Veterans: Sluggish bowels?

[LumpySpacePrincess 594]

Looking for advice for people more than a year out (sorry, couldn't find the vets forum. Did it move???)

I am almost two years out, and I still have trouble having a bowel movement unless I take a laxative. I tried Miralax but I gained weight on it (apparently more common than not).

Anyway, I want to know if anyone else more than a year out also has a sluggish bowel? Is there something I can do about it? I mean, I don't mind only pooping once a week, but my toilet goes into crisis mode when I flush after that.

[VSGAnn2014 12,992]

My "digestion" took a turn for the better when I started taking a daily probiotic.

Also, an apple a day does wonders for me in that department.

[Miss Mac 6,261]

Pain meds and Lyrica slow me down. When I am off them, things move along fine. I do take two magnesium tablets per day and will buy an apple, pear or prune juice if I need help.

[LipstickLady 25,682]

I have slushy bowels, unfortunately.

[BLERDgirl 6,417]

I'm vegetarian so I'm sure that plays a part. Lots of plant based foods full of Fiber. I am regular as clockwork and have been pretty much since day 5 post op. I go anywhere from 1 - 3 times a day, most days twice. I always have to go when I wake up and sometimes again after dinner. I find that on really active days, depending on what I've eaten I may go mid-day as well.

Like the other posters have mentioned add some natural Fiber in there. Apple or prune juice are good options. Probiotics or yogurt are also good. If you eat yogurt or hot cereals a tsp of wheat germ, flax powder or psylium powder may help.

[Essence46 493]

I have always had bowel issues since I was a child. I have tried natural foods, fibers, etc. but nothing really helps me so I take a suppository every day. Also with the suppository, I take a stool softener as well. I usually take something a little stronger once a month for a "good cleaning" out though.

[SuperDave 1,115]

I take a stool softener daily with my Vitamins. It seems to help a lot without causing the opposite problems.

[Lori55741 3]

Can any of you veterans tell me what to expect with sluggish bowels? I'm just a little over 1 month post gastric sleeve surgery and can't seem to empty my bowels without taking Ducolacs or other bowel stimulant. Is this normal?

Edited January 23, 2016 by Lori55741

[VSGAnn2014 12,992]

Early on things don't work as they once did. By 6 months out, things will become much more normal again. In the meantime, take benefiber or whatever else works. Drink LOTS of Water. Be patient.

[katcycler 95]

My bowels work fine since about 6m out as long as I eat nuts like almonds or pistachio blends. Usually a salad a day keeps the Constipation away!