Jump to content
×
Are you looking for the BariatricPal Store? Go now!

Recommended Posts

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!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

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!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

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!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

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.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

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.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

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!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

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.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

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.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

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? :-)

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

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.< /p>

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

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.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

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.< /p>

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

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

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!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Mirilax had been my best friend since being banded :)

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

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 :)

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now

  • Trending Products

  • Trending Topics

  • Recent Status Updates

    • vsg.with.sharon

      Hey everyone!
      I’m new here! Looking for some friends! 🥰
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • LeighaTR

      Four days post surgery. I am sipping as fast as I can and getting NO WHERE near the goal of 60 - 80 grams of protein or the 64 oz of liquids. I just feel FULL. I don't know if it can still be the gas build up (I would think by now that would be gone) but it is a struggle to drink. And so far I have not had the nausea or spasms and don't want to wander into that territory by pushing too hard with liquids. I about passed out today as it was my most "strenuous" day. Went from second story to basement for shower and I was sure I was going to pass out. Looking back on my last few days I have had a total of less than 1000 calories. Am I just not getting enough nourishment in me? Once again a friday where I can't get ahold of the doc until Monday rolls back around so I am hoping maybe someone here has some experience on how to keep energy going. I do have fibromyalgia too and that may be where some added fatigue comes into play. How did you all fair with the goals the week after surgery?
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Doughgurl

      2 days until I fly out to San Diego to have my Bypass Surg. in Tiajuana Mexico. Not gonna lie, the nerves are starting to surface. I don't fear the surgery itself, or the fact that I'm traveling alone, but its the aftermath that I'm stressing about the most, after this 8 week wait. I'm excited to finally be here, but I am really dreading the post surgical chapter. I know its going to be tough, real tough and I think I'm just in my head to much now that the day i here. Wish me luck, Hopefully I'm one of the lucky ones, and everything goes smoothly. Cant wait to give an exciting update,. If there is anyone else have a June bypass or even a recent one, Id love to have someone to compare war stories with. Also, anyone near San Antonio Tx? See ya soon with the future me. 💜
      · 3 replies
      1. Phil Penn

        Good Luck this procedure is well worth it I am down to 249.6 lb please continue with the process..

      2. Selina333

        I'm in Houston so kind of near you and had the sleeve in Dec. Down 61 lbs. Feeling better. Was definitely worth it. I hope the everything is going well for you. Update us when you can!

      3. Doughgurl

        I am back home after my bypass surgery in Tiajuana. I'm post op day 4. Everything went great! I guess I'm one of the lucky ones who have not encountered much pain at all, no nausea thus far and I'm having no problem keeping down broths and water. Thank you for your well wishes. I cant wait to keep up this journey and have a chance at better health and simply better quality of life. I know there will be bumps in the road ahead, and everything won't be peaches and cream, but at least I have a great start so far. 😍

    • LeighaTR

      I am new here today... and only two weeks out from my sleeve surgery on the 23rd. I am amazed I have kept my calories down to 467 today so far... that leaves me almost 750 left for dinner and maybe a snack. This is going to be tough for two weeks... but I have to believe I can do it!
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Doughgurl

      Hey everyone. I'm new here so I thought I should introduce myself. I am 53y/o and am scheduled for Gastric Bypass on June 25th, 2025. I'm located in San Antonio, Texas. I will be having my surgery in Tiajuana Mexico. I've wanted this for years, but I always had insurance where bariatric procedures were excluded. Finally I am able to afford to pay out of pocket.  I can't wait to get started, and I hope I'm prepared for the initial period of "hell". I know what I have signed up for, but I'm sure the good to come will out way the temporary period of discomfort and feelings of regret. I'd love to find people to talk to who have been through the same procedure or experience before. So I look forward to meeting you all. Hope you have a great week!
      · 2 replies
      1. Selina333

        I'm so happy for you! You are about to change your life. I was so glad to get the sleeve done in Dec. I didn't have feelings of regret overall. And I'm down almost 60 lbs. I do feel a little sad at restaurants. I can barely eat half a kid's meal. I get adults meals often because kid ones don't have the same offerings at times. Then I feel obligated to eat on that until it's gone and that can be days. So the restaurant thing isn't great for me. All the rest is fine by me! I love feeling full with very little. I do wish I could drink when eating. And will sip at the end. Just a strong habit to stop. But I'm working on it! You will do fine! Just keep focused on your desire to be different. Not better or worse. But different. I am happy both ways but my low back doesn't like me that heavy. So I listened (also my feet!). LOL! Update us on your journey! I'm not far from you. I'm in Houston. Good luck and I hope it all goes smoothly! Would love to see pics of the town you go to for this. I've never been there. Neat you will be traveling for this! Enjoy the journey. Take it one day at a time. Sometimes a few hours at a time. Follow all recommendations as best you can. 💗

      2. Doughgurl

        Thank you so much for your well wishes. I am hoping that everything goes easy for me as well. We don't eat out much as it is, so it wont be too bad in that department. Thankfully. Also, I hear you regarding your back and feet!! I'd like to add knees to the list. Killing me as we speak! I'm only 5' so the weight has to go. Too short to carry all this weight. Menopause really did a doosey on me. (😶lol) My daughter also lives in Houston. with her Husband and my 5 grand-littles. I grew up in Beaumont, so I know Houston well, I will be sure to keep in touch and update you on my journey. I may need some advice in the future, or just motivation. Thank You so much for reaching out, I was hoping to connect with someone in the community. I really appreciate it. 💜

  • Recent Topics

  • Hot Products

  • Sign Up For
    Our Newsletter

    Follow us for the latest news
    and special product offers!
  • Together, we have lost...
      lbs

    PatchAid Vitamin Patches

    ×