Argghh the C word again
Sorry for the TMI, but I have to vent.
I haven't gone for 6 days despite trying that new stirable fiber called Fibersure by the makers of Metamucil. I've taken the maximum dose for days and it's actually almost gone now. So last night, I take this natural herbal laxative from Vitamin World in addition to this. Can we say painful? 
It's one I had taken before and I usually do not let myself wait 6 days, I take the herbal laxative every 3 days or so. With all the driving I've had to do though, I guess I didn't want to take anything.
So I'm at my wits end. I've been sick and in pain all day. I guess I better call the surgeon's office(I hope they are open Monday). I just don't want to have to drive an hour and fifteen minutes just for constipation. I am hoping they will give me more suggestions over the phone. I've tried everything she has suggested to me. I even increased my fluid intake. Nothing works.
Kristine
It's one I had taken before and I usually do not let myself wait 6 days, I take the herbal laxative every 3 days or so. With all the driving I've had to do though, I guess I didn't want to take anything.
So I'm at my wits end. I've been sick and in pain all day. I guess I better call the surgeon's office(I hope they are open Monday). I just don't want to have to drive an hour and fifteen minutes just for constipation. I am hoping they will give me more suggestions over the phone. I've tried everything she has suggested to me. I even increased my fluid intake. Nothing works.
Kristine 
Kristine: CONSTIPATION (OR THE C WORD) is so common w/ WLSer's I typed this and saved it, always ready to repost!!! HUGS be well! 
Constipation can be from so many things including BUT not limited to:
~1) FLUIDS: simply from not getting in enough fluids...
So first before you do anything ask yourself? Am I drinking at least 64 oz a day (8 cups)...If not try increasing and see if this helps. Look at this neat hydration calculator! It may open your eyes! It says I need 117.5 oz day (I do get that too still not enough for me!) http://nutrition.about.com/library/blwatercalculator.htm
~2) EXERCISE: Get moving! I do 30-60 min cardio a day + wts. Yes it helps! Start somewhere! Something is better than nothing!
~3) FIBER: We get constipated because our diet is now volume in general & lower in fiber especially due to lack of tolerance also (less fruits and veggies).
So many try increasing fiber by using benefiber (non swelling/no taste) or some like liquifiber at Vitalady: http://tinyurl.com/5edxn I have used Metamucil caps in past but I DO NOT RECOMMEND it is a SWELLING FIBER & may NOT be good for pouchie! ***We do not want to stretch it!!!
I swear by Flax Seed ground. I get mine here: http://www24.netrition.com/now_flaxseeds_page.html
I started with 1T ground a day (in yogurt, shakes or on my salad it has slightly nutty flavor) now I am up to 1T three times a day. The benefits of flax are so much more than just for fiber!!! Read for more info! http://www.flaxcouncil.ca/flaxnut10.htm (A lower risk for heart disease, Prevention of some forms of cancer, Treatment of immune disorders, Diabetes helps in stabilizing Blood Sugars, Relief from constipation) http://www.flaxcouncil.ca/faq.htm You can also buy it in GNC, health food stores, Wal-Mart has it in vitamin aisle and baking aisle. KEEP refrigerated for longest shelf life and so it doesn't go rancid! It has to be ground (bought that way or ground in Magic Bullet or a small coffee grinder for the benefit ok!)
~4) OTHER NUTRITIONAL/SUPPLIMENT CAUSES: Higher protein (in diet and shakes), Calcium Citrate (form we need to absorb after bypass), Iron supplementation can all add to the constipation scenario postop (things we need!).
Different forms of Iron are more constipating than others (Ferrous sulfate for instance AVOID!!! Many feel carbonyl iron like vitalady's tender iron http://tinyurl.com/3ve5x , ferrous gluconate *I get OTC at Wal-Mart just ask pharmacist, ferrous fumarate, polysaccharide iron are less constipating).
Another solution Magnesium: HERE IS JULIA Z's recommendation: Magnesium as magnesium citrate or amino acid chelate 400-1000 mg a day. OK to take with calcium but not with iron. Can be taken all at once or throughout the day. Start out with 200 mg and increase dosage every few days until the desired level is reached; decrease dosage slightly if loose stools result. Preferred dosage is 1 part elemental magnesium to 2 parts elemental calcium or 1000 mg magnesium to 2000 mg calcium, but this ratio is not accurate for each person. Increasing the dosage until you get loose stool and than backing off a little seems to work best for most people.
IF still NO GO: my surgeon recommended Colace. It is an over-the-counter stool softener. Try it once a day and increase to 2-3x if needed. (It is cheap too, buy the generic brand, docusate sodium)...
