Okay.. I can't take it anymore.. Not something I expected to talk about on a forum but... During the 800 calorie a day two week pre-opp diet, I first started noticing changing bowel habits.. my stools were loose and watery, but I didn't worry about it much.. My doctor and program never talked once at any point about constipation or changed bowel habits post-surgery and how to deal with that - never even mentioned it could happen.

So what's going on now?

Basically I've gone from never having problems with constipation to infrequent watery stools with lumps that come only every few days or less and when they do happen it rarely feels like I got "cleaned out" I spend a lot of time feeling bound up over a several hour period and then feel okay again.. for a while.. but it always comes back.

I'm -terrified- of the idea of taking a laxitive.. I've never had one.. I don't really understand how they work or if they're safe. I'm scared I'll take one and just wind up with bigger issues.. My mom suggested taking Herb Lax from Shaklee since it's more natural than OTC laxitives but I'm still scared..

I'd love some suggestions for what to take.. if you have experience with herb-lax or a similar medicine I'd love to know about that.. or other medicines...

Two things though - it can't be liquid.. it needs to be in pill form and it can't have any artificial cherry flavoring (the latter I'm very allergic to). I would prefer a pill over a powder like metamucil because I just find it hard to believe it's as tasteless as the advertisements insist.

Help... encouragement, information, medicines I could take that won't do something bad to me?

Please .. don't ask me to talk to my doc lol. I'm not all that comfortable with him / his staff anyway (as many of you know from previous posts) and certainly not about this.. so I'd like to hear from you guys and -your- opinions and experiences that might help me.

Magnesium is a natural laxative, prune juice, and there's always an enema if you're feeling really bound. Sounds awful but it's almost instant relief! GL!!!

Sent from my SM-G900T using the BariatricPal App

Magnesium is a natural laxative, prune juice, and there's always an enema if you're feeling really bound. Sounds awful but it's almost instant relief! GL!!!

Sent from my SM-G900T using the BariatricPal App

Is it safe to take the magnesium I'm a week post op and I haven't gone all week I been taking collace without success

Sent from my HTC One_M8 using the BariatricPal App

Magnesium is a natural laxative, prune juice, and there's always an enema if you're feeling really bound. Sounds awful but it's almost instant relief! GL!!!

Sent from my SM-G900T using the BariatricPal App

Is it safe to take the magnesium I'm a week post op and I haven't gone all week I been taking collace without success

Sent from my HTC One_M8 using the BariatricPal App

I would definitely ask your doctor if it's safe.

Sent from my SM-G900T using the BariatricPal App

It took me about 9 days for my bowels to "wake up" after surgery. (Anesthesia and pain meds) There's nothing but liquid in there. Mine woke me up at 2 am so be prepared.

Edited June 19, 201610 yr by cindyw41

Most importantly talk to your doctor or Bariatric team! At this early stage you should not take anything without speaking to them first.

I was very constipated until I was several weeks into the solid food stage and had to take a dulcolax stool softener (not a laxative) every day and it really helped, but I only had a bowel movement every few days.

Your body is adjusting to quite a bit but according to my surgeon, it's very important not to become extremely backed up, so please call them asap.

It won't be like this forever, hang in there!

Basically, you aren't eating as much so you just won't go as much, period.

In the beginning I had real issues with constipation, and part of it was because I was off Metformin that always gave me loose bowels so solid movements were weird to me.

The first few months I took a stool softner often. If you do that and drink a lot of Water, you will be okay. I don't need them now, but I also eat more, drink more etc.

I resisted using them so much in the beginning and looking back I cause myself unnecessary pain and drama.

Don't let yourself get back up, make sure you are going at least every 2 or 3 days.

I had your issue after my sleeve surgery, but it was worse after plastics. If it makes you laugh at all, imagine trying to poop when your stomach has literally just been ripped apart and sewn back together after a tummy tuck. It was hysterical and horrible.

I have tried the stool softeners and they just don't work for me. Check with your doctor of course, but an Ex-lax is like God's gift to backed-up people. 1-2 of those and in 8-10 hours, ahhhh you feel so much better. If you've never taken one, it's really a very mild way to clear up your stoppage and it works faster and more effectively than a stool softener. I still take 1 about every 6-8 weeks or so if I haven't worked out a lot and my stomach is being uncooperative. Fast, effective, and you feel much better.

Here's what my instructions say...

Walk, walk, walk

Plenty of fluids

Baby food prunes

Benefiber (but only if drinking lots of fluids)

Stool softener

1/2 dose milk magnesia

*Don't try anything more aggressive without checking with surgeon.

Hope something helps.

I was told no laxatives because your body can become dependent on them. So I've been using Colace 3 times a day and dealing with it. I don't go everyday like I used to but I eventually go.

I mixed ground Flax seed with my Protein drinks and Soups.... it helps...

Sent from my XT1585 using the BariatricPal App

It's even worse when it's an impaction. Had that problem the other day.

Sent from my SM-G930P using the BariatricPal App

My doctor prescribed a stool softener, not a laxative. I take Colace 2x per day (but you can buy it OTC). I haven't had a BM since the morning of surgery, but they told me it could take 4-5 days before I have one again.

I take two stool softeners every day, with the approval of my team. The PA said those were absolutely fine to take every day. That coupled with 64-80 oz of water daily keeps me regular!

I didn't poop for 9 days post op. When I finally did, the sky shined a little brighter, the birds sung a little louder, the wind blew a little sweeter...

Colace was my friend.

Now, Probiotics are my friend. They help with the I.MUST.POOP.RIGHT.NOW.OR.I'M.GOING.TO.POOP.RIGHT.NOW.

So what is this colace? Is it a pill or something you mix with food? Or is it tasteless?