I am two months post surgery and I was wondering when in the world will I be able to go #2 on my own. I wonder if anyone else is having this problem. I don't really want to rely on Exlax or Super Dieters Tea for the rest of my life.

I am noticing things that blow up my stomach like raw onions and broccoli in which I love. I eat alot of salad. I thought the colon doesn't like salad and it would help me go. What can I eat to help me go naturally?

I have lost 50lbs. so far but I don't want it to be because of exlax. When I get stomach aches I figure it is because I am constipated so I take something. I may take it two times a week. I'm not hurting myself am I? I have gas pains probably every other day. I bought GasX today and it didn't even help me.

I am drinking 64oz. of Water a day plus other liquids. Can someone give me some advice?

Thanks,

Josephine

No one mentioned the one great solution without any possibility of blocking you up --- a stool softener. Small soft capsules, one or two a day. Contains NOTHING to stimulate the bowel, so it is not a laxative. It just keeps the stool from getting hard (as it does when the system slows down and you are TRULY constipated).

Sold OTC as Colace. Look for generics - dirt cheap. Safe and effective.

Several years ago I had a tremendous problem in this area. My Dr told me to eat a whole yam every day for several months. He said that the fiber was gentle and cleansing. Also the natural vitamin a in the yam would be directly absorbed into the colon which heals mucous membranes. The reason I needed to eat them for so long is that he said I needed to regulate the movement in my bowel and move something everyday. I was pretty useful for me, I didn't think his advice was for real but I tried it anyway. And you know what? It was the best thing I ever did for myself, even though I got sick of yams!

the mineral oil works the same as the colace. IT also comes in a product called kondramul it is a creamy vanilla version and it mixes well into smoothies or protein shakes. It is a natural way to "lube" the colon and works as a stool softner also. ~Mandy

Actually, Colace is a hydrophilic --- it mixes with the stool and attracts and binds Water to itself -- thus hydrating the stool and keeping it soft. It keeps the body from drawing all the water out of the fecal mass. It keeps the stool bulky and thus helps keep it moving.

Mineral "Oil" is a non-organic oil - not made of food, but derived from petroleum products. Thus, not being a food, it should not be absorbed (and normally is not able to). It can "leak" between bathroom visits, and that is how it works, by slipping past the fecal impaction and lubricating it. It also acts as a laxative - stimulating the bowel and causing colonic action by keeping the bowel from absorbing water.

Mineral Oil, like any laxative, cannot be taken on a regular basis. It interferes with the absorption of water, Vitamins, minerals and medicines. If aspirated, it can cause dangerous pneumonia. And nausea and vomiting are some of the side affects. It is now considered to be a last choice, not a first.

My mother used to give us kids "Fletcher's Castoria". Or prunes. Raisin Bran is magic.

Actually, Colace is a hydrophilic --- it mixes with the stool and attracts and binds Water to itself -- thus hydrating the stool and keeping it soft. It keeps the body from drawing all the water out of the fecal mass. It keeps the stool bulky and thus helps keep it moving.

Mineral "Oil" is a non-organic oil - not made of food, but derived from petroleum products. Thus, not being a food, it should not be absorbed (and normally is not able to). It can "leak" between bathroom visits, and that is how it works, by slipping past the fecal impaction and lubricating it. It also acts as a laxative - stimulating the bowel and causing colonic action by keeping the bowel from absorbing water.

Mineral Oil, like any laxative, cannot be taken on a regular basis. It interferes with the absorption of water, Vitamins, minerals and medicines. If aspirated, it can cause dangerous pneumonia. And nausea and vomiting are some of the side affects. It is now considered to be a last choice, not a first.

My mother used to give us kids "Fletcher's Castoria". Or prunes. Raisin Bran is magic.

Dear Theresa,

You are correct with the mineral oil info. I ONLY use herbal/botanical items for me and my clients. I spend all my time taking toxins out of people's bodies...why would I put more toxins in them!!!

Cindy

This is actually my first post ever, just wanted to thank the people that suggested mineral oil since this has being a life saver for me; should I take it everyday?

Hey Cindy,

Educate us on the benefits of colonics. My brother had one. He said what came out of him scared him so bad he never went back. He's an idiot.

I've heard things here and there, but sounds like you're an expert and should make for an interesting post.

Thanks!