Poop (Literally, and TMI, obviously)

[sonnysun 15]

First, I am calling my general practioner today so I am seeking medical help. I just would like to know how common this is and if anyone has been there, done that.

My surgery was 22 days ago. I was able to go to the restroom without any assistance on day 3. Since then, my body has given me no urge to go. Last Tuesday, I called my bariatric surgeon hoping go get some prescription laxatives, as milk of magnesia did not help. They told me they don't prescribe laxatives, but to go to the ER if I hadn't gone by Thursday and ask them to look for a blockage.

Thursday came and no oral laxatives had worked. I used a Ducalax suppository and nothing. I used one more and got some relief, but there was not the amount I would have expected. Gross, I know, sorry.

Sunday night, I used another Ducalax suppository and was able to go a tiny amount. I can pass gas but have no urge to go without assistance. Oral laxatives don't seem to do much but cause cramping.

My husband wonders if it's perhaps normal and I am not pooping a lot because my input is so much lower and my body is using all that I take in as fuel?

My weight loss is only 10 lbs in three weeks so I'm wondering if I'm not literally full of it.

When I go to the dr, If they look for a blockage, is that via X-ray? This part is so not fun.

[_Kate_ 2,224]

I had the same issues and took Dulcolax liquid then later on tablets, 3 times a week. If I missed it, I just didn't go. Now I am 13 weeks out I eat more veg and its not been an issue. Get checked out to be on the safe side and good luck!

[1SlimmerMe 122]

Poop or the lack there of is a very common problem. I was not regular prior to the surgery and that has not changed. I took Miralax twice a day for 3 days, there once for 3, and then every other day for three doses; of course with my doctor's approval. Now I take daily stool softeners, but When I miss them I know. The best to you! It will get better!!!

[jane13 2,256]

I am like @@1SlimmerMe because I was never regular before surgery and the lack of veggies an addition of Iron supplements made this "difficult".

@sonnysun - I called and talked to the nurse and she recommended dropping the Iron supplement because my multi already has iron in it. When I did my labs she said they would review my iron level. It was right on track, so I am not taking the extra 27 mg. I have been anemic (iron deficient) for the past 10 years. I guess being religious about my Vitamins has helped that, post WLS, and the fear of losing ALL of my hair! Nurse said I could take Miralax and I take it AS NEEDED.

[MissMae 2]

I started drinking "Smooth Move" tea when I felt like I needed some help in that department.

[BLERDgirl 6,417]

It is a very common occurrence. If you do a search there are many suggestions on thing that can help. My doctor prescribes a 30 day course of the stool softener colace for all his patients. I went on day 5 and have been regular since. As you get further along and can incorporate Fiber rich foods into your diet, things may get easier.

[ZoeyBear 64]

I dealt with this problem in the first couple weeks. As was suggested by my NUT, I began taking Miralax every morning, and taking a stool softener every night. As things worked themselves out, I discontinued the Miralax, but plan to continue taking a stool softener every night! It's working for me! I'm 6 1/2 months post op.

[twinmomma 10]

I have somewhat the opposite problem. Starting Friday (5 days post op) I started having the urge to poop with very little very solid results. Same with Saturday come Sunday I had 2 painful but successful BM'S and this morning officially one week post op have already had 2 good sized formed movement's. I'm very confused because I'm still strictly liquid for another week but I now constantly feel like I have to poop

[BLERDgirl 6,417]

I have somewhat the opposite problem. Starting Friday (5 days post op) I started having the urge to poop with very little very solid results. Same with Saturday come Sunday I had 2 painful but successful BM'S and this morning officially one week post op have already had 2 good sized formed movement's. I'm very confused because I'm still strictly liquid for another week but I now constantly feel like I have to poop

You're a bypass patient. Is it possible you are having some mild dumping?

I would suggest any sleeve patients add some natural Fiber to their diets. A tsp of flax powder, psyllium powder or even wheat germs can be blended to you Protein shakes and may alleviate the need for laxatives. I was adding spinach to my Protein drinks from the very start. I am regular as clockwork.

[twinmomma 10]

Yes, I'm thinking so though not sure to what. I have some flax seed I think I'll have to try it and see if it helps. Wouldn't be so bad if it wasn't a constant feeling in my bumm of needing to go. .. I know TMI sorry lol

[downsizingdiva 459]

I THINK MANY OF US WENT THRU THAT AT SOME POINT, BUT IT WILL GET BETTER LIKE MOST OF THE NEGATIVES THAT COME ALONG WITH THIS JOURNEY....