Gastric Bypass Surgery Support Group

Try stool softeners you can find them at the drug store. The name of them actually is stool softener not miralax or anything else and good luck

I had a horrible time about a month ago. My surgeon said stool softeners were fine to take....not laxatives, but stool softeners. I haven't tried it yet only because I haven't had another bout yet. (cut wayyyyy back on the amount of cheese I was eating).

I've also had quite a time with constipation since surgery.

My GBS team prefers that I use stool softners (colace), but when that doesn't work (and frequently it does not), the have instructed me to use milk of magnesia. That does work - the only complaint I have is that the difference between an "effective dose" and one that is "overly effective" seems to vary. Still, the relief is worth the minor inconvenience.

I have also begun to mix milled flax with my skim milk to add more fiber to me diet. (FYI - I'm just shy of 5 weeks post-surgery)

As with all medical suggestions/comments, please check with your GBS team before acting on information you find here. There is a dramatic difference between various GBS programs and your team may have very good reasons for advising you to take a different approach than what might be suggested here.

I so know what you are going through and still go through the same thing on occasion. I had to go to the hospital to be disempacted one time. That was NOT FUN!! I have since learned to drink lots lots lots of water, take stool softeners, and metamucil pills. I also use a "diet" tea from Walmart. This stuff makes you go within a few hours. Hope this helps.

I had that happen about a month ago. NOT FUN! I had never experienced that before surgery either. I did talk to the doctor and she suggest stool softeners and benefiber. If you just add one dose of benefiber a day, it should help you not to have an episode again! That's what I'm doing. Good luck!

Daily stool softeners, using a glycerin suppository at the first sign of trouble, and eating something with tons of fiber like beans for at least one meal. Exercise also helps loosen things up and keep them moving. If you are drinking anything with caffiene or having a strenuous workout, you will need more than the recommended 64oz of fluids.

I feel your pain!!! I got so constipated about a couple of months ago, and I thought I was going to wither up and die. I kept on cramping and I kept on straining...anyway my doctor put me on a stool softner which I take once a day. It works for me!

I have been having trouble with constipation for about 4 years now. One of the medicines I take for my PLS causes this.
Since surgery I was told stool softeners (Colace), Milk of Magnesia, and to use Benefiber.
I use the Milk of Magnesia and usually get relief by the end of the day. It's no fun........and I hate to say that I feel like a pro in this area.
I avoid cheese if I haven't gone in 4 days, I also try to use some gravy on my potatos, anything I can think of.

Benefiber chewables work wonders...they come in sugar free tabs.... :) I was constipated for weeks after surgery--took one of these babies and less than hour later--in potty!!! Viola!!! :) Best of luck!!!

Erica

In the am I have my watered down OJ with a tbs of benefiber in it. Im bad about water.. >.< I try to remember! There is some sugar free hot cocoa too, and sometimes Ill get a cap of miralax and put in the hot water to disolve before the cocoa powder and theres no taste or thickeners in either. Seems to keep me all sorted out.

The benefiber will backfire on ya if you dont have enough water though, so if your going to take that, drink drink drink =)