Bowel Movement Issues Help!

Hello everyone! Please stop here if you don't want to hear my TMI about bowel movements. I have always had irregular bowel movements (2 or 3 times a week) but AFTER my surgery I'm lucky if I go once a week. Now I'm pregnant too and that leads to more constipation. Do anyone have any advice for me. My next appointment to see my surgeon isn't for months and it's very hard to get someone on the line. Any advice is appreciated.

I feel so bad for you...it's an awful situation to be in. I had constipation issues both when I was pregnant and after my surgery. I think there are very limited options because you are pregnant so you should definitely speak to the physician that is managing your pregnancy. The only thing I was allowed to use was glycerin suppositories (so fun...). The big thing is to drink lots of water. 

Best of luck with your issues and with your pregnancy! Kim

I've had the best luck with Miralax;  it's supposed to be non-addictive and it can be used every day if need be.  

You might want to try adding some complex fats into your diet such as avocado, olive oil, etc.  

For immediate relief, try an OTC stool softener.  The Miralax is a good thing to use as needed.  Try using it until you get relief, then use your own judgement about necessity based on your "output".

I know if I use it too often (more than once per week) I have problems.

I've used Miralax daily since I was 3 weeks post-op. It is not a stimulant laxative. I also take 3 colace and 500 mg magnesium oxide. I'm not sure about the use of Miralax during pregnancy, but colace is OK. Constipation isn't fun.

I use Miralx. 

Consult your OB right away. Your obstetrician will be able to manage any medications you may need due to the pregnancy. I currently use Miralax post-op. You can ask your OB, PCP or a pharmacist if Miralax is a "low risk" OTC treatment you can take during pregnancy.

Prior to RNY, during my past two pregnancies, I was able to safely use Colace stool softener (or equivalent softener) every day. I had extreme nausea and the antiemetic meds caused me to be horribly constipated, which was a vicious cycle, because the constipation was also making me nauseated.

I am not a doctor, but I have been full of **it in the past (double entendre intended) and on occasion, it will happen again. Seriously, call your OB and keep your fluid intake up.

Have you seen a GI specialist???   I have had issues for years.  Currently what is working for me - Miralax , 2 stool softners, organic fat (half and half, avacado, coconut oil, organic butter, etc.) 4 Tablespoons organic flax in my unflavored greek yogurt, magnesium - all of these daily.

I also have a hot protein drink for breakfast (with 2T Benefiber) added and that usually helps me have a BM.

Also eat as much RAW vegetables and fruit as you are allowed.

That's just what works for me at the moment.

Penny

I'm 8 weeks out and had been struggling with constipation. I'm now using milk of magnesia, 2 tablespoons, twice a day. It's been working, but pulls water from your colon. I drink well over 100 oz of water a day. Fiber was not working anymore like it used to.

Thanks everyone. You all are absolutely amazing. Thank you so much for the feedback. I'm a very shy person so I hardly talk, or go to support groups but you all have made me want to stay connected. Especially to people going through the WLS journey with me. I will be talking with my OBGYN at my appointment next week and I've made this one of my first topics to bring up. Thank you all again.

I suffered badly from this. One sugar free chocolate candy solves that. Colace is what doc gave me