Since the band and ingesting a minimum of 80 grams protein a day, going to the bathroom has been difficult. So I started taking stool softeners for a few days and all was well with the world. But when I stopped, back to difficulties again. I have heard that taking laxatives regularly is bad, but is it the same for stool softeners? Is there a better, more natural way of attaining, shall we say smooth sailing? I eat lots of fresh fruits and drink coffee every morning (stuff that used to work "BB" (before band). It doesn't work now. Help!

80 grams of protein, wow! that is alot. my doctor says 60 grams of protein a day.

try the metamucil or benefiber. you can mix it in with food or liquid. adding fiber to your diet is not going to hurt you.

i have not had constipation issues, but i drink alot of water every day too.

Since the band and ingesting a minimum of 80 grams protein a day, going to the bathroom has been difficult. So I started taking stool softeners for a few days and all was well with the world. But when I stopped, back to difficulties again. I have heard that taking laxatives regularly is bad, but is it the same for stool softeners? Is there a better, more natural way of attaining, shall we say smooth sailing? I eat lots of fresh fruits and drink coffee every morning (stuff that used to work "BB" (before band). It doesn't work now. Help!

80 grams of Protein, wow! that is alot. my doctor says 60 grams of protein a day.

try the metamucil or benefiber. you can mix it in with food or liquid. adding fiber to your diet is not going to hurt you.

i have not had constipation issues, but i drink alot of Water every day too.

I also drink a minimum of 64 oz. water daily. I didn't even think of benefiber, although I used to get that for my Dad. Thanks!

Up until a month ago, my wife was taking dulcolax stool softener every day, but would have trouble occasionally with them getting stuck and creating issues. She has since switched to Benefiber (unflavored powder) and puts that in 3 drinks daily and she says it is better than the dulcolax.

Hi there. I have been taking stool softeners daily since long before being banded. I had a horrible fissure caused by constipation and my doctor recommended them to ease my pain during bowel movements. Stool softeners and laxatives are not the same. Stool softeners are perfectly safe to take daily; they don't cause you to have a bowel movement, it is just easier to have one (softer & smoother). You just have to be sure to get one without a laxative added, it should say so on the bottle. Good luck.

Hi there. I have been taking stool softeners daily since long before being banded. I had a horrible fissure caused by constipation and my doctor recommended them to ease my pain during bowel movements. Stool softeners and laxatives are not the same. Stool softeners are perfectly safe to take daily; they don't cause you to have a bowel movement, it is just easier to have one (softer & smoother). You just have to be sure to get one without a laxative added, it should say so on the bottle. Good luck.

What a relief! Thank you so much!

I took the softeners for a bit after surgery but since then I've done supplements instead...started with benefibre, now doing fiberwise. I think I would have a lot of trouble if I didn't. My protein goal is 70g per day.

I just have 2 chewable fiber tablets per day and all works well over here...lol I have no need for softeners as long as I remember to take my fiber once in the morning and once at night.

I just have 2 chewable fiber tablets per day and all works well over here...lol I have no need for softeners as long as I remember to take my fiber once in the morning and once at night.

fiber tablets--never heard of them. Do they taste good? Are they calories? :-)

You can get chewables or gummies. I use the chewables they are 15 calories and 7 carbs 4grams of dietary fiber and 4grams of soluable fiber per tablet oh and they are sugar free. Made by Fiber Choice. I will admit they dont taste the greatest but they aren't to bad. I havn't tried the gummies yet but I plan to after these are gone. And I am sure you can find some with less or even no calories. Check GNC or a local vitamin shop. I bought these at walmart.

Oldie, we have the same surgeon and her recommendation to me was to increase my water intake signficantly. I upped it to 100 Oz for a few days and it worked great.

I never needed a softener. For several months after, I took Benefiber but I don't need it anymore.

You can get chewables or gummies. I use the chewables they are 15 calories and 7 carbs 4grams of dietary Fiber and 4grams of soluable fiber per tablet oh and they are sugar free. Made by Fiber Choice. I will admit they dont taste the greatest but they aren't to bad. I havn't tried the gummies yet but I plan to after these are gone. And I am sure you can find some with less or even no calories. Check GNC or a local Vitamin shop. I bought these at walmart.

Thank you very much! I'll look for them and the gummies!

Oldie, we have the same surgeon and her recommendation to me was to increase my Water intake signficantly. I upped it to 100 Oz for a few days and it worked great.

I never needed a softener. For several months after, I took Benefiber but I don't need it anymore.

Great to see another local here! Aren't Dr. Machado and Kylie the greatest?! I already drink a minimum of 64 oz a day, usually more like 75 to 90. But I'll kick it up to 100 for a few days once I get home (presently in Boston). Thanks!

Mirilax had been my best friend since being banded

Do NOT use metamucil!! It is so bad! I told my doc I was using it and he just about lost it on me going on about how bad it is!

It is acidic, it expands in your pouch etc. So NOT good

I use benefiber no flavour mix it with my coffee in the morning, does the trick every time