Ok I had surgery on Tuesday, but it has actually been since Friday before that I went to poop. Sorry I'm not sugar coatig. I didn't want to disturb my dr since he is the one on call because their voicemail says for emergencies, so I took a suppository (glycerin); I did have to strain some and now my mom is scaring me saying I could really cause problems by straining. I don't plan on straining all the time but by god I had to have some relief. Has anyone else had this issue? Have you ever heard of someone popping a staple and causing a leak from straining due to constipation? I feel fine just checking on here.... Thanks

Pretty much everybody has had constipation to varying degrees. My Dr told me to use Milk of Magnesia (MOM). Worked like a charm. I took a bit everyday to try to stay ahead of the game.

No strain.

Thks I probably should have tried tht first!

Go natural where possible is my advice. Puree a very ripe kiwifruit and drink it slow. Tasty stuff and the next day you will get relief with no strain! It also freezes well and is yummy to eat frozen, like a slushy but just pure fruit.

I agree with pdx. MOM at first. Smoother on the new sleeve. If it happens later, Miralax works great. It desolves in water and really can't taste it

yep, my Dr's instructions say this:

Increase Water intake

decrease pain meds because they can cause constipation

if that doesn't work then try in this order:

Milk of Magnesia

Magnesium Citrate

Miralax

Anything is better than a blockage. I haven't had a bowel movement since before surgery but I also haven't had much going into my system.

I also used MOM. worked great!

Mom did nothing for me. I was told to use miralax by my surg but that does not work for me either. I have to take a laxative in order to go. I have tried veggies, water, exercise and herbal tea. People say it is because we are taking in few calories. But without my once a week laxative I just don't feel right. I feel bloated and heavy.

Ohhhh girl in dying here! Haven't gone in a few days and i have hard stool blocking me at the end. ( tmi ) miralax isn't working for me. I just took peri colace about an hour ago, hopefully that will help soon. If not, I'm on to a supository. I'm so dang misserable and hurting. Hang in there.

FYI on the Miralax - it takes three days to work. I can't say for post op, but when it was necessary in the past (usually due to pain killers), it takes three days.

I personally find great relief with Senna tea. (Not any other Senna product - like in the laxative aisle). I buy it at a Whole Foods or similar type place.

DO NOT drink an entire cup! Just about a 1/4 to a 1/2 cup usually works wonders.

I plan on doing this proactively after surgery - probably just a few sips a day.

Stool softeners, lots of fluids, and walking help me out.

I drink miralax every day as ordered by my surg and it does not help...gonna try the tea thanks...

Ohhhh girl in dying here! Haven't gone in a few days and i have hard stool blocking me at the end. ( tmi ) miralax isn't working for me. I just took peri colace about an hour ago' date=' hopefully that will help soon. If not, I'm on to a supository. I'm so dang misserable and hurting. Hang in there.[/quote']

I know how ya feel! I feel sooo much better this evening, but I am very upset this was not part o my pre-op teaching. They never mentioned it but it doesn't seem to be an uncommon problem! I will call my doctor on Monday and let you know what is said. Hope you get relief soon!

Thks everyone for all your thoughts and ideas. This part of the surgery maybe a larger issue than the eating part with me! Lol

I was told that I would have constipation and was told to drink diluted apple juice and that it would help if I drank it straight than it would cause other bathroom issues of too loose. I am sorry that you had to go through that. UGH Apple juice has always worked for me.