A content warning first... this post is about poop.

I have been on the protein shake version of the LRD for 9 days, and while my... bowel had already slowed down today I suffered extremely painful constipation to a point I have never experienced before. I'm actually historically very regular, if anything I tend to have the opposite problem, so maybe I am more surprised by this than I should be.

I was trying to... pass the really hard, dry, dark stool for hours, and there was bleeing involved at some point. I am wondering if anybody else has experienced this, and if they changed their LRD strategy because of it. I can't imagine this continuing for three weeks.

I wanted to add that I am taking Rybelsus but I had tolerated it very well until now - however constipation is a known side effect so I thought it was worth adding. I have been on it since November, but my doctor increased my dose about the same time I started the LRD.

I have contacted the coordinator for my surgery, but other than making sure I wasn't dehydrated I didn't really get much useful advice.

Anybody had a similar experience?

4 hours ago, magicinitiate said:

Anybody had a similar experience?

I had a very similar experience about a week to 10 days post sleeve surgery! It was awful, never had anything like it previously in my life!

I had some San Pellegrino laxative very effective, it took a few hours, but worked very well! Sweet relief!!

A very high protein diet can do that. I'm a bit surprised your doctor's office didn't cover this with you. It's primarily due to a significant reduction of fiber in your diet. i strongly recommend starting some fiber supplementation and in addition, consider the following:

• You may need to take a regular dose of a stool softener such as magnesium hydroxide or polyethylene glycol
• If needed, consider a stimulant such as senna or bisacodyl
• Acutely, If you're still having severe issues getting things moving, a saline enema may be needed. Otherwise, regular does of the above should be sufficient

It can take a while to get all the above dialed in. Keep in mind, you're likely to need some or all of the above until well after surgery since your fiber intake will be really low until you're eating regular foods again.

I took Fybogel every day during my LRD as advised by my surgeon (note: don't take this post-surgery as I think it can have some negative effects), but that really sorted me out!

I also had suppositories which were given to me by the team, just in case post-surgery. I'd say look into the Fybogel and then get prepared for post-surgery constipation now, just so you are ahead of the game!

I had bad constipation in the first few months after surgery, and bleeding was involved as you say - not a good experience!

1 tbsp of milled flaxseeds & a kiwi a day also helps!