I'm approaching my 1 year bandaversary in a few weeks and there has been one issue over the past year that I can't seem to get a handle on.

This past week I've been miserable and after a few days of weight gain (just 2 pounds in a week)...I finally figured it out.

Correctol took care of it. 1 dose didn't work. I took 1 and a half dosage the following night.

Finally, relief...and those 2 pounds gone.

Constipation has been an untold issue for me since being banded. I remember having this problem when I was on Atkins a few years back.

I've increased Fiber...I've decreased fiber, MoM doesn't help. Softeners don't help....I require a stimulant to do the job.

I'm really concerned with what my liver and large intestines are going to look like before long.

My doctor has recommended many things and even a script.

But the only thing that I can get to move me is sugar. But I try to avoid sugar as my new way of eating. Yet, it's either a Krispey Kreme or Correctol.

Can anyone shed some light on this issue? I need my large intestines to not absorb so much Water. HELP!

I'm not banded yet so I don't know if you want my advice but for me - if I don't get enough Water the day before, look out! IF I can go, it takes FOREVER! Sorry, TMI!!!

Anyway, check your water intake and see if that needs to be increased. Even banded you still need 64 oz a day.

Is Miralax alright to take everyday? Right now I'm taking Benefiber and it doesn't seem to be helping.

Miralax is safe to take everyday. I give it to my 18 month old every other day otherwise she gets too runny. I will say, she was born 2 1/2 months early and had a terrible inyesyinal infection that requird surgery. If it is okay for her sensitive little colon it should be okay for everyone's colon! Warning...if you over do it it will REALLY make you go!!

Will continued consistent use of Miralax or any other laxatives create a physical dependence?

Good to know! I googled miralax and found a coupon, btw! http://promo.iqadvantage.com/servlet/ContentServlet/popupContent?_contentMapGroupId=83957&_program=ScheringPlough&t=1211305367629&_inEditor=0&_width=650&_height=400&_flowId=4775920&_referer=promo.iqadvantage.com/servlet/ContentServlet/HREF

Great and scary info....lol

But the only thing that I can get to move me is sugar. But I try to avoid sugar as my new way of eating. Yet, it's either a Krispey Kreme or Correctol.

Can anyone shed some light on this issue? I need my large intestines to not absorb so much Water. HELP!

A friend that is a doctor told me once, don't underestimate the power of water. He said most people are lacking water, and they don't even know it. I added water and it helped but did not solve the issue. Also, he added, most people lead such busy lives that they don't leave time to actually do this ritual. So the constipation sets in and then they are back to square one and not two. sorry for the pun.

Now as for me, it is not constant, but random. So far Mom does work for me. But have you ever tried the sugar-free candy? It has something in it that makes you v. regular. When was pregnant I used to eat the chocolate. It won't mess with your blood sugar, and it will regulate you. How about coffee?

Excellent topic btw. :wink2:

I've increased Fiber...I've decreased fiber, MoM doesn't help. Softeners don't help....I require a stimulant to do the job.

Oops... meant to add something else. If you take MoM you need to triple your Water consumption. And if you require a stimulant, think about using yoga moves that help get the intestines going. Just google it and you'd be amazed... when done right, they can get the job done. :wink2:

Will continued consistent use of Miralax or any other laxatives create a physical dependence?

I have crohn's disease of the small intestine, and I'm allowed to take Miralax as often as needed. If it weren't safe to take over the long term, my gastroenterologist would not allow me to take it for the long term

prune juice works occasionally for me. My doc recommended 4 or 5 grapefruit sections daily. Each section needs to be peeled. the pithy part will get stuck. while it does help to get things moving, I have to say also that the size of my poo is totally different. It's pencil thin. It wasn't like that before banding. I have to agree. That area just hasn't been right. Nothing makes you feel worse than irregularity. Just a general, prolonged, crappiness that makes you irritable. I would love to find out the secret to this mystery. On the rare occasion that I have a COMPLETE elimination, it's amazing how good you feel. God help us all.....

I dunno about water, I drink a lot of water and I only poo once a week now. That one time makes me think of child birth, lots of grunting, tensing up, etc. etc. Fun stuff! I tried upping fiber and it didn't help, so now I just kind of go with it. I ended up with really bad stomach contractions a month or so ago and I took Magnesium Citrate to stir things up, it didn't do much. I think this is one of the biggest 'side effects' the band has caused for me. I did plan to try a softener one of these days (when I remembered) but maybe I'll pass since you guys said it didn't work :crying:

I have had this problem most of my life. I have tried ALL of the stuff suggested and nothing. My MIL gave me a product that is what I consider a miracle. It's called Dual-Action Cleanse and you have to order it online or call them. (www.DualActionCleanse.com or call 1-800-941-0163) I DO NOT SELL THIS PRODUCT OR HAVE ANY REASON TO SOLICITE FOR THIS PRODUCT. I put that in caps because I don't want anyone thinking I have any reason to tell you about this but helping.

Most laxatives & stuff like Activia give me horrible gas. :thumbup: I've been gasy after banding anyway and don't need the pain or help. You take this everyday for a month and then a month off. (take everyother month) I just started so I don't know quite what to expect next month. My MIL swears by it and it works so good I can't believe it. I mean 95% of days I have a healthy BM. Sorry if this is TMI.:crying: I plan on continuing with this because I have NEVER had these results.

I hope this helps someone else.

I eat 4 prunes per day. Two in the morning 2 at night. It you but the Sun Sweet pitted prunes they are great. You feel like you are cheating cause they have a sweet taste. The individually wrapped ones are great to slip in your purse. Works wonders. Give it 2-3 days to start off.

Bamalama, I have a blog post for you!

OhMyNoodness: I was lied to. (Don't let this happen to YOU!)

I had severe consipation. I tried over the counter laxative but they didn't help. I would go 4-5 days before going to the restroom. I asked my family doctor (after speaking w/ my lapband dr.) and she gave me a Rx for Zelnorm - which worked great and was taken off the market 2 months after I started taking it. The Dr. switched me to Amitiza and I love it. I use the restroom daily and I feel great. I wish I had gone to my dr. sooner because I suffered for months.

Wow, thanks for the heads up about calcium. My dietician wants to put me on supplements in about 4 weeks and I don't think I need any. I use double milk to make my protein shakes, love cheese, cottege cheese, and so forth. Can't imagine needing more. But in case I am pressured to take them and have a problem with consipation (never been a problem before!) I'll have a clue. It can be hard to sort out all the new things going on after banding, and sometimes the answer is so simple. When my husband's quit chewing tobacco, he had some major back up problems. He ate lots of raisons. I've heard any dried fruit is a natural laxative due to sugar and fiber content. Only time really worked for him, but it sounds like time does not solve this problem for you guys. I'll keep reading this thread to keep up with suggestions just in case...