I need some perspective please....

Thanks everyone!  I think, for now, going to go with the Restoralax - until things get better.  I found using fibre supplementation wasn't all that helpful, at least at this point...long term, I'm sure it's the best way to go....lol   I don't anticipate going, daily, but I just don't want to be impacted again when I do "go".

I agree with the Restoralax option.  But instead of just taking it when you need it, I would take some every day to prevent this awful situation from happening again.  It doesn't do anything to your GI tract.  It just draws more water in.  I have used it everyday prior to surgery for a long time and it was miraculous for me.  Of course, now on day 18/21 of Optifast, I have the "optitrots" (thanks to whomever wrote that--it gave me a great laught).

Because I expect to have terrible constipation after surgery, I have researched this issue a lot online.  When I saw that Restoralax (or Laxaday) was ok to use post-surgery, I was very relieved.  I am going to bring some to the hospital with me.

Good luck!

I have never seen it posted here but is there something wrong with taking a glycerin suppository or for that matter a Dulcolax suppository? these were our go to methods when I was nursing.. have never ever seen either option mentioned on this forum and just wondering if they are  contraindicated after WLS--

Johanna

I don't think it's a problem......I've used them about 5 times - they only really help when things are already moving.

I had a problem too and I think many do post surgery.  I started taking two stool softeners a day but after awhile that didn't work either.  I finally tried probiotics and now take two a day and go daily.  This is not a short term problem as you aren't eating a lot of fruit or veg this early out.  Even for me over a year out, I don't eat enough fruit and veg to keep me regular without the probiotics.  I tried adding fibre to my protein drinks but that didn't work either.

Find what works for you. - This may take a few weeks and will change as you diet changes.  I still have time when I have to go on a digging expedition and it reminds me that I am not getting enough water in. Between liquids and the Jamieson probiotics I go daily without forcing.

Get a good laxative like Lactulose to get you started and then try the stool softners daily and or added fibre  early out.  In time you will have to make adjustments. Know that you will probably have to be taking something for awhile.

That's what I was wondering - if it would be short term or longer term....so do you take a probiotic supplement in pill form then?  I guess a yogurt with probiotics a day wouldn't do the same as the pill form?  I started Restoralax yesterday....just going to keep taking it until I see my doc on the 12th.