Hi guys,

I had gastric bypass a month ago.

I am very constipated. I hate taking milk of magnesia, it gives me the runs.

Has anyone tried Miralax? Does it give you cramps?

Thanks!

@canes2015 My surgeon and NUT say yes to Miralax. I had HORRIBLE problems until I started getting at least 50 oz of Water plus two stool softeners plus a half-dose of Miralax every night. You need the water, as hard as it can be to drink as much as we're supposed to, it truly does make a difference -

I'm about 14 weeks out from bypass and for the first 10 weeks or so, that was my absolute worst nightmare issue -- not just uncomfortable, but extremely painful and debilitating - I almost went to the ER and I do know of people who've actually gone to the ER. But at about 10 weeks, I was able to drink more water; started on 2 stool softeners/day (I buy them at costco, Kirkland brand); and started the Miralax every night -- such a relief - hang in there, as I said, that was the worst issue for me -

PS: Oh, and one way I started getting more water was to buy the "junior" sized water bottles (8 oz instead of the regular ones, which are 16 oz). I use a marker and writer "1" "2" "3" "4" on the caps, just like the nurses did for me in the hospital - it's a visual reminder how much I have to get each day and being able to finish one of the smaller bottles makes me feel like I've accomplished something - a mind-game, I know, but it does help me -

Thank you Della!!!

Did the Miralax give you cramps?

Is the stool softener a gel cap?

Miralax was the best

My only issue post-surgery has also been constipation which is very common but for some people, like myself, need to take extra measures. Miralax does not cause cramping it is a very gentle stool softener that mixes well in liquid or food. I purchase the generic version from costco and it saves me quite a bit of money if your insurance doesn't cover it. I take a full dose daily and usually that takes care of things along with hydration and getting in fiber and exercising also to prompt the bowels to work. However, I have also needed to use enemas every once in a while over the past year. Never let it go to long...take it from someone who has been impacted. They have also tried me on one medication to treat the constipation...Amitiza. Unfortunately it didn't work for me but for others it's been a miracle worker. Best of luck to you.