A pretty crappy subject...

astralweeks82

Some background first; about 6 years ago, I got to my lowest adult weight of 137lbs, but every pound towards the end was a struggle as I started experiencing some really severe constipation. I was barely eating 1200 calories a day and not drinking nearly enough water, and it wasn't necessarily healthy. That said, I actually wound up in the hospital. Shortly after, my weight-loss stalled (due to the constipation in part, I'm sure) and I gave up, gained all the weight back PLUS about 96lbs.

Fast forward to now. I eat 1400 calories a day (yesterday was a light day for more, but generally I hit my 1400 plus SOME exercise calories back). I WAS down to 160lbs as of last week, but the constipation (along with some stomach pain) is starting again in the last few weeks, and this week I'm up a pound. It all feels really familiar, and I hate for this pattern to repeat (I stop losing because I "back up", I get discouraged, I give up). Honestly, I feel mentally in a much better place than I was back then, and I have been at this for over a year and feel pretty comfortable with my eating, so I'm not thinking I will give up but I do have the fear in the back of my head, just given past experience.

I have an appointment with a GI doctor but it's not until June, and I am trying to see my family doctor in the meantime but it's been difficult to get in. It's been a week now and I am considering the hospital again. Has anyone ever experienced constipation this severe with weight-loss, and if so, what did you do to help? Last week the only way I was able to go at all was magnesium citrate, which the hospital recommended to me all those years ago. It was fine for a one time thing but not something I want to do regularly as it's really harsh.

I drink my water, eat my veggies and don't take in a lot of dairy (mostly because I don't care for much of it). I don't drink coffee, and probably need to cut down on my carbs some but does anyone recommend anything else to help me along? Thanks everyone, sorry for the personal nature of the subject but I could use the advice!

Alatariel75

How much fat do you have in your diet? dietary fats are essential and make it easier to 'go'. Do you take a fibre supplement? Benefibre is good.Otherwise, speaking to your doc is a good thing. TMI question, but if/when you eat more calories, do you go better?
(oh, and coffee might help LOL)

perseverance14

Less carbs, more protein and fiber, there is probably a reason, so you may need more fiber, but not too much fiber. I would totally back down on the carbs, I try to stay around 100/day, sometimes I might be 120 or 130 tops but that is on a bad day. Also maybe you are gluten intolerant or something like that, try cutting out wheat and see if you feel any better. All you can do is experiment and see what works best for you. When I bloat up now, it is from overdoing my exercise, but you are right the best cure is water and lots of it.

healthygreek

I have the same issue, but I've solved it with 4 ounces of prune juice every morning followed by a large glass of water with psyllium whole husks, followed by another large glass of water. Then I drink coffee or tea, have breakfast with more tea and within a a half hour-success!
I also get enough healthy fats in my diet like olive oil, nut butters and nuts and some chocolate (it has magnesium) and 4-6 servings of veggie such as broccoli, kale, lettuces (not iceberg), etc.
I eat beans or lentils or hummus.
Your diet is key!!!!
Drink lots of water!
Take 2 capsules of magnesium citrate per day (400 mg.)
Steak constipated me, personally, so I only eat it 1-2 a month.
Fruit is great. Watermelon, berries. Apples.
Also I take a probiotic everyday.
Be very conscious of what you eat. That's key for me!

astralweeks82

How much fat do you have in your diet? dietary fats are essential and make it easier to 'go'. Do you take a fibre supplement? Benefibre is good.Otherwise, speaking to your doc is a good thing. TMI question, but if/when you eat more calories, do you go better?
(oh, and coffee might help LOL)

There are some days I hit my fat targets, some days I don't. I wouldn't say I'm severely deficient as I don't avoid it or anything. I eat a greek yogurt every morning and usually I have a small amount of ice cream at night but that's really it for dairy (I sometimes have cheese, not often, just not a huge fan). I eat meat and stuff. Just looking at my fat over the last 90 days, it's hit or miss with hitting the target, so I will certainly try to be more conscious of it. I hit fiber more often. I don't take a suplement since I get a good amount in my food, I know too much fiber can be bad too. And yes, when I eat more I tend to be able to go, but that's usually when I'm eating crappy food, lol. I wish I could drink coffee, always found it quite nasty though.

astralweeks82

Also I take a probiotic everyday.

