Question:
An indelicate question regarding bathroom habits . . .
I don't know who else to ask about this, lovelies, as we all have a new digestive system, per se. Anyway, I'm 20 months post-op and have settled into a pattern of b.m.'s about every 3 days. Those, however, are somewhat painful and are due, in part, to the fiber in my diet. If I don't eat fiber (wheat bread, cereal), I'm a once-a-weeker, so I need the fiber. Any suggestions? — scottiemaam O. (posted on May 27, 2003)
May 27, 2003
You're probably drinking tons of water already...the more fiber the more
water you need. So all that is left is to make sure you are getting some
healthy natural fats with your fiber to make you pass easier. We don't have
to ban ALL fat, as you probably know. A little bit of olive oil (in your
food, of course, not taken straight--yuck!) will also be good for skin and
hair. Just my Opinion. Good Luck!
— Terry R.
May 27, 2003
Perhaps some fiber tabs? I take 3 tabs every day and drink lots of water
and that's been quite helpful. Good luck! Kim
— Kim C.
May 27, 2003
I intentionally added some fat back in my eating. Skin, hair, and bathroom
ALL much better. Used to clog the toilet:(
— bob-haller
May 27, 2003
I developed a constipation problem in December-I now take 2-4 FiberCon and
2-3 stool softeners a day. as long as I stay on that routine and drink
lots of water things move smoothly!
— ~~Stacie~~
May 27, 2003
I've started taking Benefiber. It's a powder fiber supplement that
dissolves completely in liquid. In plain water it gives off a very
slightly salty flavor, but mixed into coffee, yogurt or other drinks or
soft foods, you'd never know it's there. I find that three tablespoons a
day is enough to keep me regular. It's a little pricey, but since I'm
spending less on food, I can afford this necessary comfort!
— Vespa R.
May 27, 2003
I make my own fiber/protein bars. Melt 4 oz of unsweetened chocolate and 4
Tablespoons of butter together and mix in 7 packets of Splenda. Have 2 cups
of extra fiber All Bran in a big bowl. Add 6 scoops of chocolate protein
powder and 1/2 cup peanut butter. Mix in the chocolate/butter/Splenda.
Press mixture in a square pan and refrigerate until firm. I cut mine into
12 bars and have 1-2 per day. The calorie, protein, fat, and fiber counts
will vary according to the powder you use and how you cut the bars. This
works very nicely and it tastes really good - kind of like a cross between
a brownie and a Nestle's Crunch! I never forget to take it, either!
— koogy
May 27, 2003
How about wholegrains like oats,and fruits and vegetables? How about a
flaxseed oil tablet once a day? It doesn't sound like fiber, but the lack
of fiber that is causing the problem. You also may want to ask your doc
for a stool softner if you are straining to pass hard stool. You can end
up with anal fissures or worse doing that. Good Luck!
— merri B.
May 27, 2003
Thanks to you all for the advice - very much appreciated.
— scottiemaam O.
May 27, 2003
My dietican said I could drink V8, or tomato juice, I think it helps things
move along alittle better, I did notice a differance when I ran out, so I
try to keep it on hand. The extra vitamins and added calcium in the 2
juices are a plus also. Good luck :0)
— wizz46
May 27, 2003
I take 1 colace capsule and one flaxseed oil capsule every day. Colace is a
stool softner, not a laxitive and is available cheap anywhere.
— Connie M.
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