I'm three months out and twice I've been so backed up that I've been in tears. Nutrionist suggested I back my Protein down, so I aim for 60g now. She also suggested I add a little caffeine in and I've done that. I take 2 stool softeners with Benefiber in the morning, and again at night. I am taking a probiotic to help as well. Haven't had issues since New Years Day, but now I can feel it happening again. I've taken the Mirolax and this afternoon I'll take laxatives too. Once I can release it will take all of my energy out of me and I'll be sapped for the rest of the day. Here is my question, I'm wondering if meat is what triggers this? I had a little bit of hamburger twice this week, and for some reason I am associating this difficulty with that. Anyone else experience anything similiar?

I am only at about 600-800 calories a day, and the dr. said that is ok. I have done my blood work for 3 months post op and will get results in two weeks. I am waiting to be released to go back to the gym since I had pneumonia and influenza 2 weeks ago.

Any one able to suggest anything?

I ended up having to start milk of magnesia (MOM) a couple times a week. Works great and has provided relief and some normalcy.

I have some of that too! Haven't taken it this go round yet. I should mention it isn't like I am constipated, because I do have normal bowel movements. It's like I get blocked at times, which becomes very painful. That's why I'm wondering if eating hamburger is the culprit that triggers this. It's weird, but very very painful.

I don't eat red meat at all as it doesn't sit right with me so it might be the problem. How much water are you drinking? I also eat a prune or two for my morning snack. I cut way down on cheese and bananas which are consipating and don't eat any white flour. I also eat a lot of salmom eggs and kale. ..hope this helps

Loriemoms....I'm not crazy to think it could be the meat then? I am doing about 64ounces of water. I am still working my way back up to 80. I do eat prunes for snack. I haven't done much bananas and I do a little cheese on some things. I really wonder if its the meat?

I know I cant handle it. Cut it out of your diet and see.!

I have issues too. Stool softeners don't work. I only go about once every week to a week and a half.

I am vegetarian and never once had an issue with constipation. Maybe the red meat is the culprit.

Cheese seems to back me up. And I like string cheese. So "smooth move" tea for me. Keeps the plumbing moving for me. Prunes too are helpful

Best of luck????

I also have issues with constipation and even before surgery. After getting over almost a 2 week congestion virus I just wasn't feeling up to par so I knew I had to clean myself out! I felt like a huge toxin ball. I take lactlose liquid and it helped but I still felt constipated so I went and bought an enema! Not a good choice if you suffer from hemorrhoids! Sorry tmi but I feel your pain. I can handle ground beef but a steak is very heavy for my pouch! Good luck

The end all combo: warning- do not take before zip lining. Take a full dose of liquid milk of mag and a solid does of stimulate laxatives and hold on for dear life. Drink lots of water and head to the bathroom. Do not fart (you will sh*t your pants). I have to do this when nothing else has helped, or the single dose of milk mag does not produce a BM. Get all the pop out of you and start better habits next time. I just got a Squatty potty, and that helps as well..though havnt used it much- it has potential.

Oh and I stopped taking fiber supplements, it just made my poop massive, which in turn ended up to be an even bigger pain in the butt (literally). Also be mindful of your vitamins, do they contain iron? Mine did, so I cut the dosage and combine with a multivitamin... Iron supplements will give you constipation

I had an issue around the 5 week post op mark and it was terrible. I started using Miralax in my decaf tea at night and have not had an issue since. I was so diligent about making sure I had my tea every night I did not want to go thru that again.

For the past month or so I only use the miralax 2-3 times a week and I have still been fine. I go every morning right before I get on my scale.

I have the same issues at 4 1/2 months out. I was using milk of magnesia 2x a week but my Doc said to try metamucil 2 x a day. That seems to be working. Its frustrating!

Oh my! I am SO in your place! I want so much to do this the natural way, but it doesn't seem to be working. Benefiber, etc. I am interested in trying the smooth move. I am afraid of using stool softeners, do the doctors have problems with it? I only go about once a week, when before it was once or twice a day! I know that I need to up my Water and walking, but am struggling to get that in. I really worry about my return to work and getting it all in then! One thing i did try, that was kindof gross, was mineral oil. It can be taken in enema form or orally. I was a little creeped out about swallowing it, but it really did the trick, softening things up. I wouldn't take it regularly as it warns that it might intefere with the absorption of Vitamins, and none of us need that! Good Luck!

The smooth move can cause cramping, so just be aware that's a possibility.

I didn't like it at all, but there are some who swear by it.