Expert: Karla K. - 10/5/2009

Question
i am just about six months post op and i have lost 107lbs and ia ma having a problem with constipation, I take stool softeners every day and eat mostly grilled or baked chicken and green veggies, I don't know what else i can take to stop this from happening. Please any assistance would be greatly appreciated.

Answer
Hi Eleanor:

Constipation is a common side-effect of bariatric surgery.  While "lean and greens" is great for weight loss, you're probably not consuming enough volume of leafy greens to get in enough fiber.  

So, you may want to consider adding:
* One serving of high-fiber breakfast cereal/day (Fiber-One, All-Bran, etc.) or a Fiber-One bar
* Replacing one of your lean protein choices with legumes, like lentil soup
* Adding in some high fiber fruit such as strawberries, raspberries, etc.
* Having one serving of sugar-free Metamucil in the morning
* Drinking warm/hot water with lemon
* Making sure that you are getting in enough water.
* If you use artificial sweeteners, try Splenda with Fiber

Don't add too much fiber at once... but add something every few days and see what happens. Remember, even though your pouch is small, you still need to get in enough protein and fiber each day.  Aim for at least 25 grams of fiber per day.  If these dietary changes do not help, then please contact your surgeon or your surgeon's nutritionist.  While constipation is a common side-effect, it's not something you should have to live with forever.

Good luck and I hope this helps,

Kind Regards,
Karla