Occasionally it is just not enough. The additional magnesium takes up the slack -- sometimes, too much!! I am still in the process of regulating the entire thing!!!

when i tried the colace, i only took one a day. wonder if the doc will suggest magnesium? i am willing to try anything! thanks!

Mary Jo, not a good idea sweetie, what are you taking?....I also have to take something occasionally, usually take MOM or eat prunes, it makes things move. Lack of BM's seem to be pretty common for us post-ops. Be sure to discuss with your surgeon, what he recommends you do. Don't take the laxatives, your body will become addicted to them and the ONLY way you'll go is with continued use. Hugs, Dana