I am trying to avoid getting into the habit of taking any sort of chemical laxative. I've been taking psyllium husk capsules for a couple of weeks (anywhere between 3-6 per day) and they don't seem to be helping much. I just went for more than a week without going AT ALL!

This can't be good for me. I know this happens sometimes. What do others do to try to stay more regular?

try drinking your protein shake with almond milk instead of milk, or you can use soy milk. for me, within 4 hours after drinking that im a poopen!

Sorry, no feedback on natural laxitives or stool softeners. But, I can sooo remember that feeling. Once a week was like a miracle from above. I wanted the family to clap for me after exiting the loo. Good luck and hope you find great results.

I use merilax, it works great!

I had the same problem. Once a week was a blessing. I have finally found something that works for me that is all natural. I take 2 flaxseed oil pills per day. One in the morning and one at night. It takes a couple of days to get it started, but now it occurs daily or every other day. Hope this helps and wish you luck on what works best for you!

Nichole

I think you have to sort of experiment to find what works for you. As you can see from the varied responses, the problem is common, and finding a solution sometimes takes a bit of trial and error. :-) What works for me is citrus fruit.... I try to eat a cup of grapefruit segments every day and some melon or other juicy fruit. I'm obviously not too worried about the carbs in those, so if you're low-carbing, this might not work for you. Since I started this, what was a once-a-week or once-every-9-days occurrence is every-other-day, which is a lot more comfortable.

Good luck finding your solution--and you will, it just takes the trial and error thing, I think.

There are a lot of threads on this topic if you do a search on constipation. I didn't worry about not going for a week. When I was ready, it happened. If I have to take something I'd take a fiber additive before an actual laxative. Those should be a last resort.

First of all, make sure you are getting in your fluids - at least 60 ounces per day. Then, you need fiber - you probably aren't getting enough from what you eat. I use benefiber packets - one or two per day. You can take up to three per day.

Then I use a capful of Miralax in a smoothie - usually 5 days per week. It is not a laxative, it is a stool softener, and is gentle and harmless. I also use a tablespoon of flax oil in my smoothie.

The more you exercise - the more regular you will be.

Some people have great results with coffee. I don't drink coffee - but Chinese food is a sure cure for me to get my system moving.

Don't compare your pre-surgery normal to what your new normal will be. You are putting less volume in so there will be less volume coming out. You are eating less fiber and fat, so that greatly reduces the output, also.

Remember less in means less out. Even if you are going once per week it is ok as long as you are not experiencing pain or discomfort...

I had a very ugly struggle with diarrhea in my first 4 weeks and I am now regular after some colestipol medication prescribed by surgeon. But I only go about once per week, he says thats fine as long as there is no pain or discomfort..

if so try some prune juice or just eat a few dried prunes or apricots... they will deffinately make you go....all natural as well...

There are a lot of threads on this topic if you do a search on constipation. I didn't worry about not going for a week. When I was ready, it happened. If I have to take something I'd take a fiber additive before an actual laxative. Those should be a last resort.

That's the thing. I wouldn't mind going once a week if that was all I needed. And when I do go it's like trying to pass a brick. I've tried everything and so far no luck. I've taken miralax every day for the past week and NADA. It's making this whole experience miserable.

Are you drinking at least 64 oz. of fluids a day? I rely on Colace stool softener, extra Fiber through food or supplements, and glycerin suppositories if things get really backed up. I do exercise 6 days per week and I think that helps too as another poster noted. I'd bring it up with the Dr. Pooping a brick is not good for the ol' rear end. Might as well bring it up now before you get hemorrhoids or other problems. For example, after finding and repairing a hiatial hernia during my VSG surgery, the Dr. told me it could have been caused by straining to poo.

Lynda

OHHH, I know your pain! I ended up using enemas a few times after talking to a nurse friend and the discussion of impaction and all the explanation of what would happen in the er with that! So I go myself some mineral oil enemas to relieve the immediate problem and then went on Mira lax a half doses regular for some time. there is a reason the word Miracle is implied. The good news is , a few months out most of that is resolved,,, it seams the whey protien shakes cause most of my stoppage problems.

I take Fiber Advance Gummies. They taste good and it helps me get the fiber in and helps me go.

If you are eating "real food" you could do what I do which is eat two dried plums (prunes) a day. I think they are pretty tasty and they work gently.

Magnesium works great for this and it's a stress reliever as well. Try some Natural Calm or just take 2-3 magnesium capsules daily.

Phillips Milk Of Magnesia works overnight, the only thing that worked for me and I'm 6 weeks post-op.

I am trying to avoid getting into the habit of taking any sort of chemical laxative. I've been taking psyllium husk capsules for a couple of weeks (anywhere between 3-6 per day) and they don't seem to be helping much. I just went for more than a week without going AT ALL!

This can't be good for me. I know this happens sometimes. What do others do to try to stay more regular?