Hey all!

I am almost 3 weeks out. And in that total, I have had a total of two bowel movements. The first one was extremely hard to get out (sorry tmi) and since then have started fiber gummies and stool softeners. Only have had one more and it was a little easier to get out than the first. My main question and concern is, I wonder what you all did to stay regular. The stool softeners make my stomach cramp and I dont think they are good for me to take everyday! Does it get better? I understand I'm still in soft food phase but wondering if when I'm on a reg diet for it change that much? Wasn't prepared at all for this aspect of the struggle...

I didn't become regular till over a year post-op. Up until then, I had been adding Psyllium husks to my meals and eating high fiber foods like refried Beans, squash, and eggplant. But none of them seemed to work too well. I had to resort to Milk of Magnesia a couple of times.

I had to retrain myself on going to the bathroom. I used to be one of those that - when it was time to go, it was time to go! Not one of those that carried a newspaper into the bathroom with them. So I never paid attention to the little hints that I needed to go and would put it off till later. Now at the slightest hint I need to go, I'll hit the bathroom... to kinda "prime the pump" so to speak. That seems to have made a real difference.

I added Benefiber to everything that I ate or drank. When that didn't work, I used Miralax. (Which didn't cause cramping.) Now that I am almost 7 months out, I use several gummy supplements a day, and make sure I am getting in my recommended Water. I also drink 1-2 c. of coffee a day, which helps a lot.

For many months I started my day with a large cup of herbal tea with a tablespoon of benefiber. That helped a lot. I usually got in 9-12 grams of fiber a day plus always got in my fluids. At almost a year out I don't need the supplement any longer.

Add probiotics to your daily routine and you'll never have constipation issues again

I added psyllium fiber but it didn't help... I ended up trying MiraLAX which has helped and and worst case scenario my doctor suggested mineral oil…

Good luck

Hey all!

I am almost 3 weeks out. And in that total, I have had a total of two bowel movements. The first one was extremely hard to get out (sorry tmi) and since then have started fiber gummies and stool softeners. Only have had one more and it was a little easier to get out than the first. My main question and concern is, I wonder what you all did to stay regular. The stool softeners make my stomach cramp and I dont think they are good for me to take everyday! Does it get better? I understand I'm still in soft food phase but wondering if when I'm on a reg diet for it change that much? Wasn't prepared at all for this aspect of the struggle...

I am four years out and have struggled with this for almost four years! Finally, I found something helpful. Miralax, daily. I was told early on I could take it every day but never did like the consistency of the orange juice or milk.......but someone suggested to put it in my HOT coffee every morning and it works like a charm. It totally dissolves. A life saver!

I am four years out and have struggled with this for almost four years! Finally, I found something helpful. Miralax, daily. I was told early on I could take it every day but never did like the consistency of the orange juice or milk.......but someone suggested to put it in my HOT coffee every morning and it works like a charm. It totally dissolves. A life saver!

does it male yor coffe taste different, the miralax? I am 1 year out and struggle with this all the time!

I know it's old school, but if I haven't gone in 2 days, I have 6 oz prune juice in the evening. That has worked for me each time by mid-morning.

When I need the miralax, I add it to my morning Protein shake. Cant taste the difference and since the shake is thick, the addition is not noticed.

Thanks so much for all the different advice and ideas! I will be jumping on the miralax advice ASAP!