Guys... I know this sounds really gross but I am seriously struggling to use the bathroom (number 2)...I am 6 weeks post OP and I go maybe every 4 or 5 days and it is these massive boulders that I cry to get out... literally cry. I know it's most likely the protein and the vitamins. I need help. I dont want to take laxatives because they honestly do nothing for the impacted stool already stuck in my bowels. How on EARTH do you stay regulated? This is the worst pain I have ever had. Any advice, foods you eat to go, regiments, would be MUCH appreciated. Thank you thank you thank you.

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Benefiber to get daily fiber up and lots of water. Getting fiber in on this diet is a struggle. No taste,put it in my water

I agree with using Benefiber. I added a couple of tablespoons to anything liquid with flovor, soup, protein shakes, crystal light, etc. I also took stool softeners (pills).

Like you, I really wanted it to be gentle and natural, and not a run to the bathroom type of situation.

I'm ten days post op and have been having to take miralax it helps a little and no wierd flavor or after taste

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I found that a fiber supplement like Benefiber or Metamucil everyday fixed the constipation and regularity problems. It's good peace of mind to totally evacuate the bowels on the daily. It's also a good idea to help prevent colon issues as you age. As mentioned above, it can be a challenge to incorporate fiber in your diet post-op. Supplements will be the new normal for us from here on out.

Be careful with the smooth move tea and other constipation remedies as they warn against long term use. Fiber supplements can be taken for the rest of your life and is recommended by proctologists.

Prunes, prunes and prunes with a side order of prune juice!

(And suppositories if the piles pay a visit!).

The first few months...oh my! And my urine looked like I was on kidney failure.

Yeah, water, a gentle stool softener of ok with ur surgeon.

So I am 4 months post-op and I still have to be proactive about this. I NEVER had this issue pre-surgery but I have accepted it as my new norm, which is fine now that I know how to manage it. I take Miralax every other day to keep me regulated. I don't have any issues with it upsetting my stomach or causing pain or diarrhea and it's safe to use as often as needed, unlike stimulant laxatives. I also take stool softeners regularly. You'll have to work to find the balance for how often you need to take something to get the right balance and not end up with the OTHER issue! Unfortunately, once you're really bad off, there's not much you can do other than what others have suggested with glycerin suppositories and/or enemas. LOTS of folks end up with impaction and/or obstruction. Make an effort to stay on top of it proactively to avoid the horrible consequences. Surgery was still totally worth it!

Miralax is good but I also added Benafiber to help with this. I talked to my doctor at a post op appointment and was told a fiber supplement was not a problem. Make sure you drink plenty of water with taking a supplement also.

4 hours ago, Tejee said:

So does that serving of miralax just keep you regulated but not run to the bathroom? I took miralax but the recommend dose and I always have to run to the bathroom which is an issue because I work.

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yes it is essentially a half serving. does not make you go, just makes it easier.

This will not be a popular opinion but I've tried everything and the only thing that works is when I eat fat. Clearly I only eat it in moderation but still. No fat = no #2

I agree with using Benefiber. I added a couple of tablespoons to anything liquid with flovor, soup, protein shakes, crystal light, etc. I also took stool softeners (pills).
Like you, I really wanted it to be gentle and natural, and not a run to the bathroom type of situation.

I heard benefiber may expand in your stomach or make you feel full. Did you feel that at all?

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On 03/20/2019 at 17:22, Tejee said:

I heard benefiber may expand in your stomach or make you feel full. Did you feel that at all?

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No, not al all. I don’t even think that’s possible because it dissolves completely in liquid. I can’t imagine what could make it expand once it hits your stomach.

Get the generic, like Walmart’s Equate, or the CVS brand etc. there is a huge price difference for the name brand, but identical ingredients in the store brand

On 03/20/2019 at 10:30, Tejee said:

Guys... I know this sounds really gross but I am seriously struggling to use the bathroom (number 2)...I am 6 weeks post OP and I go maybe every 4 or 5 days and it is these massive boulders that I cry to get out... literally cry. I know it's most likely the Protein and the Vitamins. I need help. I dont want to take laxatives because they honestly do nothing for the impacted stool already stuck in my bowels. How on EARTH do you stay regulated? This is the worst pain I have ever had. Any advice, foods you eat to go, regiments, would be MUCH appreciated. Thank you thank you thank you.

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Vital Protiens Collagen Peptide. It’s unflavored. I put a scoop in my coffee in the morning-and voila! I get to be regular and also it has protien in it.

Taking laxatives or stool softeners long term I don’t think are good for your system and you can’t take them everyday for the rest of your life.
Another person that had a sleeve done as well recommended Collagen Peptide and it has been great! Helps w hair nails protien and being regular! Hope this help someone