I have done the DPT and have been trying to stick to the rules ever since. My question is --with a high protein diet now, how often should a person have a bm (bowel movement)? I haven't had one for over 9 days. I'm not constipated but I haven't gone. Is this a problem? If it is, what do I do to change my diet?

Can you give us a sample of what you are eating? Take a look at your calcium and fiber intake. How much water or non caffenated beverages are you getting in? To much calcium can slow things waaay down. In my case 4-5 days. BUT never more than that. I used to think the cause was to much fiber but I'm changing my mind this go round and watching calicum and it seems to be working fine now.

I had to add a little fruit everyday to get regular. I, too, didn't feel constipated, but just wasn't going for several days. I eat 1/2 c. of peaches in Splenda syrup and am regularly everyday or every other day.

I recommend some Sennokot S if you don't want to up your consumption of carbs. When I start having "troubles" I have 1/3 C of All-Bran sprinkled on any soft food (like yogurt) that I eat. That usually does the trick. However, if you up your fiber, it will only work if you up your fluid intake also. If you don't increase fluids and only increase fiber, you'll make a cement blockage in there...not fun.

Another trick I've learned is to up my veggie consumption when it's been a couple of days since a good bm. Protein burns pretty clean, so it's not unusual to have fewer, smaller bms when you go all protein. As long as you're not throwing up, and you're holding down your meals, you're probably fine, but it just feels wrong and unnatural. My dear old granny always used to say, "Honey, if things are going in good and coming out good, cain't be much wrong with you!" She was a very smart lady.

Don't be embarrassed. This is a huge issue for us all and needs to be "revisited" from time to time. Try the veggies and all bran first, if that doesn't loosen up the plumbing try the Sennokot S (be sure that S is on the end).

Good luck and let us know how it "all comes out in the end" (sorry, couldn't resist!)

gentle hugs.

I had that problem in the beginning and my doctor reccommended MiraLAX. And it works great for me.

I have this problem too. I eat some fruit or eat a bowl of raisin bran cereal. Works pretty good for me.

I hope you're getting fat into your meals too.
The fat from the peanut butter in the protein balls
will help things get moving, too!

I have had this problem since I first had the surgery 3 years ago - ugh!
My doctor finally told me about Miralax (now over the counter)

I had to fiddle with the dosage - (call me Goldilocks)
I take half a dosage every morning with a glass of water.

Do not wait to talk to your doctor - although it may not "feel" like constipation
believe me, it's backing up somewhere (sorry to be so gross)

This is my story, best to call your doctor

Hugs!

Whoa! NINE days? That would put me in a huge amount of misery. First, I'd go see my doctor. Then, I'd use a Dulcolax suppository just to get things moving PDQ. After that, I'd make it a point to get some FiberOne cereal daily, or a Sennocot S every day. Of course, double check with your doctor before doing any of this.

Nine days...man oh man...

Kim, you would be callin' that cute plumber boy! LOL

Nine days??? Did I read that correctly, nine days!?? Whew...I would be doubled over in misery...I usually, with a normal diet, have @ least 2 bms daily...but now that I'm high eating higher amounts of protein, oh boy, I have "issues"...I go but it seems like a tiny amount (sorry if TMI) and only 1x daily if I'm lucky...urgh! My tummy is kinda crampy too, guess that's the "plumbing" a lil backed up...Nothing I am doing lately (past week) seems to "clean" me out very much...I have FiberOne, thanks Kim for the reminder..gonna go eat some now! lol!

I drink at least 80-100oz of water a day, try for 100+, anyone think I should be trying to drink more...I mean I think I am hydrated enough...just curious as to someone else's input...my "plumbing" will thank you!

@Sandi..."all comes out in the end"...you are cracking me up!

Blessings & "Regular" bms!

Thanks everybody for your "input". I really increased my fluids yesterday, and today everything came out all right in the end. I have been a master at making what Kaye calls slurry--lots of coffee and lots of slider foods. I've cut way back on the coffee but didn't increase other fluids enough. Thanks for your help. Mari

What are protein balls? Is there a recipe?

Papaya enzymes and black cherry vitamins are both helpful in this area.

Just getting my 2 cents in..lol