Considering I have greek yogurt daily, is a probiotic still helpful? I've always wondered about that.

healthygreek

Also I take a probiotic everyday.

Considering I have greek yogurt daily, is a probiotic still helpful? I've always wondered about that.

I also eat a plain Greek yogurt (Fage) a day, but I still take a probiotic.

nnnykkeee

Bananas, figs, prune juice (even though its gross), and cranberry juice is WONDERFUL for your body. Hope you feel better ♥

Jestinia

I have this issue when I'm in a calorie deficit, especially when I'm low or lower carb than usual. Coffee is my friend. Lots of hot caffeinated tea, too. But since you've had this issue to the point of hospitalization, I hope you get in to see your doctor soon even if you do find temporary relief.

BigGuy47

I had issues with constipation, I upped my water, fat and fiber. The issues went away. I throw some chia seeds in with my greek yogurt.

Chia seeds seem to work well for a lot of people, just make sure you get plenty of water.
http://ehealthforum.com/health/chia-seeds-and-salvia-for-constipation-t138616.html

Here's a list of natural laxatives:
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/20953-foods-that-act-as-natural-laxatives

michele654

Avocados are an easy way to get healthy fats.

Mischievous_Rascal

How much fat do you have in your diet? dietary fats are essential and make it easier to 'go'. Do you take a fibre supplement? Benefibre is good.Otherwise, speaking to your doc is a good thing. TMI question, but if/when you eat more calories, do you go better?
(oh, and coffee might help LOL)

There are some days I hit my fat targets, some days I don't. I wouldn't say I'm severely deficient as I don't avoid it or anything. I eat a greek yogurt every morning and usually I have a small amount of ice cream at night but that's really it for dairy (I sometimes have cheese, not often, just not a huge fan). I eat meat and stuff. Just looking at my fat over the last 90 days, it's hit or miss with hitting the target, so I will certainly try to be more conscious of it. I hit fiber more often. I don't take a suplement since I get a good amount in my food, I know too much fiber can be bad too. And yes, when I eat more I tend to be able to go, but that's usually when I'm eating crappy food, lol. I wish I could drink coffee, always found it quite nasty though.

What is your fat goal? I found MFP set it WAY too low, along with the protein goal. I used to have the same problem, but now I get 80+ grams of fat/day.

amgreenwell

Apple sauce and prunes are your friend. If they can make a baby poop, then they can make anyone poop. Best of luck!

softwind

How much "good" oils are you getting? Olive oil, etc? That will help too.

La_Mema

Wow...sorry to hear how this journey is affecting you. I'm not sure how much the doctors can do if this is recurring. I don't know if you are into natural remedies, but ginger works wonder for my stomach. I have issues with dairy (which I don't each much of, but when I do, oh boy....), beans/legumes affect my stomach as well, which again, I won't give up, and occasionally some foods that I eat regularly just don't sit well with me. I began drinking ginger tea almost every day, and I can say it eases all of my stomach discomfort. I buy the ginger root and boil it, add a couple of cinnamon sticks - with a little honey, it tastes awesome. Has a little kick to it, but you can get used to that. The beauty about ginger is that it's a natural laxative, fat burner, and helps to detox the body, so it's something too look into. I hope this helps, and get better soon.

Maryaly40

i started taking probiotic everyday and have not had a problem since!

astralweeks82

What is your fat goal? I found MFP set it WAY too low, along with the protein goal. I used to have the same problem, but now I get 80+ grams of fat/day.

fat 47
protein 70
carbs 175

I am almost always over my protein, however.

baileysmom4

I had a bad experience last weekend with the same issue but my stomach area hurt so bad I thought I'd have to go to the hospital. Once it calmed down I started taking a probiotic and within 2 days I'm going normal! I never thought they would work that well but OMG I'm sold!!!

MissMissle

I completly understand.

