I can't GOOOOOOO........

Drink more fluid, for one. You might try drinking half again as much fluid as you're currently consuming - maybe even twice. I have found that I do best when I well exceed the recommended amount of fluid. Pre-op (and therefore heavier), I needed 117 oz of fluid to feel good, not the usual 64 oz. Because I've lost so much, I don't need THAT much anymore, but still a good 80-90 oz is where I feel best. Also - try a different kind of fiber. Benefiber didn't do much for me. I used to use one way before I had surgery and I can't remember the name. I'll see if I can find it. It's what my doctor recommended and it worked. My cousin is now taking the same stuff. The other thing that *really* cleans me out as a post-op? Salad. If I eat a nice batch of roughage, I see it much faster in the toilet, and I have more liquidy stools when I've been eating my vegetables in that form. (I also eat vegetables in soup, which do NOT give me that issue). May I recommend some fresh spinach, some artichoke hearts, a few stalks of celery, crisp red onion, maybe some fresh broccoli florets with some balsamic vinegarette dressing? --BT

*drooling at thoughts of salad* That particular fix is gonna have to wait a bit longer I suspect; the lettuce from my Taco Bell taco at lunch made me turn a bit green :-\. Need just a wee bit more room in the belly for that one I think!

Um, this is kind of weird, but the thing that gets me going is a Diet Pepsi Slurpee from 7/11.  Seriously.  I don't know if it's because of the artificial sweetener or because it's a lot of liquid, but about an hour after drinking one, liquid shoots out of my butt. So, if you've got a 7/11 around and you don't mind the taste of Diet Pepsi, give it a whirl.

Okay, let's think of all things that get me pooing........Hmmmmmmm My fabulous trail mix (see my profile) keeps me going nice and easy. Roasted chicken from Kroger (or whatever grocery store you have) with a caesar salad makes it all come out like pudding the next day, so that's definitely a winner. Chicken wings --dripping in sauce!   va Va VOOM Bunches and bunches of christmas cookies -- now that REALLY got me, but not the recommended way.  Use this in case of emergency. Now, with that all said, have you contacted your doctor?  You might be suffering a blockage, which can cause some serious problems.  Also, you might be reacting to some of your supplements, too.  Iron and Calcium can both cause constipation to those who are sensitive to it. Once you get it out, though, moving forward, up your fat and fiber...add a Wendy's salad in each week, too.

Oh yes, blockage was the first thing I thought of when I realized it had been a week or so and I had a bellyache. The docs were happy with the bowel noises and stuff, though, and Dr. P. was confident that it was because of the miniscule volume of food, no fiber, hardly any fat, etc. that has characterized my first month.  Talking about it got things moving, ironically enough LOL. My suspicion, too, is that the iron and calcium are giving me a run for my money, as I am indeed sensitive to both those things.

Repliva iron (by prescription only) is supposed to be very gentle with side effects, if you get them at all.

Elizabeth, did you happen to have morphine post-op for pain? That always causes me to go concrete and it takes a lot of work to get that sucker outta me. Perhaps your post-ops plus lack of solids etc. are the culprits. In any event, if you need the Fleets, do it and maybe just getting things moving that way will straighten things out. I hope so for your sake. It must be mighty uncomfy right about now. I hope we can talk tomorrow. I am so sorry about cutting things short. the other night. The timing turned out to be not-so-good after all with hubby coming home earlier than I expected. Take care, Soapy

Yup, I had morphine all right, PLUS I am on a Fentanyl patch for chronic pain. Took Oxycontin for about five years before transitioning to the patch (which was an excellent decision heehee). I have LOTS of potential additives to the constipation problem.  I've tried to eat a ton of butter today and am hoping that will help move things along. Of course, a "ton" at this point is probably still under two tablespoons, but I'm working on it. Boy, WHAT a psychological change that one is!!

Here's my prescription for constipation:  1 bag of microwave popcorn with 1/2 stick of real butter.  Eat that and you'll be just fine the next day!  It's been working great for me for almost 3 years now!

I have constipation type IBS so I know where you are coming from. Ask your doctor if maybe you should do a short course of Zelnorm if adding in fiber isn't helping. I love the stuff. Couldn't live without it. Well... And enemas. Also get some good quality whole flax seeds. They are absolutely yummy, they have PROTEIN in them, and a ton of fiber. This helps me too. I keep a bowl of them by me and just chew on them. Mmm.. Nutty!