Hey- sensitive topic but just wanting advice.
I’m 3 weeks post sleeve surgery- I hear it’s quite normal to experience constipation. I’m using Benefibre and magnesium every day, and duclolax on most days however, no natural movements. Beginning to use microlax enemas daily now to keep things going however, not super effective. Fleet enema works really well - I have used that twice in the past 2 weeks.
I’m on the full purée diet still and moving onto soft food as of next week. I’m trying to do at least 30 mins of gentle walking a day and drinking a minimum of 1500-2000ml water daily. I just want to begin to have natural urges again. Worried this issue will continue! When should I be worried about that? After how long? Advice I have read suggests anything longer than 4 weeks…

I kinda feel like I’m doing the most I can though. I’m definitely getting most of my fibre intake through the Benfibre but that will change once I go onto soft foods I’m sure. I’m wondering what more I can do if this was to go on beyond 4-6 weeks.

Any insight is welcome! Thanks!

Constipation is very common. It does getter better & you’ll find your periods of constipation won’t be as frequent or last as long. It’s usually worst in the early stages when you’re eating very little, which means you don’t have much to poop out as waste, & on a restricted diet. Once you’re able to eat a little more & a greater variety of food & nutrients, you’ll start to notice an improvement.

Keep up your fluid intake & taking your additional fibre. Don’t worry if you don’t go every day (most of us don’t in the beginning) but also don’t let too many days pass before going to avoid discomfort & straining. I used to take a stool softener only if I hadn’t had any movement for two or three days just to keep on top of it.

But have a chat with your surgeon if it persists or if you don’t feel comfortable with how long you go without pooping or with how you manage it.

lots of us take Miralax, stool softeners, or magnesium daily just to keep on top of it. I would only do an enema in an extreme situation - twice a week is a lot. I'd have a chat with your surgeon for sure.

Twice in two weeks but yeh.. I’m not a fan either. Apparently Microlax is not habit forming though so I think that’s the safer one. I just can’t stand feeling blocked. It’s the worst. I think once the diet gets back to normal I should be ok, but will definitely talk to surgeon next time I see him if I’m still having issues.