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.
Some good reads:
Bariatric Surgery and Constipation
Constipation after bariatric surgery can be common. Irregularity can be caused by many factors.
Decreased fluid and fiber intake
Reduced physical activity
Narcotic painkillers
Iron or calcium supplements
Many people report only having a bowel movement every two or three days following weight loss surgery. This can lead to constipation. It is important to keep track of your bowel habits and try to have a bowel movement every day.
Relief for Constipation After Bariatric Surgery
If it has been more than 3 days since your last bowel movement, you can take milk of magnesia or Dulcolax tablets. Follow manufacturer directions on box. If you do not have results within 24 hours, you should call your bariatric nursing team to discuss.
Also, try these tips to avoid constipation after bariatric surgery:
Stay hydrated: Drink adequate fluids to help soften your stool. You should drink at least 48 ounces per day.
Exercise: Take frequent short walks throughout the day, as tolerated.
Consume adequate fiber: Because your eating is primarily focused on high-protein foods following bariatric surgery, your consumption of high-fiber food is limited. Take fiber supplements as needed to help you get at least 15 grams of fiber per day.
Use laxatives when necessary. Stick with Metamucil and other bulk-forming laxatives based on whole psyllium. Make sure to follow the mixing instructions for optimal results.
http://penn-bariatric-weight-loss-surgery.blogspot.com/2013/01/constipation-after-bariatric-surgery.html
Fiber Sources and Eating Fiber After Weight-loss Surgery
Cara Stewart, RD, LDN, member of the Penn Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery team, discusses fiber, sources of fiber, and how to add fiber to your diet after weight-loss surgery.
Fiber
If you are trying to lose weight or maintain a healthy weight, a high fiber diet is an essential part of your program. Not only do high fiber sources like fruits and vegetables tend to be low in calories, but the fiber they contain slows digestion, which helps to keep you feeling full. For example, an apple is more filling than apple juice because of the fiber it contains. Additionally, foods that contain fiber often take longer to chew, giving you time to realize that you are satisfied on a smaller portion. A high fiber diet has also been linked to other health benefits including lower blood cholesterol levels, better blood sugar control, and bowel regularity.
Types of Fiber
Dietary fiber is found only in plant foods, including fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains, nuts and seeds. Functional fiber is a newer term referring to isolated fiber that is added to foods.
Sources of Fiber
The number of food products on the market advertising added fiber has grown significantly in the past few years as food manufacturers have tuned in to our desire for higher fiber foods. Added fiber can now be found in everything from yogurt to soups. Inulin is the most common functional fiber being added to foods and can be found in a food products list of ingredients. Keep in mind, foods that naturally contain fiber are the best source of fiber because youll benefit from other nutrients in the food like antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. Functional fiber has not been shown to have the same benefits as dietary fiber, and foods fortified with fiber tend to be overly processed and really just glorified junk food.
Adding Fiber to Your Diet After Weight-loss Surgery
After bariatric surgery, it can be difficult to obtain adequate fiber from foods due to much smaller portion sizes, so taking a fiber supplement or using foods with functional fiber may be beneficial. Aim for consuming 14 grams of fiber for every 1000 calories that you eat.
Tips for adding more fiber to your diet:
Add more fiber gradually, a week or two at a time. Adding fiber too quickly can cause gastrointestinal symptoms like bloating and gassiness.
Spread out your fiber intake throughout the day rather than loading up in one sitting.
Eat whole fruits instead of juice.
Use beans as a source of both fiber and protein.
Make all of your grains whole grains. Look for cereals with at least 5 grams of fiber per serving and breads and crackers with at least 3 grams of fiber per serving.
Talk to your program registered dietitian for more tips on how to get enough fiber in your diet.
http://penn-bariatric-weight-loss-surgery.blogspot.com/2012/12/fiber-sources.html
Bariatric Surgery and Constipation
Constipation after bariatric surgery can be common. Irregularity can be caused by many factors.
Decreased fluid and fiber intake
Reduced physical activity
Narcotic painkillers
Iron or calcium supplements
Many people report only having a bowel movement every two or three days following weight loss surgery. This can lead to constipation. It is important to keep track of your bowel habits and try to have a bowel movement every day.
Relief for Constipation After Bariatric Surgery
If it has been more than 3 days since your last bowel movement, you can take milk of magnesia or Dulcolax tablets. Follow manufacturer directions on box. If you do not have results within 24 hours, you should call your bariatric nursing team to discuss.
Also, try these tips to avoid constipation after bariatric surgery:
Stay hydrated: Drink adequate fluids to help soften your stool. You should drink at least 48 ounces per day.
Exercise: Take frequent short walks throughout the day, as tolerated.
Consume adequate fiber: Because your eating is primarily focused on high-protein foods following bariatric surgery, your consumption of high-fiber food is limited. Take fiber supplements as needed to help you get at least 15 grams of fiber per day.