If this is ineffective, my surgeon said I could use a gentle suppository (such as glycerin, ducolax or the generic form)....only to get things going, they can get habit forming so be careful. It is always best to ask your surgeon or MD about his but this is what I have been told. I use Colace 2x a day, it does help (with my flaxseed)
I also have used Milk OF Magnesia a few times week if needed.
My Clinical Nutrition/Bariatric MD prescribed Miralax (generic is glycolax) works great also (I used a few times in severe cases w/ some bloating but no taste!, it is a powder mixes in water great!) They say can be used long-term! (BUT I am cheap rather find a non prescription way!)
Many swear by Smooth move tea, it is just senna in a tea (you can buy senna tabs OTC also called SENOKOT Tablets: Each tablet contains 8.6 mg sennosides.). Or ingredient in: PERI-COLACE® TABLETS (Purdue Products)
docusate sodium and standardized senna concentrate (so is a stool softener and laxative in one!) http://www.tealand.com/SmoothMove.asp BY: Traditional Medicines in Health food, Wal-Mart of many health food aisles of grocery stores!
Contents: Active Ingredient: 20mg. Sennosides A & B per cup from senna leaf. Other herbal ingredients: Licorice root, fennel seed, orange peel, cinnamon bark, coriander seed, ginger rhizome, natural orange flavor. Directions for use: Pour 8 oz. of boiling water over one tea bag and steep, covered, for 10-15 minutes. Adults and children over 12 years: Drink 1 cup before bedtime. If necessary, repeat the next day not to exceed 4 cups in 24 hours.
A few prunes (3) also have helped me in a pinch...few times a week (watch cal/carbs)...Some gain w/ carbs/sugar or get triggered hunger! It has been ok w/ me as it is seen as medicine and used accordingly!
Just my thoughts/ideas! I do Exercise/Water/Colace 2 day/Flaxseed 3T total a day and it generally is ok, only needing MOM 1x week or 3 prunes 1-2x week!
Take Care,
Jamie
Lap RNY 10/9/02 Dr. Singh
320/163 5'9'' (lost 45# before surgery)
Plastics 6/9/04 & 11/11/2005 Dr. King
"Being happy doesn't mean everything's perfect, it just means you've decided to see beyond the imperfections!"
Constipation can be from so many things including BUT not limited to:
~1) FLUIDS: simply from not getting in enough fluids...
So first before you do anything ask yourself? Am I drinking at least 64 oz a day (8 cups)...If not try increasing and see if this helps. Look at this neat hydration calculator! It may open your eyes! It says I need 117.5 oz day (I do get that too still not enough for me!) http://nutrition.about.com/library/blwatercalculator.htm
~2) EXERCISE: Get moving! I do 30-60 min cardio a day + wts. Yes it helps! Start somewhere! Something is better than nothing!
~3) FIBER: We get constipated because our diet is now volume in general & lower in fiber especially due to lack of tolerance also (less fruits and veggies).
So many try increasing fiber by using benefiber (non swelling/no taste) or some like liquifiber at Vitalady: http://tinyurl.com/5edxn I have used Metamucil caps in past but I DO NOT RECOMMEND it is a SWELLING FIBER & may NOT be good for pouchie! ***We do not want to stretch it!!!
I swear by Flax Seed ground. I get mine here: http://www24.netrition.com/now_flaxseeds_page.html
I started with 1T ground a day (in yogurt, shakes or on my salad it has slightly nutty flavor) now I am up to 1T three times a day. The benefits of flax are so much more than just for fiber!!! Read for more info! http://www.flaxcouncil.ca/flaxnut10.htm (A lower risk for heart disease, Prevention of some forms of cancer, Treatment of immune disorders, Diabetes helps in stabilizing Blood Sugars, Relief from constipation) http://www.flaxcouncil.ca/faq.htm You can also buy it in GNC, health food stores, Wal-Mart has it in vitamin aisle and baking aisle. KEEP refrigerated for longest shelf life and so it doesn't go rancid! It has to be ground (bought that way or ground in Magic Bullet or a small coffee grinder for the benefit ok!)
~4) OTHER NUTRITIONAL/SUPPLIMENT CAUSES: Higher protein (in diet and shakes), Calcium Citrate (form we need to absorb after bypass), Iron supplementation can all add to the constipation scenario postop (things we need!).
Different forms of Iron are more constipating than others (Ferrous sulfate for instance AVOID!!! Many feel carbonyl iron like vitalady's tender iron http://tinyurl.com/3ve5x , ferrous gluconate *I get OTC at Wal-Mart just ask pharmacist, ferrous fumarate, polysaccharide iron are less constipating).
Another solution Magnesium: HERE IS JULIA Z's recommendation: Magnesium as magnesium citrate or amino acid chelate 400-1000 mg a day. OK to take with calcium but not with iron. Can be taken all at once or throughout the day. Start out with 200 mg and increase dosage every few days until the desired level is reached; decrease dosage slightly if loose stools result. Preferred dosage is 1 part elemental magnesium to 2 parts elemental calcium or 1000 mg magnesium to 2000 mg calcium, but this ratio is not accurate for each person. Increasing the dosage until you get loose stool and than backing off a little seems to work best for most people.
