I am 24 days post-op and have not had a normal BM since surgery. I have used Correctol, stool softeners and Miralax (terrible bloating and gas fromt this one).

I have always struggled, but it just seems to be getting worse. I'm eating alot less which explains some of it, however I am drinking fluids and walking daily.

IBS with constipation X 100. :w00t: Any suggestions?

Hi:

My doctor recommends a spoon ful of mineral oil every day until it's resolved and then every few days afterwards.

Good luck. I've been there and it's not comfortable.

Sue

Hi,

I use Senokot. It's a natural remedy, but if you have bad constipation it can make your tummy feel a little silly.

I can usually do a number 2 if I have dairy products...It's bad though because obviously dairy products aren't going to always be healthy. Being on laxatives for a long period of time can result in relying too much on them.

Can you eat more fibre? I know carbs are difficult, but fibre and some fruits (even dried fruits like prunes) can really get it moving.

I was banded Aug. 24 and have been the same as you every day since. Either I can't use the bathroom, or I can use it "too well", and I never know which day will be which problem.

I have tried all of the OTCs and the only things that have given me relief when I cannot go were suppositories. But of course, those fix a current problem but does nothing to keep the problem away. However, sometimes you just need the relief even if you know it won't help tomorrow. And the good thing about them is you know when you will "go" (usually 15 to 60 minutes) whereas other OTC products could start working when there is no bathroom around.

I even switched from Water to calorie-free Powerade so I would throw my electrolytes off and walk ALL the time.

I went to my PCP and she disgnosed me with IBS and has started me on a Rx. We'll see what happens. I wonder if having this or any surgery is known to sort of "set off" IBS symptoms. Hmmmm?

I hope you feel better soon!

I even switched from Water to calorie-free Powerade so I would throw my electrolytes off and walk ALL the time.

Whoa whoa whoa!! Holdddd on a second...There's such a thing as calorie free Powerade!?

I add Flavorless Benefiber to water, coffee, yoghurt which has helped me a lot.

I add Flavorless Benefiber to water, coffee, yoghurt which has helped me a lot.

Good idea!

Berocca might help too.

not the normal thing....but coffee always does it for me!

Before being banded I was "regular" then after being banded it was like once every 2-3 days. I have found that if I do not eat enough "roughedge" aka salads I get "stalled Bowels." I also drinking Prune juice. The dr says that we will not go to the bathroom like we did before because we are also not eating a much foods as we were before.

I have always had trouble in the past with BM, and take 2 magnesium liquid soft gels (400mg each) every couple of days. you may not need this much, but this is what works for me. you could also try taking Calcium tablets that include magnesium since you need the extra calcium anyway.

I find magnesium doesnt give me the stomach cramps and bloating the otc drugs do.

I second the Benefiber. Twice a day in some Water or other drink is really helpful for everyone.

Melissa

I had problems before surgery and it was worse after. After alot of trial and error my doctor and I have decided what works for me. I take 4 stool softeners each day, Miralax 2 times a day and have now started the chewable fiber too. This works most of the time but sometimes I also have to take Milk of Mag....which really sucks! I hate Milk of Mag! Thank goodness I don't have to take it but once in a blue moon now. I know this sounds like alot of medicine but this has taken over a year to figure out what keeps me regular. It works for me and my doctor agrees with it. The chewable fiber have REALLY helped alot! I like them because they taste good. Benefiber has worked before but I just couldn't handle anything else to drink because of the Miralax too. Hope this helps.....it will get better, you just have to figure out what works for you. Hang in there, I know its not fun I have been there and thought I'd die.

Try Vitafusion fiber gummies. They helped me I take them every day. I switched to taking them at night because my stomach gurgles alot with them.

Chewable benefiber.... eat them everyday and you will be back to normal.