Pre-op diet ... Constipation.sorrt TMI!

**caroline2** · 11-13-2013 09:14 AM

Im on day 6 pre-op. Diet consists of 2 protein shakes and 3 oz of meat and green veggie fior dinner. I've not had a BM in 5 days. Have taken ex-lax the past two nights. This usually works for me within 12 hours, one dose. I feel miserable. I'm sure a lot of it has to do with the protein. Anyone else having this problem? Solution? Thanks!

**friscocajn** · 11-13-2013 09:22 AM

I didn't have this problem pre-op, but seems to be a constant issue post-op with the reduced food levels and high protein. Ex-Lax can be pretty harsh on the system, so instead I put in a couple teaspoons of Fiber Smart into my daily protein drink of the day. I just kind of consider it part of the daily routine

**bikrchk** · 11-13-2013 09:23 AM

Yes. I read somewhere that the protein powder sucks the water out of your colon. I was already taking daily mirilax before I started all this. During the preop diet had to increase the dosage. Still have issues with it post op. Just added a multi strain probiotic so we'll see if that helps.

**sunnygirl_28734** · 11-13-2013 10:31 AM

On day 13 of pre-op, no constipation, but dr. said add Benefiber to shakes if it is a problem.

**Markiv** · 11-13-2013 11:25 AM

I drank cala fig and fibogel that really helped me a lot

**jlovetro** · 11-13-2013 11:30 AM

All I can add to that is post- op can be just as bad

**kimwanalivelife** · 11-15-2013 10:33 PM

On also on day 6. Try some watered down cranberry juice. 100% juice check lable because most of them are only 27% real juice. Make sure your getting lots of liquids. Tea calorie fee flavor. Good luck cranberry. realy works.

**ColoradoLB** · 11-17-2013 11:36 AM

My NUT has me taking a probiotic pill - the kind that have to stay in the fridge, not the off the shelf kind. She also said to stay away from fiber products because most constipation can be attributed to your reduced water intake. Only add these if you are getting your 50-60 oz of water a day or they will bind you up worse. Concentrate on your water and add some greens to your diet and everything should start to work its way through.

Also keep in mind, your system is used to larger quantities of food so it might store up a little longer between toilet runs. As long as what eventually makes it out isn't a brick you're good to go.

And BTW, on a forum like this, there is no TMI. It might be gross but we have all been through it and never hesitate to ask the question.