Always a subject that no one wants to talk about but here goes...I was alway regular but now everything seems to be moving way slower and way more difficult to move out.

I have tried softners and they sort of work but it still feels like a brick.

I drink 40-70 oz of Water but doesn't seem to help.

Since this diet is more Protein it most likely is because that has a natural way of blocking everything up.

Just wondering if anyone else is having the same problem and what they are doing to help minimized the effect.

Be careful with dried prunes/apricots. I had a TERRIBLE sliming episode with apricots that left me sore for three days (stomach).

I add benefiber to drinks or meals. Don't even notice it and so far so good

I did have that issue... and was taking citrucel in my Protein shakes when first banded.

Now-

They make Splenda with fiber and I usually have a few packets of those a day in my tea and have not been constipated for a long long time. That is all I need for now!

Yes! Starbucks is the ONLY thing that works for me! However, it doesn't work if it's not in the morning or if I have drank a little too much coffee! I think it might be the initial shock to the system! :thumbup:

This is a great thread! I am going to try some of your suggestions to see what works best for me! Pre-band I had no issues like this! I have just recently started taking stool softners to help, but it is totally hit and miss.

Does pushing really hard while constipated hurt the band? My stomach hurts now...

A few years ago my gastro doc told me the most non addictive secret to a regular BM is Metamucil and a Tsp of Milk of Magnesia every night at bedtime. It has worked like a charm for 10 years for me. I always have a BM every morning. The band and liquid diet had me off sink for a bit but now that I am on mushies everything is working as it should!

I have been having this exact problem since the day of my surgery 4/21... My doctor's advice was to increase my water intake to 80-100oz per day, which is nearly impossible for me... Unfortunately, I take a chewable exlax once a week which clears me out, but nothing else has worked. After reading these posts, I definitely think I'm going to try the prunes route!!!

I was banded last year and this was/is a huge problem for me. I talked to my doctor, he suggested stool softeners (didn't work). I tried fiber chewables (nope again). Prune juice worked- but maybe too well. For the last several month I have been using the Benefiber that u mix into any drink. It is my MIRACLE. it does just what is supposed to. No cramping. No nasty taste.

I am so glad I found this! LBT has been my go to since I was banded in July...this year. I have been doing great, however, I have started having these issues. Love the support of this page! Thanks Guys!!!!

I eat Chia seeds (sprinkled on just about anything or eaten by themselves). They work great for producing a soft bulky BM and clearing out toxins from the intestine.