I am 6 years post-op and it seems I have an unusual "side effect" and can't find a fix.

Like most of us I had dumping syndrome right away. I also kept it longer than those in the support group....approx 2.5 years. I went immediately from dumping to constipation (I take Miralax everyday as prescribed).

A few days ago for no apparent reason, I dumped. It was such a relief, even with the minor cramping. Now, I am again constipated. There is nothing in my diet that has changed. Nothing different at all.

My constipation is debilitating, cramping so bad I'm crying and curled up in a ball. I have tried everything, medical to natural, and have found no relief from it.

So, I guess the question is, whether healthy or not, is there a way to keep myself dumping...or close to it?

Thanks all!

You may want to have the problem check out by your general practitioner. You would want to make sure it is not signs of colorectal cancer or some other problem. According to the internet:

Common symptoms of colorectal cancer may include:

* An ongoing change in bowel habits (diarrhea, constipation, or feeling that the bowel does not empty completely)
* Stools that are narrower than usual
* Blood (either bright red or very dark) in the stool (poop)
* Rectal bleeding
* Frequent gas pains, bloating, fullness or abdominal cramps
* Weight loss for no known reason
* Feeling very tired (weakness and fatigue)

Several months after RNY gastric bypass surgery, I experience extreme constipation. I discovered eating an apple before bedtime relieved the condition. But for this to work, I had to eat the skin of the apple as well as the pulp. Constipation can also be caused by not drinking enough fluids.

James,

Thank you for taking the time to provide all that info.

There doesn't seem to be a "medical condition" involved. Recently had a colonoscopy and everything was good other than I couldn't get all the stuff in to do the clean up! LOL

I don't have any of the symptoms you listed, though might try the apple at night. I definitely get enough fiber, it's worth a try...I find sometimes things act differently at different times of the day.

Hydration has always been a problem for me, but from the very beginning. I've tried tons of ways to get my prescribed 64 oz in but I have yet been able to do half. Protein, fiber, vitamins and Rx out the wahoo make it .... So far, impossible.

I'm frustrated beyond frustrated. Like i said, I'd happily go back to dumping.

I am a year post op and stay dehydrated and alot of the same challenges. I started drinking flavor white balasmic vinegar. I like orange, lemongrass mint, blueberry and raspberry ginger. A shot in the morning and one at night and sometimes i add a shot to water in the day. It works and everything is moving. Even flushes kidneys.

Sent from my XT1650 using BariatricPal mobile app

You are only getting in 32oz of fluids? Right there is your problem!

I rarely drink water, but still get 64oz fluids. 64oz = 8 cups = 4 pints.

1 pint coffee in the morning.

1 pint coconut water

1 pint decaf coffee or water with a squirt of lemon juice

1 pint herbal tea

Spread out through the day. If you don't get the liquid in you, the protein and fiber will bind you up.

Drink out of pint jars and you'll find it's easier to get it all in.

If I go to work out or exercise, I stick with water. (An extra 20oz is easy if you sip while working out).

Your system needs water to keep things "moving" correctly. And Berry78 is right - it doesn't always have to be plain water. Try flavored water, tea, coffee, things like that. Dehydration causes lots of other problems in bariatric patients like us, so drink up!