constipation Bowel Obstructions and Chronic Constipation

[Jerrilyn 6]

18 months post gastric sleeve. Started at 248 and currently weigh 172. Weight loss has been for the most part successful. I continue however to struggle with chronic Constipation that has now resulted in three small bowel obstructions that all resulted in hospital stays. The first one was 6 weeks post op and also resulted in a hernia that required surgery. I was doing great for about a year. But continued to struggle with constipation. The second and most painful bowel obstruction was this past October. That resulted in five day hospital visit until it resolved on its own without surgery. The third one was less that three and a half months later. Still no surgery and again resolved on its own. I am at the point of constant discomfort from not being able to poop without taking something that almost always makes me feel worse or some relief. Currently, doctors are stating Miralax daily and lots of fluids. I have tried Probiotics, no luck. I am curious as to how many have tried magnesium or digestive enzymes to assist. What works for you?

[Wickedwinner 140]

I just started taking Calm, a magnesium product. It was recommended by a nutritionist and is supposed to help regulate bowels. It hasn’t really worked yet but I’m only on day 3 so I’m going to give it a week or two.

I sometimes take Miralax and/or Smooth Move Tea but they can give me the opposite problem which is not ideal on work days[emoji15].


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[CristinHope 69]

I drink Miralax every other day, presently. Since surgery Nov. 6th, I've had constant Constipation problems, something I never had beforehand. I always get all my Water in too so that's not the issue. I drank Smooth Move tea ONE time and had such a horrible experience from it, I've never touched it again. For me, Miralax does the trick with no cramping, bloating, or unpleasant side effects. I still don't regret this decision, at all! Totally worth it and the Miralax makes it completely manageable.

[Jerrilyn 6]

37 minutes ago, Wickedwinner said:

I just started taking Calm, a magnesium product. It was recommended by a nutritionist and is supposed to help regulate bowels. It hasn’t really worked yet but I’m only on day 3 so I’m going to give it a week or two.

I sometimes take Miralax and/or Smooth Move Tea but they can give me the opposite problem which is not ideal on work days.


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A friend recommended magnesium so I thought I might try it. I would like to do one thing at a time so I have an idea of what is working and what is not. I have also used Smooth Move and it has always been effective, but only on the weekends! I agree, not ideal on work days. This week focusing on Miralax daily and then add from there. Thanks so much!

[Jerrilyn 6]

29 minutes ago, CristinHope said:

I drink Miralax every other day, presently. Since surgery Nov. 6th, I've had constant Constipation problems, something I never had beforehand. I always get all my Water in too so that's not the issue. I drank Smooth Move tea ONE time and had such a horrible experience from it, I've never touched it again. For me, Miralax does the trick with no cramping, bloating, or unpleasant side effects. I still don't regret this decision, at all! Totally worth it and the Miralax makes it completely manageable.

Thanks so much. Trying Miralax every day this week and will see how it goes. Smooth Move I usually reserve for the weekend and when I can be close to a bathroom, but it works. No regrets here either but really would love to feel good!

[SteveT74 359]

I too have been struggling with Constipation since surgery. Miralax doesn't help me much, nor do suppositories or even enemas. Dulcolax combined with a softener works a little too well and I am in pain for most of the following morning. I have tried upping my intake of Fiber from spinach, kale, brussel sprouts, asparagus etc. Drinking a 8-12oz of coffee also helps a little. I am going to look into this Smooth Move for the weekends. This is the first i am hearing about it!

[GreenTealael 24,864]

3 hours ago, Jerrilyn said:

18 months post gastric sleeve. Started at 248 and currently weigh 172. Weight loss has been for the most part successful. I continue however to struggle with chronic Constipation that has now resulted in three small bowel obstructions that all resulted in hospital stays. The first one was 6 weeks post op and also resulted in a hernia that required surgery. I was doing great for about a year. But continued to struggle with constipation. The second and most painful bowel obstruction was this past October. That resulted in five day hospital visit until it resolved on its own without surgery. The third one was less that three and a half months later. Still no surgery and again resolved on its own. I am at the point of constant discomfort from not being able to poop without taking something that almost always makes me feel worse or some relief. Currently, doctors are stating Miralax daily and lots of fluids. I have tried Probiotics, no luck. I am curious as to how many have tried magnesium or digestive enzymes to assist. What works for you?

Senna tea for me...

[GreenTealael 24,864]

1 hour ago, Jerrilyn said:

A friend recommended magnesium so I thought I might try it. I would like to do one thing at a time so I have an idea of what is working and what is not. I have also used Smooth Move and it has always been effective, but only on the weekends! I agree, not ideal on work days. This week focusing on Miralax daily and then add from there. Thanks so much!

If you drink 1/4 to 1/3 the serving evening before it will produce a bowel movement the next morning. You don't have to drink a lot, just a little to stay regular. Experiment with the amounts.

Pure Senna tea is also a little less harsh in it's effects I find, compared to Smooth Move, but your results may vary.

[KimTriesRNY 1,853]

3 hours ago, CristinHope said:

I drink Miralax every other day, presently. Since surgery Nov. 6th, I've had constant Constipation problems, something I never had beforehand. I always get all my Water in too so that's not the issue. I drank Smooth Move tea ONE time and had such a horrible experience from it, I've never touched it again. For me, Miralax does the trick with no cramping, bloating, or unpleasant side effects. I still don't regret this decision, at all! Totally worth it and the Miralax makes it completely manageable.

I take Miralax every other day as well. I had problems pre op that were not made better by surgery. I started taking every day then moved to every other day once things became regular.