Use laxatives when necessary. Stick with Metamucil and other bulk-forming laxatives based on whole psyllium. Make sure to follow the mixing instructions for optimal results.
http://penn-bariatric-weight-loss-surgery.blogspot.com/2013/01/constipation-after-bariatric-surgery.html
Fiber Sources and Eating Fiber After Weight-loss Surgery
Cara Stewart, RD, LDN, member of the Penn Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery team, discusses fiber, sources of fiber, and how to add fiber to your diet after weight-loss surgery.
Fiber
If you are trying to lose weight or maintain a healthy weight, a high fiber diet is an essential part of your program. Not only do high fiber sources like fruits and vegetables tend to be low in calories, but the fiber they contain slows digestion, which helps to keep you feeling full. For example, an apple is more filling than apple juice because of the fiber it contains. Additionally, foods that contain fiber often take longer to chew, giving you time to realize that you are satisfied on a smaller portion. A high fiber diet has also been linked to other health benefits including lower blood cholesterol levels, better blood sugar control, and bowel regularity.
Types of Fiber
Dietary fiber is found only in plant foods, including fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains, nuts and seeds. Functional fiber is a newer term referring to isolated fiber that is added to foods.
Sources of Fiber
The number of food products on the market advertising added fiber has grown significantly in the past few years as food manufacturers have tuned in to our desire for higher fiber foods. Added fiber can now be found in everything from yogurt to soups. Inulin is the most common functional fiber being added to foods and can be found in a food products list of ingredients. Keep in mind, foods that naturally contain fiber are the best source of fiber because youll benefit from other nutrients in the food like antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. Functional fiber has not been shown to have the same benefits as dietary fiber, and foods fortified with fiber tend to be overly processed and really just glorified junk food.
Adding Fiber to Your Diet After Weight-loss Surgery
After bariatric surgery, it can be difficult to obtain adequate fiber from foods due to much smaller portion sizes, so taking a fiber supplement or using foods with functional fiber may be beneficial. Aim for consuming 14 grams of fiber for every 1000 calories that you eat.
Tips for adding more fiber to your diet:
Add more fiber gradually, a week or two at a time. Adding fiber too quickly can cause gastrointestinal symptoms like bloating and gassiness.
Spread out your fiber intake throughout the day rather than loading up in one sitting.
Eat whole fruits instead of juice.
Use beans as a source of both fiber and protein.
Make all of your grains whole grains. Look for cereals with at least 5 grams of fiber per serving and breads and crackers with at least 3 grams of fiber per serving.
Talk to your program registered dietitian for more tips on how to get enough fiber in your diet.
http://penn-bariatric-weight-loss-surgery.blogspot.com/2012/12/fiber-sources.html
Anyway, they also have a fiber drink that is 15 grams protein and fiber all in one juice flavor. I have not tried these yet, but will order some on my next shipment. I think they come in Apple and Cranberry at this time. Kind of kiling three birds with one stone.
You'll have to let me know if they are any good when you try them! Might be nice for on the go days....
And since I swore NOT to get on the scale only once per week, I'm anxious to see what the scale says tomorrow morning. I will let you all know - I'm sure it will be good news, I feel it in my clothes.
Thanks Becca! Love this article helps put things in percpective when it comes to this uncomfortable subject! (no pun intended)
=)
I also take rx medication for idiopathic constipation. Ty for this article it is so important and a difficult colon can cause many problems in your body.
Recipe is posted on the wls recipe link here and on my pinterest site with a picture :) http://pinterest.com/pin/360076932677838548/
Yes, flax is wonderful and can be used in many ways. I often put it in my smoothies. I was introduced to it years ago when I was doing the Atkins thing to help keep me regular. :)
Katlin,
Your struggles put my worries into context.... I hope the new stuff works! You'll have to let us know if it makes things better :)
We shouldn't drink our calories (other than our protein shake). That is probably the quickest way to "eat around the pouch."
Personally, I don't think most of us should be eating grains at all. Too many carbs. Eating cereal, breads, and crackers every day are a surefire way to stop weight loss and put the pounds back on.
I think of fiber the way I think of my multivitamin and my Cranaction (cranberry juice in a pill for UTIs)... I can't consume enough of any of them through my regular diet to do me any good, so I use supplements.
I don't know anyone who is 3 years out and is maintaining (not overweight) who regularly eats bread, cereal, and crackers. They are "gateway drugs" to the foods that we ate to become obese (or in my case super-morbidly obese), Don't get me wrong....I am not a saint. I eat popcorn every day and occasionally even indulge in Cheetos!! However, when my weight starts to hover at the top of my healthy range, I stop eating them.
Just my thoughts!
JJ
I have struggled with constipation and started taking probiotics... They are amazing... I am going daily again, some times 3 times a day... I also take 4 stool softeners a day... Two in the morning and two in the evening....
I agree fiber is important, but I can't eat enough to get in all the fiber I need... Two other WLS patients, encouraged the probiotics and they were so right...
JJ
This formula may not work for some, but I have successfully lost on it and have not had a single constipation issue since surgery