Holy constipation! I haven't been able to go on my own since surgery. I've used stool softeners and laxatives. Laxatives are the only thing that works but I don't want to get dependent on them. Both the softeners and laxatives say don't use for more than a week. Someone suggested milk of magnesia but I've never had it. I broke down and bought some but the same thing, "don't use for more than a week". Does anyone have any suggestions? Diet options? I want to limit the number of medications that I have to take.

Miralax is considered safe for long term.

I was forced to take Milk of Magnesia when I went 8 days post-op with no BM. For 3 weeks, I kept having to use it off and on, but only if I went into a 3rd day with no BM. So gross. When I got to mushie foods then more solid foods, I was able to add a little fiber and my PA recommended the fiber gummy bears. I haven't had to use the Milk of Magnesia since then. The PA also had me buy some colace (which i think is the same as Miralax that Laura-Ven mentions above), which I actually haven't taken yet since the gummies and the food seems to be working (and by working I mean a BM every 2 to 3 days). I also saw a recommendation to eat a little box of raisins per day to stay regular, but I haven't tried that quite yet. Good luck to you - this part of the surgery after effects is no fun at all.

Edited October 27, 201312 yr by Shells_Almost_There

Thanks everyone! I did take the milk of magnesia, wild cherry! It wasn't too bad but nothing I want to get use to! I've been on solids for a little bit now but still no relieve. I've been so concentrated on the protein that I've ignored everything else. I guess I need to branch out! I'll try adding more fiber stuff and the raisins sound amazing. I've always loved them.