Gastric Fistula???

This is a prewarning ahead of time of a graphic question...I am 7 years post of this May.  For the last 3 weeks my stools have been so hard, I don't even what to go.  I have tried taking 2 stool softners everyday and have also done Magnisium Citrate.  The magnisuim citrate is what finally made me move everything and clean out.  I drink over 2 quarts of water a day and even drink coffee.  I have heard coffee can make a person go.  When I do go I have to try so hard I think I have anal fistual from pushing and from the stool being so hard and large and blood comes out.  My question is does this sound like a fistula?  I do not have insurance for a few more weeks and have called a new surgeon but it takes almost 3 weeks to get in to see him also.  Please HELP!  It is misserable and sometimes I don't even feel like eating because I feel so full of poop.

You probably don't need a surgeon.  Why not just go see your PCP?

It's possibly a fissure, which ought to heal on its own.  Fistulas are entirely different critters.

Kelly is right; you don't need to see a surgeon.  At 7 years post-op, I wouldn't generally think of my bariatric surgeon as the go-to guy anymore.  If your stool is that hard to pass, consider a saline enema.

I take 500 mg magnesium supplements daily and large doses of Benefiber twice daily.  I also found that if I don't drink at least 120 ounces of fluid daily...I get constipated.  Maybe you are not drinking enough water for your body.  Everyone is different.  You may have to experiment to find out what works for you.  Many people take a daily dose of Miralax with good results.  It is not habit forming, so taking it daily is safe.  I can't take Miralax... I get painful cramping from it.  Stool softeners NEVER work for me.  I don't know why.  Milk of Magnesia may work to get things started... but I would not take it daily... it can be habit forming.  If I don't follow my daily regimen... I have bowel problems.  I think most WLS patients have to have "help" to keep "things regular".  I would try some daily suplementation to see if it keeps you "going" rather than waiting until you are constipated and then treating the problem.

I have to take Miralax daily 1-2 scoops, plus I take magnesium oxide - at least 800 mg daily - in evening. If i have problem going - I decrease dense foods and try to get clean - have things moving - before I slowly add some dense food - proteins or even fiber..