Bowel Movements...Suggestions

I know y'all probably get tired of talking about this subject, but I gotta. I do have a bowel movement pretty much every morning regularly, but it is like giving birth. Seriously. By the time I am done going to the bathroom I have a headache from pushing so hard. I don't know why but when I start to go it is so hard & difficult to get out, but when the hard part finally comes out its easy & just comes on out. It's been a really long time since I've had normal bowel movements that were solid & so big, plus I have a hemorrhoid that doesn't help. I'm bleeding either with my hemorrhoid or from it stretching so much & tearing. I have tears streaming down my face every time I have to go. It really sucks. I do drink lots of water & I do take miralax every once in a while. I just don't know what else to do to make it not be so bad. Any suggestions? I do go to see my PCP next week for my physical & will ask him if he knows of anything to do too. Don't get me wrong, I am very happy that I pretty much go everyday, just wished it wasn't so painful.

Sounds like you need a stool softener.  I take 4 Colace (generic version is cheaper) EVERY DAY. If I don't, I don't go or it is terribly painful as you are talking about.

My surgeon said it was OK to take everyday.  And if you get the generic, it is pretty cheap. 

I also take 2 Fibercon tablets a.m. and p.m. 

This regimine has solved my issues.

I've used generic Fibercon occassionally too.  Did you know that you take it 2 hrs or more before/after other meds? It interfers with the absorption of other meds if taken closer to their doses.

See & I was under the impression that we don't absorb soft gels well. Is that true?

Add some fat to your diet.  I do not particularly watch my fat intake (focus more on limiting carbs)... and I have not had any BM issues since surgery.  I can't help but think the two are related...

Of course I am lucky in that fat does not upset my pouch or gall bladder.  For some RNY patients it does...

Audrey

I've had chronic constipation for many years. I take Miralax mag oxide and 2 colace daily, since one month post-op. Miralax takes 1-3 days to work, and is safe to use daily. Colace soft gels are not a nutrient that needs to absorbed.

Miralax daily.

Thanks everyone! I will have to test  these out to see what works best for me.

Try self-impaction.  I do that and it helps. 

 Up your water intake and add a little healthy fat to your diet.  Ground flax, avocado...

Doesn't sound like you have any issue with needing to have a bowel movement so you probably don't need a fiber/bulk laxative.  A stool softener would be your best bet.  Try some Colace or your store's generic version.