IF still NO GO: my surgeon recommended Colace. It is an over-the-counter stool softener. Try it once a day and increase to 2-3x if needed. (It is cheap too, buy the generic brand, docusate sodium)...
If this is ineffective, my surgeon said I could use a gentle suppository (such as glycerin, ducolax or the generic form)....only to get things going, they can get habit forming so be careful. It is always best to ask your surgeon or MD about his but this is what I have been told. I use Colace 2x a day, it does help (with my flaxseed)
I also have used Milk OF Magnesia a few times week if needed.
My Clinical Nutrition/Bariatric MD prescribed Miralax (generic is glycolax) works great also (I used a few times in severe cases w/ some bloating but no taste!, it is a powder mixes in water great!) They say can be used long-term! (BUT I am cheap rather find a non prescription way!)
Many swear by Smooth move tea, it is just senna in a tea (you can buy senna tabs OTC also called SENOKOT Tablets: Each tablet contains 8.6 mg sennosides.). Or ingredient in: PERI-COLACE® TABLETS (Purdue Products)
docusate sodium and standardized senna concentrate (so is a stool softener and laxative in one!) http://www.tealand.com/SmoothMove.asp BY: Traditional Medicines in Health food, Wal-Mart of many health food aisles of grocery stores!
Contents: Active Ingredient: 20mg. Sennosides A & B per cup from senna leaf. Other herbal ingredients: Licorice root, fennel seed, orange peel, cinnamon bark, coriander seed, ginger rhizome, natural orange flavor. Directions for use: Pour 8 oz. of boiling water over one tea bag and steep, covered, for 10-15 minutes. Adults and children over 12 years: Drink 1 cup before bedtime. If necessary, repeat the next day not to exceed 4 cups in 24 hours.
A few prunes (3) also have helped me in a pinch...few times a week (watch cal/carbs)...Some gain w/ carbs/sugar or get triggered hunger! It has been ok w/ me as it is seen as medicine and used accordingly!
Just my thoughts/ideas! I do Exercise/Water/Colace 2 day/Flaxseed 3T total a day and it generally is ok, only needing MOM 1x week or 3 prunes 1-2x week!
Take Care,
Jamie
Lap RNY 10/9/02 Dr. Singh
320/163 5'9'' (lost 45# before surgery)
Plastics 6/9/04 & 11/11/2005 Dr. King
"Being happy doesn't mean everything's perfect, it just means you've decided to see beyond the imperfections!" 
(deactivated member)
on 7/1/06 8:53 pm - MT
on 7/1/06 8:53 pm - MT
Kristine,
all I can say is OUCH... ~hugs~ I know the feeling hun and I am sorry you are dealing with this..... The hebal tea is called SMOOTH MOVE and WOW it sure helps, it works to good sometimes and I get the runs but hey it works! It does give me slight bit of cramps but once again it WORKS! 
I also take Glycolax that my surgeon called a script in for me and that stuff is just awesome but since you have not gone in that long I don't know if that would work.
Well keep us posted hun and i sure hope it works for you.... 
Debra P 
I also take Glycolax that my surgeon called a script in for me and that stuff is just awesome but since you have not gone in that long I don't know if that would work.
Well keep us posted hun and i sure hope it works for you....
Debra P 
Tavia V
on 7/1/06 9:43 pm - Long Island, NY
on 7/1/06 9:43 pm - Long Island, NY
Hey you,
Sorry to hear you have the poopy curse! lord knows I know how that is! The RX Miralax powder does work wonders if you take it every day like you are suppose to. If I dont take it everyday I always have a hard time b/c of the way my diet is. The surgeons gives me 5 refills b/c its good to take for the long-term, at least for me.
I didnt like the smooth tea...all it did is make me really bloated but nothing came out. I think I have two boxes of it still hanging around.
Maybe dong an enema just to empty yourself out to start fresh!(I know gross) I have done it a couple of times and it isnt bad at all. It isnt like one of those laxatives where you will be going all day long, it just emptys the bowel in about 5 minutes and you are good to go!!
Good luck and poopy curse be gone!! 
Hi Kristine,
Oh, Lord knows we are all very sympathetic to the dreaded Constipation. You've got a lot of good suggestions here. The only thing I can add is that if I were you, I would contact whoever is on call this weekend by phone for an MD reccomendation. You don't want your bowel to sieze up and cause more serious problems. All the suggestions here are great, but I would want my doc to know if I hadn't pooped in 6 days.
Good luck. Keep us posted.
Hugs,
Amy
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