Good day sleevers!

I was sleeved on 12/16. Since I've left the hospital I've only had a bowel movement once. Any suggestions? old me would pop in a laxative but I know I can't do that now. Thanks!!!

What does your surgeon recommend? Mine recommends senokot and milk of magnesia. I've not heard of sleevers being forbidden to use laxatives, I guess your surgeon has a different protocol?

I've only taken Milk of Magnesia, once or twice, since surgery. Are you sure your constipated? If you are like me, I didn't eat anything outside of popsicles and a few tablespoons of soup for the 1st 10 days post-op. My system was used to handling 3 or 4 pounds of food a day, so there was lots of empty space to fill. Being on a liquid diet, I didn't have to go for at least 2 weeks, maybe longer.

I've struggle with BM but i just sip water or tea all day...now every two days am having that moment...LOL!!

My doctor started me on Colace stool softener in the hospital. Talk to your doctor and see what he suggests.

I forgot to add, Smooth Move tea has been recommended by some on this board. I'm not a tea drinker, so I haven't tried it. But you can get a box for about 4 bucks at Walgreens, CVS, Wal-Mart or on Amazon.

http://www.bariatricpal.com/topic/325635-smooth-move-is-my-answergo-to-when-i-feel-like-ive-eat-to-much/

Good day sleevers!

I was sleeved on 12/16. Since I've left the hospital I've only had a bowel movement once. Any suggestions? old me would pop in a laxative but I know I can't do that now. Thanks!!!

This is a frequent post-op problem. [TMI Alert!] From research when it happened to me, constipation is caused because there is not enough moisture in the stool. Most laxatives and stool softeners add Fiber to your system, which causes the stool to absorb more moisture and become softer and easier to pass. [Yuck!] I took Miralax, which is a tasteless powder that can be stirred into any drink (coffee and sugar-free hot chocolate work well). Then drink as much Fluid as possible. Shortly after surgery, fluid is even more important than Protein. It may take a day or so to work, but when it does you'll feel so much better. Good luck!

Edited December 30, 201411 yr by Rogofulm

I've been told that if I go 2 to 3 days without a BM to start taking Miralax.

I tried Milk of Magnesia and had a combination of diarrhea (happened somewhat quickly) and constipation. Really miserable experience! When I talked to my surgeon, he recommended Miralax instead. I took 1/2 the amount recommended to see how I'd respond. Nothing happened, including cramps, which is a good thing) and then a few hours later had the other 1/2. Still waiting, but not feeling bad.

I went five days after surgery and was doing fine until about a month out. When I called my docs office I was told to take Miralax. Worked like a charm.

Now I make sure to put it in my evening tea everyday. I just had my 2 month follow up and the NP told me to use half the amount and I should be fine. I make sure to get it in every night there is no way I want to go thru that again.

Thanks guys!