Gastric Bypass Surgery Support Group

Gastric bypass (GBP) is any of a group of similar operative procedures used to treat morbid obesity, a condition which arises from severe accumulation of excess weight in the form of fatty tissue, and the health problems ("co-morbidities") which result. If you are considering gastric bypass or have had it, join the community where we share our experiences and find support.

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kellynaylor 04/30/2013

I know a lot of us suffer from this after surgery but lately I cannot seem to get myself regulated. I have brought this up before on here, but don't know how to find older posts. I will be good for a week or maybe even two or three and then BAM I am all constipated. I can be going really good and regular one day and then the very next morning I am having issues. I am beginning to wonder if it is more irritable bowel than regular constipation?

I was taking Miralax on a daily basis in the beginng (I am now 7 months out from RNY) but stopped because all was well for so long. I tried to use it again but it doesn't seem to help like it did in the past. I know use Milk of Magnesia at the first sign of a problem and that does help. I am a little hesitant to take laxatives on a daily basis because I know your body can become dependent on them. I am trying to eat more fiber rich foods like prunes and vegetables.

I haven't tried any daily fiber supplements yet. Just not sure where to start.

deleted_user 04/30/2013

Start by eating pitted prunes 2 with each "meal" or 3xday. Increase you liquid intake. If after 7 days you do not see an improvement. Call your pcp to get something to get the poop moving. And once loosened up try the prune regimen again. I heard that a few take a fiber supplement as well as a stool softener on a daily basis. You will have to experiment to see what works best for you. I am one to alway try the "natural" route before resorting to the drugstore. d

kellynaylor 04/30/2013

The milk of magnesia works withing a few hours so that does give me relief, I just want to try to get myself more regular if that is even possible. I guess I will be stopping at Rite Aid to see what fiber supplements have to offer.

becca1960 04/30/2013

So sorry! I know that is not fun!!

My surgeon... in the book they gave me, it says to prevent it, take metamucial or citracell (SP?), the sugar free type. Just an idea! :)

ShelleyNY 04/30/2013

I don't need anything extra to my day. I eat fiber everyday so that I don't have this problem. Somewhere in my day I have a slice of whole wheat bread or 3 whole wheat crackers and vegetables. I also make sure to drink plenty of water/tea etc.

If you're approved to add whole wheat items to your day, give it a try,

I hope things get moving for you!
Shelley :o)

kellynaylor 04/30/2013

I am far enough along that I can eat most anything. I do have some whole wheat crackers with me today to go with my lunch. I also have purchased prunes to eat. Just not sure how many to eat, LOL.

I know my one area that I don't do well with is my fluid intake. If I count my morning and evening tea then I am close to getting at least 64 ounces of fluid in daily, but clearly I need more than that to help keep me regular. So I am trying to get more water in.

debsue123 04/30/2013

I would call your surgeon especially if Mirilax isn't working.. I don't have a problem with constant constipation. I take a drug called "Amitiza 24mcg twice a day." I was on it before surgery cause I had have problems in the past. it adds water to your intestines the opposite of a laxative. So I don't have that problem at all. I hope you can find results. debby

KatLin 04/30/2013

I cant take mirolax it will put on 14lbs of fluid in less then two weeks when I do...also milk of mag does not work. My doctor gave me a rx for a med called lisness sp? it is for people who have IBS related constipation or chronic constipation. It was working well I guess in some ways still does but I'm an anomaly

If you are considering fiber supplements here is the mayo clinics suggestions and some info on how it can effect some meds.

deleted_user 04/30/2013

Please let me know if you find something that works. I never had this problem before surgery but it is the biggest side effect for me now. I can go a couple of days normally the the same thing happens to me. I will be talking to my doc tomorrow and if he has some good suggestions I will share them with you.

kellynaylor 04/30/2013

I only tried the Miralax for a few days this time, I think I might have to use it on a regular daily basis for it to really work. I gave up quickly my last try because I was so incredibly uncomfortable I needed something that would work faster.

deleted_user 04/30/2013

I take two stool softners a day one in the morning and one in the evening and that helps me to be regular.

deleted_user 04/30/2013

There is always the good old fashioned method of a dose of castoria...that has worked for many many years!! I used to give my daughter the Fletchers Castoria for Children - taste like root beer!! Try just a spoonful a day to keep things going.

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