I've had GI issues since I was a baby, and I feel like all of my posts on here so far have involved some sort of poop talk. Wait, no, they have, they definetly have.

Here's my advice - my opinion only, as I'm sure some people may disagree and point out the negatives...

1. Just FYI, a GI Doctor may want to do an MRI and it's a horrible, horrible experience, I suggest buying a bottle of vodka and hiding in your basement when its over, and maybe crying a little too.
2. My PCP and GI recomended over the counter Miralax. I used to take Metamucil but it didn't do anything. The miralax helps. I've take 1-2 capfulls a day, and it keeps me regular. For the past few months I've triend to completely cut it out of my diet (mainly to save $$) and it's worked 85% of the time... I now only take it once a week, at most.
3. What I've done to change - fish oil - maybe it doesn't help everyone, but it's definetly helped me. Do your research and get a good one.
4. I drink 130 oz minimum water every day, take a double dose of fiber pills every morning, and have cut out dairy as much as possible (which sucks, because I could eat a block of cheese for every meal). I still eat a little cheese, I just stay away from milk, and yogurt unfortunetly... but...again, it's helped.
5. Probiotic is always a good idea. I've been told the "best" ones are the refridgerated ones...I don't know much about them but I like the way they make me feel, so it's worth it for me.
6. "cleanse" (enter the negative coments). I "cleanse" with an over the counter metamucil type drink and herbal supplement (I buy them from Advocare) about every 4 months. Again, I just like the way it makes my system feel, so I do it, and I feel like its better than taking polyethylene glycol every day... and cheaper!! I do it for ten days and it's generally the best I feel in that entire 4 month span (lighter, increased energy, and pooping lots!)
7. The obvious - water, water, water, fruit, prunes, veggies, fiber, etc. That works for alot of people, unfortunetly i need more, diet alone doesn't keep me "regular" but i'd suggest starting with the obvious then moving down the line... and try the fish oil! Im really becoming a believer in it!
8. Back to #1, I'm serious, it was horrifying.

Galatea_Stone

Your diary is closed, but looking at your macros, you're not eating enough fat, you could afford to up your protein slightly, and you probably aren't getting enough fiber. Grain sources for fiber (high fiber tortillas and high fiber bread). Fat + fiber = poop.

leantool

Psyllium husk is good as a fibre supplement and may help you through it.it is inert and works as a bulk forming laxative.google it and see if you can get it.you may want to increase your fluid intake still higher

askeates

Here are some really great threads about setting your macro targets. To me it sounds like you really don't have them set correctly. Your fat and protein should both be higher. My suggestion (I'm by no means a professional), read these, make some changes and try some of the natural laxatives.... And up your water intake. Hopefully it will make the difference you need.... In the mean time get those appointments with your DR set up and make sure there isn't something else causing the issues!

Setting Your Calorie and Macro Targets

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/819055-setting-your-calorie-and-macro-targets

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/1058378-oh-noes-i-am-eating-below-my-bmr

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/1072049-thoughts-on-tdee-calculators-and-switching-from-mfp-to-tdee


Best of luck :drinker:

rml_16

Your diary is closed, but if you are getting enough fat, fiber and hydration, you shouldn't have this problem.

You're somewhere missing at least one of those things.

I have a fruit smoothie nearly every night that should help. It has 16 grams of fiber and I add chocolate peanut butter for flavor, but that will also give you some fat. You could also add a teaspoon or two of flax or canola oil (don't use olive as it will taste AWFUL):

1 cup blueberries
1/2 cup raspberries
1/2 cup blackberries
1 banana
1 T of whatever chocolate PB you choose. There are several brands out now.
Ice

astralweeks82

Your diary is closed, but looking at your macros, you're not eating enough fat, you could afford to up your protein slightly, and you probably aren't getting enough fiber. Grain sources for fiber (high fiber tortillas and high fiber bread). Fat + fiber = poop.

I will certainly work on that. My protein intake is much higher than MFP suggests, I probably hit 100 on most days.

