Question:
How can I prevent Constipation??
I am having a terrible time battling constipation. I feel like I am living off of Correctol. I am eating only what I am supposed to....does anyone have any ideas as to how I can take care of this? Anyone out there have the same problem?Please let me know. Thank you! — Heather C. (posted on June 16, 2000)
June 16, 2000
Heather: I do not have any problems with constipation. I did a couple of
times right after surgery. But, I wonder if you are eating any veggies
with your diet? Are you drinking at least 64 ounces of water a day? Are
you taking your vitamins with plenty of water? I think water will solve
your problem and always add some good veggies and fruit to your diet.
— Cindy H.
June 16, 2000
I too have many problems with constipation. I take childrens
liquid laxative called Flether's Castoria. I tastes like rootbeer so I can
swallow it, however I must take it for 2-3 days before it works, and even
then I usually have to drink some type of juice, such as apple, grape,
orange, before I go. Can you take correctal with an open RNY. I used to
take it before my surgery but have not dared to try it since. I read it
takes too much of the nutrients out of your system.
— rosemary I.
June 17, 2000
Hi If you go to the WLS Library and look under post op complaints and go
under constipation you will find that some people use LBS (lower bowel
stimilint) or I use colon clense. I haven't had a problem since. But be
sure you check with your doctor first. I got mine at at health food store.
— [Anonymous]
June 17, 2000
Of course the best suggestion is lots more water, and the second best is to
eat prunes or drink prune juice, if you can do so without dumping. My
doctor prescribes Dulcolax, these teeny pills. I take one, and if I don't
have results in 6-8 hours I take another, which usually works. I'm about 15
weeks postop or so and I tend to have either watery, loose bowel movements
or I'm constipated. I did find that a good strong cup of coffee will
sometimes loosen things up down there, too.
— Elizabeth M.
June 17, 2000
I eat 3-5 prunes every morning and drink my 64 ozs. of water or better
a day.. And I have absolutely no problems either way with constipation or
loose bowels. My life is every bit as normal now as before surgery...
I just eat a lot less and weight 117 pounds less.. YEA!!!
— Victoria B.
June 17, 2000
Heather - I had an awful time with this and still do occasionally. All
these remedies took several WEEKS before my body returned to some
regularity -- and you have to be consistent - do it every day or it doesn't
work. (believe me, you DON'T want to develop anal fissures - tears in the
rectal lining from straining). I have to have at least 20-25 grams of
FIBER a day. I get it thru Fiber One Cereal (17g), a serving of beans
(5-9), and a salad. I take a stool softener twice a day (100g) -- was up
to 400g a day untl I was regular. My doc recommended Colace. I drink the
gritty stuff in water twice a day - I have something called 'Konsyl' which
is no sugar/flavor, but has the most fiber (I can't think of any of the
other brands. 64 ounces of water is a MINIMUM. If I don't drink that - I
don't go. 30 minutes of exercise is a MINIMUM - if I don't do it, you get
the idea.
I too felt like I was abusing laxatives, and the discomfort was horrible.
There are no foods (prunes, beans, cabbage, broccolli, watermelon, etc)
that seemed to work -- I just got more gassy and bloated and it made me
more uncomfortable. ALSO, many of the b-vitamins are constipating -- check
with your doc, you may need to switch to the spray vitamins.
— Toni B.
February 25, 2001
Kosher pickels will clear you out. Just eat one, slowly, and you will need
to go in about an hour.
— Mark B.
Click Here to Return