Dealing with Constipation Post-Op
The hardest thing in my opinion about the surgery is constipation and getting through the liquid diet post-op. (the first two weeks)
When I was in Mexico I took two tablespoons a day of MOM(milk of magnesia)
to crank up the old engine but I had no luck whatsoever. On day 7 I met with my doctor to take out the port and I told him I had gone one week without going to the bathroom. He said you're on liquids don't be concerned. But he also said "do you have gas?" I said, "yes." He said "good."
I was leaving Friday and was afraid to take more MOM so he said when you get home drink half the bottle. Well, I'm 11 days out and I drank 1/2 the bottle. Let me tell you today I'm making up for all 11 days post-op.
You want to plan this on the weekend as this is an all day affair but I'm just glad it worked. I was scared I'd end up in the ER if I went past 14 days.
But I thought I'd address this topic as I haven't seen it on the board before. :o
Lorna
Re: Dealing with Constipation Post-Op
I take Colace once a day and two laxatives a day. It's the only thing that I have found that helps. I may try MOM. Prior to my surgery I went once a day. Now it's more like once every other or every 3rd day.
Re: Dealing with Constipation Post-Op
Thank you Lorna. This information sharing will help a lot of people who just had a gastric sleeve that are too shy to ask questions about their constipation problems.
It's not the most pleasant but its definately a topic we should have a thread for.
Re: Dealing with Constipation Post-Op
HI everyone, I don't think I will have that problem as my partner always gives me the s#$*s, so no problem.;)
Re: Dealing with Constipation Post-Op
I also wonder if some of it is water intake. I haven't been drinking as much water as I should be, and I wonder if that hasn't played a bigger role in this than I originally thought.
Re: Dealing with Constipation Post-Op
I was drinking two gatorade and crystal light around the clock. Plus in Mexico I was taking 2 TBP. of MOM a day and nothing worked. I was getting scared. I knew when I got home I would have to do something drastic. I believe the first BM is difficult to make because surgery alone is a schock to the body. It's like when you have a baby your organs get disheveled and everything get's moved around. It takes a while for them to go back down. Plus the fact that you're eating a lot less then you're used to. But what goes in must come out even if drinking 1/2 a bottle of MOM does the deed! LOL!!! ;) :D
Re: Dealing with Constipation Post-Op
I find the protein heavy foods stick to the insides. The lack of cereal that are carb high are now avoided so occasionally I have felt the need to take laxative. I use senna as I find it the most gentle. I only need 1 usually but have had to resort to two on a couple of occasions.
I hate that sluggish, bloated feeling when nothing move!
Great thread Lorna...
Gal x
Re: Dealing with Constipation Post-Op
I still say it's a man's job. Hehehe.mine gives them to me all the time.;)
Re: Dealing with Constipation Post-Op
I as sooo Weird! My problem after surgery was not to pass gas unless I was on the toilet! It is not a good thing if you do!!!! They gave me MOM in the hospital and no more for me!!!! I do only go every other day now. Before surgery I was like clock work twice a day!
Re: Dealing with Constipation Post-Op
I only had problems the first 2-3 weeks. Now I'm fine. It's kind of like when you have a baby and come home from the hospital constipated. LOL!!!
I think the body goes into shock from surgery and takes a while to recoup.
Right now I'm eating nutritious foods and drinking a lot of low cal liquids so I'm pretty regular. Lorna :)
Re: Dealing with Constipation Post-Op
Hi, I never had issues with constipation but did have diarrhea. Now everything is fine and I take a Fiber Choice daily.
Re: Dealing with Constipation Post-Op
I have the opposite problem; I have diarrhea. I am 6 days post-op and have had runny stools since day 3. I'm really trying to take my fluid intake seriously and watch for signs of dehydration.
Anyone else have this problem?
Re: Dealing with Constipation Post-Op
I don't have diarrhea but I seem to have to go to the bathroom more so than when I had my complete stomach. I'm kinda loose. Like the other day I was out Christmas shopping and I had to run to the bathroom so I didn't go in my underwear. I would recommend any one who had WLS to carry an extra pair of under wear with you in the car or your purse and a gallon size zip lock baggy in case you soil yourself. Your bowels seem to be a lot looser after WLS and you could have to go unexpectedly. If so and you're out find the nearest bathroom. Lorna :)
Re: Dealing with Constipation Post-Op
I still have issues with constipation. I can't figure out what the correct cocktail of medication is to help with this. But I think after rereading these posts I am going to try MOM.
Re: Dealing with Constipation Post-Op
Mommabear, Drink more liquids. Believe me you won't be constipated.
Lorna :)