Ok so I have been having constipation. I have tried to let it pass. I took some laxative pills yesterday they didn't do the job. So I bought Phillips liquid it was the most disgusting thing I ever tasted. I am currently waiting for that to work. (I do realize taking one day after the other is probably not smart! Remember I am desperate!) I wanted to know if anyone had other ways to deal with it. Maybe natural ways that we can take with our bands. I have tried to up my Fiber intake but of course don't want to do that too fast or I know that could back me up too. If anyone has ideas please let me know!

Thanks!

Hi Ali,

I was banded two days after you and had this problem the first two weeks. I got the mint milk of magnesia (sp?) and drank one tbs a day for three days. Once I was on pureed food a few days, my body seemed to reset itself.

Have you started eating yet? If you were on liquids for awhile, perhaps your body doesn't have anything to get rid of. "Phantom" feelings, maybe?

I am already on a normal diet. I can eat anything...although I don't. I stick to about 1200-1500 calories a day. I have shakes once or twice a day, yogurt, cheese(soft, lowfat), chicken, and lean cuisines. My band isn't restricted yet so I have to just be sensible about what I eat and how much. And lots and lots of water.

I had the same problem, about three weeks post-op I started having trouble. I upped my fiber intake to no avail and finally my mom gave me a tea bag by Traditional Medicinals called Organic Smooth Move, it is an herbal stimulant laxative tea that you take at night and by the next morning, I was back on track. I am going to try it three days in a row and then cut back to every other day. I am sure you can find it at the health food store or if any of your local stores have a health food section, like where you can get organics. That has done the trick for me, thankfully, I understand the frustration.

I've never used a fiber supplement before the band, but I did take a laxative post-op (I'm sure you're having explosive problems now...MoM works great LOL). I've started adding Benefiber to my meals to get in my daily fiber...it doesn't taste like anything or change the texture. Works like a charm. The other thing is getting the full allotment of water, but it sounds like that's no problem. Good luck! -BG

Walking around is a great way to get your bowels moving. As far as the meds, I'd just advise to talk to your doctor about it, especially if you're taking any other meds - prescription or over the counter. A lot of over the counter meds interact with prescription meds even though most of us think as over the counter meds being "safe" meds.

I drink a "slimming tea" which I found at my Asian Grocery store - works wonders, just 1-2 cups a day and it is keeping me regular. It is just a herbal tea but has a laxative effect and also suppresses appetite which is great when you dont have much restriction like me :-)

I was banded in May of 2008. Currently past goal weight. I have constipation issues since day 1. Both my primary doc and LB surgeon suggested Mira-Lax. I take it every other day (1/2 a cap) and have been regular ever since. It took me a couple weeks to figure out the correct dosage for me, but when I did it was wonderful. They both say taking it long term is not a problem as with other "laxatives" so hopefully thats so.

Fiber never worked for me..........(even pre-band). Even with tons of water intake it would bind me up like crazy!