Question:
Tried everything, what else to try for constipation?
I know this has been talked about a lot, and I have gone through the library with a fine-toothed comb, but I am at my wit's end. I have tried dulcolax, freelax, peri-colace, senekot, prunes, high fiber cereal, grape nuts, grape juice, fiber choice, exercise, upping fiber, upping liquids, caffiene, no caffiene, suppositories, and probably more other stuff than I can even think of right now. Nothing works, or else it works for a while and then stops working. What should I do? I am so worried about this because I have even had to go to the emergency room once I was so impacted. I sure do not want that to happen again. Should I see about getting in to a specialist? If I do, I know it won't do any good unless they are experienced in working with gastric bypass patients. My regular doc is not. Even the surgeon who did my RNY sometimes recommends things that I later learn on here will not be absorbed or whatever so that is a problem, finding someone who could actually help me. I have learned more on this website than anywhere else, so I am counting on you all this time. Other than this problem, I am so happy with the results of this surgery. I am down 135 pounds in 9 months! And, I am off the high blood pressure, high cholesterol and arthritis medicine. Thanks in advance! — Sheryl S. (posted on March 11, 2003)
March 11, 2003
Have you tried glycerine suppositories? I have a post op friend who swears
by them and she has a similar history in that department. They are not
habit forming and they work very quickly and painlessly. Good Luck!!
— Carol S.
March 11, 2003
Try using mineral oil in a little orange juice once a day. This will keep
your bowels soft and therefore help eliminate the constipation. Start off
with a tablespoon full see if that helps, if not, increase gradually to
about an ounce. Good luck!
— Brenda D.
March 11, 2003
Hi, I had the same problem with constipation I tryed alot of different meds
but they didn't work. Anyhow I DRANKED PRUNE JUICE. Mom was right. It
worked big time. At first I dranked a full glass full, boy oh boy, lol I
ran back and forth to the bathroom. If you are so packed it may take more
cups to drink maybe every two three hours. Good Luck
— Naes Wls J.
March 11, 2003
Congratulations on you weight loss. You are doing great. I had the same
problem (constipation)for months and like you said, nothing helps. Finally
after 17 months it has finally gotten better. I still take a stool softner
every day and try to drink plenty of water. Good luck to you, keep up the
good work.
— Martha T.
March 11, 2003
Sheryl: I have not tried it, but I've seen a few people post on here that
they use "Smooth Move" herbal tea. I did see it in my local
grocery store the other day, can't remember what it cost. I didn't see you
mention it in your list of things tried. I'm sorry you're having so much
trouble with this. I'm pre-op and I do occasionally, so I'm guessing it
may become a bigger problem for me post-op. Good luck, and if you find
anything that works consistently, please let me know. My usual regimen now
is to drink a Metamucil drink in the morning, and eat a high fiber cereal.
I also do much better when I eat a lot of salads. I wonder if a
nutritionist who is experienced in working with RNY's could be of some
help. Good luck to you!
— Carlita
March 11, 2003
Dear Sheryl, congrads on your weight loss I also had this problem and tried
everything you mention I spoke with my Dr. and he told me to back off on
the fiber that I was most likely eating more fiber than I needed and it was
causing the waste to be packed inside of me and not comming out. I stop all
the fiber and it worked for me.I also bought a medicine reccomended by my
Pharmacy it is called Perdiem and I bought it at walmart. He ordered it for
another gastric bypass patient who said it works wonders. I tried it and it
worked great. If the walmart doesnt carry it ask the pharmacy to order it
for you. I hope this helps you because I suffered for a long time as well.
Keep losing the weight! Kathy Sparrow
— Kathy S.
March 11, 2003
Great weight loss, congrats! One cup of coffee in the am and 2 cups of
popcorn at night keep me regular. May work for you, too.
— Cindy R.
March 11, 2003
Hi there - I also ended up in the ER with the same problem. I had to do 3
enemas and drink a bottle of mag. citrate. After I was all cleaned out - I
then started taking fibercon tablets and everything is working fine now.
Hope this helps some and congrats on your loss.
— kandi S.
March 11, 2003
I not onlyhad severe constipation it was exasperated by an anal fissure:
after much trial and error and pain :(, my surgeon recommended 2 fiber con
and 2 colace in the am and the same at bedtime (total 4 fiber and 4
colace-stool softener) per day. This has finally kicked in to keep me
going. I also pay attention to the foods I eat, I notice that prunes have
the opposite effect on me than they are suppose too, and cottage cheese
tends to bind me up, so it is not my daily breakfast choice anymore.
Good luck!
— ~~Stacie~~
March 11, 2003
My surgeon prescribed Miralax for me. It is a powder that mixes up almost
completely tasteless in water. When I have this problem, I drink it in the
morning, get instant relief, and in a couple of days am back to normal.
Good luck; I know how miserable this problem can be. hugs,
Ann rny 9/10/99 260/124
— [Deactivated Member]
March 11, 2003
I have always had this problem even before the surgery, the only thing that
has ever helped me is plain old milk og mag. they have some flavored ones
out now that arent too bad , i take alitlle every night and it keeps me
regular. the doc said it was fine to use daily , so i guess i better buy
stock in the company, it doesnt cause cramping like most of the other
things. good luck
— terri R.
March 11, 2003
Smooth Move Tea did it for me when NOTHING else was helping. It is about
2.99 at the grocery store.
— Shirley F.
March 11, 2003
I want to thank everyone that responded. I don't post a lot, but I check
this site 2 or 3 times a day and I have never failed to learn something! I
haven't been able to find the smooth moves tea as yet, maybe they have a
website or something. I appreciate all the suggestions, hopefully one of
them will help. I'm ready to try anything! God bless you all!
— Sheryl S.
March 12, 2003
I've recently had to use Nature's Remedy. It's a very mild laxitive.
— Pamela B.
March 13, 2003
Hi, Sorry you are having this problem, I too have it really bad, to where
it makes me throw up eventually, but, I think coffee with a flavored cream
and a lil tiny bit of regular sugar helps sometimes. But then at GNC I
found Super Cleanse it is for your Colon. It is $14.99 per bottle but it
seems to work, Honestly I have to rotate, what I use, my body gets used to
things, but this Super Cleanse works on me. I also rotate freelax. I can
feel your pain, I have been in a alot of pain, from this too. Hugs to you.
I hope things are better for you.
— Darlynn C.
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