VSG and constipation

[carolinac413 5]

I know Constipation is a problem after surgery. What did you guys do to help with this?

[Crisscat 169]

I was told by people local to where I live to get either one of these items but I will have to check with my program to make sure its allowed

Edited April 20, 2022 by Crisscat

[catwoman7 10,922]

it's very common with both sleeve and bypass people. It has to do with the high Protein diet and some of the supplements (mainly Iron and calcium). A lot of us take a capful of Miralax every day to stay on top of it. Others take Colace, magnesium tablets, drink Smoothmove tea, or eat a few prunes. Whatever it takes to keep on top of it..

[liveaboard15 1,292]

i had surgery on Monday for sleeve. was sent home yesterday with a bunch of meds. one included a stool softener.

[Flab-U-Less Forever 140]

Constipation is a huge concern of mine. I have had it twice since surgery (I am 6 weeks post op). I take Miralax once a day and regular Colace (stool softner) once a day. Both bouts of constipation occurred when I forgot to take the Miralax 2 days in a row. I have now set a reminder in my Baritastic app so I don't forget.

[Sleeve_Me_Alone 654]

Just Better Fiber has been a game changer for me! HIGHLY recommend.

[Queen ApisM 426]

Miralax every other day keeps things moving along

[lizonaplane 1,605]

I find Miralax or lots of coffee works best for me. If I have a real issue that these don't solve (recently I had to take narcotics after a dental surgery) I will use a glycerin suppository. I haven't found stool softeners to do anything.

[carolinac413 5]

Is it safe to take milk of magnesia and colace together?

[lizonaplane 1,605]

8 minutes ago, carolinac413 said:

Is it safe to take milk of magnesia and colace together?

You should ask your doctor/surgical center. We aren't medical providers and we don't know anything about your medical conditions, history, or other medications.

[Crisscat 169]

Has anyone tried this brand? If so, is it any good?

[lizonaplane 1,605]

11 hours ago, Crisscat said:

Has anyone tried this brand? If so, is it any good?

This is not a laxative. It's a pro-biotic. There's not a ton of evidence for their use in general, and I haven't seen any studies for their use after WLS. Also, I've read several times that if it's shelf stable, it's basically garbage - apparently "real" Probiotics have to be kept refrigerated. But maybe it would work for you?

Edited April 25, 2022 by lizonaplane

[Happy Stylist 86]

When did y'all start taking something for the Constipation after surgery. I'm on day 2 post surgery. I'm just curious to how soon I need to start taking something to get things moving.

[Coolsf 0]

I had my gastric sleeve on 4/14, definitely constipated and was taking the Dulc tablets and aloe capsules, now I've added colace, and have done some Metamucil - a little bit - haven't found anyone saying no during my first month out - I haven't done THE DEED in idk feels like weeks, it's probably a week. I was losing consistently down 34, now I'm up 3 lbs, I've enema'd, I'm eating, drinking plenty of Protein drinks (the problem) and now working on as much Water as I can - I need to put a count on it, just read 96 oz - how does anyone get that much in - without a straw.

i really worked on supplements and enough protein - God I'm hoping water gets me 'Eliminating Again' - it's painful, I feel the rumbling and then gas. We're all in this, I don't want to hear details but this is a serious topic - I'm worried. Had issues in the past with high protein diets.

HAS ANYONE HAD TO GO EXTREME with Getting a Doctor or something - I'm thinking colonic therapy - I'm taking everything. And Miralax takes water in your system to help push it out - that's why you're cramping - it causes the muscles to flex and push.

[Crisscat 169]

10 minutes ago, Coolsf said:

i really worked on supplements and enough Protein - God I'm hoping Water gets me 'Eliminating Again' - it's painful, I feel the rumbling and then gas. We're all in this, I don't want to hear details but this is a serious topic - I'm worried. Had issues in the past with high Protein diets.

I was/am taking Colace twice per day and a probiotic. I was having trouble at first getting all my fluids in each day (my surgery was May 3rd). By day 6 post op I was unable to drink the commercial Protein Shakes because they made me gag horribly and I still had not had a BM. I took matters into my own hands and I got some whey isolate zero sugar creamy vanilla Protein Powder and some unsweetened vanilla almond milk and I started making my own smoothies and adding the protein powder to them. I also started adding more fiber in the smoothies. I first used ground flaxseed, baby spinach and finally pitted prunes. I blended prunes for I think a day and a half worth of smoothies. I finally had a BM by the 2nd day after incorporating the prunes in the smoothie and even tho I was and still am taking a stool softener I didnt see that it was much help as the BM was horrible to pass for me. I did tell my Dr about not being able to have a BM and she suggested Miralax but I had already incorporated pitted prunes. The prunes is what did it for me nothing else seemed to work.