Today, I begin day 9 of the 5DPT. I have been suffering with a bad case of CONSTIPA..... you get where I going with this??? I have been trying to drink more water to see if that will help. I haven't been this way since before surgery 5 years ago. It's very frustrating, too. I have been sticking with protein shakes (canned and homemade) and soup. I added some shrimp and seafood to the soup, but still "slow going". I took an aide to assist me, but no help there either. Has anyone else had this problem and what did you do to get going again???

I hope this doesn't gross anyone out, but I need help and I'm sincere about this concern.

I have lost 7 pounds so far and that's rewarding, hence, another week of the pouch test. I haven't eaten any soft, firm or solid protein (except for Saturday when I had about 2 ounces of a thinly sliced fresh turkey, so I don't know if my pouch is reset. That food settled nicely, I wasn't stuffed and I wasn't hungry either. After my egg experience I was turned off to eating and opted for more liquids. I will try again today....maybe.

I am wishing everyone a great and productive day!!

Hi,

i use benefiber everyday and it keeps things going. it disolves in anything cold or hot, i would be lost without it. hope this helps

Serenity, try Sennokot S (make sure it's got the S at the end) and remember that the diet you're eating right now has very few "by products". You've got your food down to the bare minimum, so it's only logical that... You may not be making much to get rid of. Do you have the urge to go but can't? (Sorry to ask such a personal question, but I can so relate to your concern, my heart goes out to you!)

The more water thing is good, especially if you've upped your fiber intake. Gotta have loads of fluids or you'll just make a cement brick in there. Not good.

Walking helps. A cuppa coffee in the morning helps. Keep track of what's happening in case you need to call the doc.

I've had the same thing happen since starting day 6. I've resigned myself to think that I'm just not eating enough to make poop on a daily basis. It's annoying, but not painful. As such, I bought some Correctol and take it if I'm feeling like I need to go. To be honest, it didn't help much. I figure it will all come out in the end.

Serenity--Don't be embarrassed about asking questions on here. Chances are someone else has already asked it, and this community is wonderful for giving helpful suggestions without any criticism. I had a similar problem while doing the 5dpt + 4 more days at the beginning of this month. I wasn't constip.... I just didn't have to "go". I did increase my water intake and that helped to get things going again.

Mari

Hi...please don't be embarrased. When I had the same problem early on after my RNY, the doctor said 1 sennecot and 1 capful of Mirilax. (it's more palitable if you mix it w/crystal lite.)

When I did the 5dpt, it was even WORSE, so it took the Mirilax and 2 senecot to restart things. I would try one, and if it doesn't work, try 2 the 2nd night. (The directons on the bottle do say to start w/2, but since I take it w/Mirilax, I always start w/one.)

Hope this helps!

besides getting in your fluids, i have used benefiber also. but i would try working in some veggies, 2 bites protein, 1 bite carb (veggie)

Hi Serenity!

I love your name!!

I use a tea called Smooth Move. See it here


When I up my protein intake I have the same issues...

Serenity,

I had the same problem on the 5DPT due to the extra protein. I started taking a stool softener (OTC colace, generic available) daily and that was enough to straighten things out.

Good luck,
Gina F.

I take stool softners and that really helps me.

Serenity, here is my two cents, you are not eating foods that have fiber, meaning friuts and Veggies!!! oatmeal, high fiber drinks.. protein does not move as fast. I can understand in away that you want to lose weigh, but I feel that the 5DPT is for getting in touch with your pouch. Has that happen? I am 10 years post-out, I did the 5DPT and by the thrid day I was in touch!!!!
Protein is good for us WLS peeps but you need your fiber to live!
Have you ever heard the joke about all the parts of the body complaining about who is the boss, so then the colon (a**hole) stopped working, within days every other part started having problems, the eyes could not see, the hair fell out, the heart pumped hard, any ways colon won....
a cup of espresso is good for moving the bowels

Good luck

Thanks for your support and understanding!! I decided to have Talapia last night and found my pouch very quickly. I was relieved about that and am so very grateful! This morning when I woke I was able to make things "happen" - another grateful moment. I will purchase some high-fiber aids that were suggested to make sure I have something on hand just in case this happens again. I guess I was concerned because I have been so regular for many years and used to be very proud about that fact. My partner has serious bowel issues and envied my ability to just "go". Now I understand how she feels. I will use 1 shake instead of 3 and begin incorporating my soft and firm proteins. I will also begin more vigorous exercise.

I started blogging on ObesityHelp.com in 2002 before I had surgery. For the most part, it was not very interactive. I am so grateful that I have found this site and am able to get immediate feedback from people who care, understand, and are encouraging. I cannot thank you all enough. I really feel like I have found a real support group. So, thank you and God Bless You ALL!!

Thanks for the comps on my screen name. It is how I try to live personally. When I am working toward serenity in my life, things are not as big as they initially seem and I'm able to surrender to outside help. My birth name is Dyuanna (pronounced Dwi-na -- with a long "a" and 2 syllables).

Some of the things that I do is add the Miralax (over the counter now - white bottle purple label) to my protein shake. No taste whatsoever. I do it about once a week. My bowel movements are about every 3 days then on that day I seem to go all day long. Other things that really help is Vitamin c and or Magnesium. I find that the chewable vitamin c works pretty good. I use the Isotonix Liquid Vitamins and have it customized to have the extra C added but it doesn't always help so I add extra C.

Take it one moment at a time