I'm doing fine in every area but one... I'm constipated to the point I can go a week without moving my bowels... I know it's the Iron supplements making me constipated. So, what is a person suppose to do? I have to have my iron to stay healthy and I have to be able to move my bowels to also stay healthy. I take 3 OTC colace (maximum OTC dosage) every day in hopes of being able to "go". I wonder if i can possibly take more than 3. I've tried Miralax too. I constantly sip on my Water all throughout the day. I drink about 50-60 ounces a day.... some days more. I'm absolutely frustrated and i have contacted my surgeon's office and to be honest as good as they were before the surgery now it feels like they don't want to be bothered so i'm not sure if i need to go see my pcp or try something else before i do. Any and all suggestions welcome.

This is very common after surgery, it's a combo of high protein and iron and you are eating far less than your body is use to so you will not go as much or often... differ things work for differ people after trying things my doctor suggested I found miralax every other day works for me others try smooth move tea... just don't let it go to long with no movement at all

This is really my only issue. I take stool softeners and miralax when needed. Ironically I had the opposite issue prior to surgery. Please don't let it go too long. Earlier in my journey, I ended up in the er with a severe bowel impaction. I never want to go through that again. My surgery practice said I could take miralax every day. Good luck!

My doctor (and I can confirm) swears by 4 prunes and a cup of room temperature water. I eat the ones that are individually packaged, and then drink just a cup of water. Works magic every time, and it's natural!

I ended up in the ER due to constipation. My nut told me to take gentle iron which won't cause constipation and take flaxseed oil and colace if needed. Believe me I have been going regularly daily without any issues. I also add benefiber in my yogurt every morning and I also have a protein shake daily which also helps me regulate. So try flaxseed oil, gentle iron and colace. Good luck!

I know we are not supposed to have it but coffee works for me every time! I am not a coffee drinker which is why it probably works so well for me. Just a few sips and I'm "ready".

@@veeleexb lol before surgery that was me called it my liquid plumber doesn't seem to have that effect on me anymore though

I tried mineral oil, it was not a pleasant taste but it worked !

I'm having issue with this as well. I go about 7 days and then after that I go and can't stop going for two days!

I would suggest trying to increase the fluids.

I know in my program we've always been told to get an absolute minimum of 64 ounces each day. If you're only ever getting that at your maximum, plus the extra your body needs for the colace, it sounds to me like you're dehydrated in addition to the protein/iron issues we all deal with.

Ur body does this due to less food intake.

I know this sounds crazy and a little disgusting, but drinking warm prune juice has worked for many a nursing home resident. Also, a one part milk/one part molasses enema is sometimes prescribed in the hospital. I have not had my surgery yet, and I know prunes have a lot of sugar and carbs, but I've been a nurse for years and have seen good results with these Also there are always fleets enemas, mineral oil enemas, magnesium citrate, and milk of magnesia. Just some thoughts. Maybe check with your doctor again, and if you get desperate you could always ask for golytely Hope this helps!

has been my main issue since my surgery august 14th i take a dose of miralax everyday but hasn't really changed anything

I started activia a week ago and so far not bad. I have been 3 times in 7 days. Am hoping it lasts

i know its not the best tasting stuff but prune juice does the trick. i was having a terrible time till i started drinking a glass when i feel i cant go.. now no problem

I have had the same problem since I started soft foods. Never had a problem when on the liquid diet. I took Miralax the other day and it cured the problem in a day. Sure hate taking it all the time though ... I know I wouldn't be able to get a prune down