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.

1,486 Members
40,160 Posts
0 Online
Gastrointestinal System
/ Gastric Bypass Surgery Support Group

Spoke too soon; please, please read and advise.

Crystal-Cruz
Crystal-Cruz
I'm a year out from my RNY. I have lost 140lbs and am now 170. The last 20lbs to goal weight are all excess skin and I'll be having a lower body lift in February to remove it.

Before the RNY I was VERY regular. It took me about two months post-op but I regained that and continued to be very regular.

Last week I was feeling odd and had been very gassy. I took a moment and thought and realized that ALL I'd been releasing was gas and that I hadn't had an actual bowel movement in over a week! I drank a bottle of magnesium citrate on Thursday night and lost five pounds that night (yes, I actually lost five pounds by the scale). I thought it was good but when Monday rolled around I realized that I had not had a bowel movement since Friday morning (the morning after I drank the laxative). I drank another bottle last night and everything came out. Now, here I am today and other than the last movements I had from the laxative I haven't pooped again!

I know you're going to tell me to see the doctor but as it stands I have NO health insurance and can barely afford my rent, let alone privately paid medical care. I don't want to keep drinking laxatives for obvious reasons. Has anyone else experienced this? I'm not saying I'm going diagnose myself but if anyone else has gone through it and saw their doctors maybe you could give me some advice? I honestly don't know how to proceed.
deleted_user
deleted_user
You need to see a medical professional. Go to the ER. They will work with you financially (at least they do here in Ohio). It's better to have some educated advice to give you some peace of mind then to keep going on as you are.

I wish you the best!
deleted_user
deleted_user
I agree you could have a blockage or something else majorly going on. You need to take care of yourself....most doctors and hospitals will work with you financially if you do not have insurance. Please get this checked out something could be going wrong....I will keep you in my prayers!
onmway
onmway
I agree with Mandie and TWHorses, will be praying for you
elainyanna
elainyanna
They are all right! most hospitals will work with you and even write it off if you meet the requirements! Please get seen!
My3Sons652
My3Sons652
I have been going through the same thing. I have never taken a laxative before but I bought some and took it and lost three pounds. I had felt so bloated. I do have to take stool softners every so often. I eat healthy too fruits etc. so I'm not sure why every now and then I go through this phase. Just make sure your getting in a lot of water. Try eating prunes they help too. Have you been under alot of stress? That too can mess with our " functions" good luck. :)
deleted_user
deleted_user
I agree, I really think you need to see a doctor as soon as possible. I may be something very serious.
deleted_user
deleted_user
.......ugh!! my doctor has suggested using mirilax for constipation ...its over the counter and pliquid in your colon to help u tm .......hope it helps ....but before surgery , i could eat like ed prunes...love em..and i'd go every time ! :)
Judy-Anderson
Judy-Anderson
since surgery I've had my doctor give me some stool softeners to take twice a day.How ever I know you can get those over the counter. I also have had to get some over the counter fiber supplements and sometimes it is still awhile before I go. i think a lot of people with rny suffer from this. I also would say make sure you are getting your water intake too.
deleted_user
deleted_user
I would agree with the others regarding Miralax or other stool softeners taken daily. Magnesium Citrate is not meant to be used frequently since it's such a powerful laxative.

I doubt you have an obstruction or no solid would get through even after the laxative. If you can get 5lbs through your intestines it doesn't sound like it's blocked. It sounds like your bowel is sluggish.

The best advice is to find a doctor that works on a sliding scale. Have you tried to see if you qualify for public health assistance?
deleted_user
deleted_user
Miralax is gentle enough to be used daily. Also, pharmacies, grocery stores, etc sometimes have their own brand of Miralax which is usually cheaper than the brand name product.
Lcat4
Lcat4
Everyone is right! I would add that making sure you have at least your minimum of water EVERY day is crucial to regularity. Water flushes. I add Clear Fiber to my protein coffee every morning and I drink some water with Fibertastic in it right before bed every night. I get both of these from Renew Life. These keep me daily regular. If I occasionally need it I add a dose or two of Cleanse More. Be sure to pay attention EVERY day to whether you have gone or not. If you have gone more than a couple of days you need to increase your fiber. Consistent water, fiber and attention are important to your health.