:help:I have been banded for 2 months. My bowels wont move unless I take something. It isn't hard. It just doesn't come out.

Help??

This is common because most bandsters eat foods that are low in fiber (i.e. protein first). A few things I've found - an 8oz glass of V8 Juice, Benefiber (a powder that dissolves) I mix it with oatmeal or put it in my V8. Also, although docs recommend staying away from caffeine, a good old fashioned cup of coffee always helps. Good luck!

I use Fiber Sure mixed in with my scrambled egg beaters in the morning and again mixed in with my yogurt at night. When things get really backed up, I drink a glass of prune juice. It's high in calories, but it's a natural laxative. I don't drink it every day.. just as needed.

I was thinking of doing a colon cleanse to get things moving, but half of my research says colon cleansing is a crock and the other half says is wonderful. In any case, it seems like all of the products are capsules and they're probably huge. And expensive too! I'd like to try it just once, but I don't know...

And there's no way I'm getting a colonic. I think it probably feels cool to be completely cleaned out like that, but I just can't fathom paying someone to stick a tube up my bum and watch what comes out of there. (shudder)

My doctor gave me a prescription for Glycolax, which is a powder that you mix in water, or any liquid. I take it once a day, and it really keeps me regular--no diarrhea, just nice and regular. and, with my prescription insurance, it is way cheaper than the over the counter products like Benefiber or Fibersure. I can get a big bottle for only $7.00. You might ask your doctor about that.

i personally take benefiber...it mixes with everything without making it clumpy or adding a gross taste (i.e. metamucil)

Hey robgoblin87 or anyone else that may know, I was banded on 5/16/2007 and I was thinking about getting myself benefiber. I haven't had any real problems so far, but I haven't been really regular either. How much/how often should I take it? Should I just follow the directions? Or are we "special cases"

Several people I know use the glycolax very successfully....both wls people and little old ladies like my mother. It is the same as Miralax and requires a perscription.

i dont really measure and do it scientifically...i just add it to juice, water...etc. on the label it tells you that one tablespoon is about 25% of daily recommended or something like that...so depends how it goes.