I will be banded one month from today (WOO HOO!) I went to Target today to stock up on post-surgery goodies and got really overwhelmed. I know I should have a laxative on-hand, but I know some laxatives can be really strong and painful. Do you have a favorite that you found to be mild? Or a least favorite brand I should stay away from? Same with stool softeners. I've never taken those. Are they all mild? What's your favorite brand?

All lapband doctors have different policies. My surgeon says a big NO to laxatives; but I can take Colace (stool softener). Also, the gummies fiber (vitafusion brand) help me. I also find that I have to eat one Activa Yogurt each day, I don't have any issues with those products. ~ good luck on your journey~

I wouldn't take a laxative. You don't want all that straining and cramping after surgery.

I agree the above poster, a stool softner is your best bet. I too prefer Colace. I would start taking it the day you get home from surgery and every day after until you go.

Or you could possibly be like a few of us here ,who had the opposite problem.

That's where having Imodium chewables also available.

i must take pain medicine for a chronic pain condition, and the medicine is known to cause constipation. I swear by cheap and effective mineral oil. start w/ 1 teaspoon at bed. Good Luck! Sandy

laxatives can get quite expensive and very addictive. lesser, more natural is better, imo.

I would use collace as soon as you get home. Some of us continue to need it 1 year out. Initially don't be in too big of a hurry to have the first BM. Straining is not good and remember you will have very low intake.

magnesium ( supplements) work well too, if taken regularly. Walgreens has many bogo, for cheap. Walmart has very reasonable prices on supplements too.Sandy

My surgeon wanted me to take milk of mag after surgery. I did and I can tell u I wasn't constipated. Although I wasn't straining there was the problem of not being able to stop.

I never took a laxative. I didn't have a bm until day 4 I think. After that the protein the optifast kept me regular.

Woman's softener worked great for me

I take the Kirkland Signature Brand Stool Softener...compared to Collace. I've been taking it for 17 month now. I have constipation issues and roids from pushing 4 babies out.

I also put Benefiber in my Protein shakes.

The Zofran makes me especially constipated. So beware of that.