Weight Loss surgery patients are more likely to develop constipation due to decreased fiber intake, decreased mobility, and medications which might slow bowel function.
What is it?
firm stools straining with stools
infrequent stools (less than 3 per week)
What is the Harm?:
1) Hemorrhoids, fissures, fistulas
2) Diverticulitis (an infection in small pouches of the colon)
3) Chronic abdominal pain, bloating, gas.
OK, How do you treat it?
1) Miralax is the powder that mixes with water and makes that water non-absorbable. That means it will simply pass directly through (over several days). You must mix and drink 1-2 glasses per day until the stools are soft (may take a week). Then, decrease to 1 glass every 2-3 days.
2) After the stools are soft, add fiber (Fiber Choice is a good chewable wafer which can actually be filling to your pouch) Benefibe provides a dissolvable powder which can work. Try to get 15-20 grams of fiber per day.
3) Exercise is helpful
4) Probiotics should be added as the final step to improve intestinal health, decrease gas, improve mineral absorption, improve weight loss, and improve immune system.
Probiotics Link5) As a final alternative, there is a medication called Amitiza, which is approved for the treatment of constipation.
Amitiza Link
