Question:
Any info out there on long term bowel issues? NOt sure what is considered normal anym

   — Peg O. (posted on February 15, 2010)

February 16, 2010
When I first got home from the hospital, it would have been nice to know that I could expect to have really serious diahhrea without warning!! What a mess to have to clean up!! But since about the second week, my problem has been constipation. I never paid much attention to my bowel habits before surgery - if I went, I went - if I didn't, it was no big thing. I know other people who are really sensitive to whether or not they are having "regular" movements, and I never could understand why. NOW, I KNOW. I might go days without having a bowel movement, and then when I do, it's really painful and hard. And I recently had some bright red blood in the toilet and found out that I had a hemorroid that was bleeding. The doctor told me to take 2 Colace every day, but that wasn't helping. So, I also take Sennokot most days, and I drink at least 1 cup of "Smooth Move" tea a day. That really helps. Now, I'm back to regular bowel movements at least once a day, MOST days. If I forget to drink the tea, though, I'm in trouble! They also want you to try and get in 25 grams per fiber per day, so I drink Crystal Light "Live Active" which has Fiber, or Crystal Light "Hunger Satisfaction" which has even MORE fiber (but it's too sweet for me, so I add a couple of packets of True Lemon to it). I also eat Nutricology Flaxseed powder mixed in with my Kroger CarbMaster yogurt for MORE fiber, and I try to get in some dietary fiber as well, with (for instance) Orowheat Double Fiber English Muffins (I might have half of one with my tuna or chicken salad). Hope this helps!
   — Erica Alikchihoo

April 27, 2010
I have had bowel problems since my RNY in 2004. I use Miralax that is prescribed by my doctor so it is covered by insurance. Since starting this I am regular every morning.
   — terrylynn