I am curious though, why is it happening now? I've been eating this way for over a year, and nothing has changed really. My macros are as they always were and I never had issues. I don't think anyone can actually answer this for me, but it is so strange that this happens me as I get close to goal.

Anyway, thanks for all the advice everyone, keep it coming please. I'm writing it all down, lol

rml_16

Your diary is closed, but looking at your macros, you're not eating enough fat, you could afford to up your protein slightly, and you probably aren't getting enough fiber. Grain sources for fiber (high fiber tortillas and high fiber bread). Fat + fiber = poop.

I will certainly work on that. My protein intake is much higher than MFP suggests, I probably hit 100 on most days.

I am curious though, why is it happening now? I've been eating this way for over a year, and nothing has changed really. My macros are as they always were and I never had issues. I don't think anyone can actually answer this for me, but it is so strange that this happens me as I get close to goal.

Anyway, thanks for all the advice everyone, keep it coming please. I'm writing it all down, lol

What did the doctors say when you were in the hospital? It seems like there might be an underlying problem, maybe?

craftywitch_63

Also I take a probiotic everyday.

Considering I have greek yogurt daily, is a probiotic still helpful? I've always wondered about that.

Yes because different brands of yogurt use different probiotics. Kefir has more probiotics than regular yogurt but probiotics are usually best for maintenance, not an "acute" episode of constipation.

Up the fiber, up the hydration. That's always a good idea, but you might want to wait until you're "cleaned out" before you increase fiber because too much fiber when you're already blocked can cause an obstruction, and that can mean surgery.

Doctors use senna as a "natural" laxative. Like any laxative it shouldn't be taken on a regular basis but once in a while is okay, and it's a little less harsh than other types. You can actually buy senna tea over the counter. Try steeping one teabag for 2-3 mins and drink just before bedtime. If that doesn't work, try two teabags the next night. If that doesn't work, STOP! because you may have an SBO (small bowel obstruction.)

Just a little bathroom reading :laugh:

http://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/digestive-diseases-constipation

http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-1056-KEFIR.aspx?activeIngredientId=1056&activeIngredientName=KEFIR

wilsoje74

I completly understand.

I've had GI issues since I was a baby, and I feel like all of my posts on here so far have involved some sort of poop talk. Wait, no, they have, they definetly have.

Here's my advice - my opinion only, as I'm sure some people may disagree and point out the negatives...

1. Just FYI, a GI Doctor may want to do an MRI and it's a horrible, horrible experience, I suggest buying a bottle of vodka and hiding in your basement when its over, and maybe crying a little too.
2. My PCP and GI recomended over the counter Miralax. I used to take Metamucil but it didn't do anything. The miralax helps. I've take 1-2 capfulls a day, and it keeps me regular. For the past few months I've triend to completely cut it out of my diet (mainly to save $$) and it's worked 85% of the time... I now only take it once a week, at most.
3. What I've done to change - fish oil - maybe it doesn't help everyone, but it's definetly helped me. Do your research and get a good one.
4. I drink 130 oz minimum water every day, take a double dose of fiber pills every morning, and have cut out dairy as much as possible (which sucks, because I could eat a block of cheese for every meal). I still eat a little cheese, I just stay away from milk, and yogurt unfortunetly... but...again, it's helped.
5. Probiotic is always a good idea. I've been told the "best" ones are the refridgerated ones...I don't know much about them but I like the way they make me feel, so it's worth it for me.
6. "cleanse" (enter the negative coments). I "cleanse" with an over the counter metamucil type drink and herbal supplement (I buy them from Advocare) about every 4 months. Again, I just like the way it makes my system feel, so I do it, and I feel like its better than taking polyethylene glycol every day... and cheaper!! I do it for ten days and it's generally the best I feel in that entire 4 month span (lighter, increased energy, and pooping lots!)
7. The obvious - water, water, water, fruit, prunes, veggies, fiber, etc. That works for alot of people, unfortunetly i need more, diet alone doesn't keep me "regular" but i'd suggest starting with the obvious then moving down the line... and try the fish oil! Im really becoming a believer in it!
8. Back to #1, I'm serious, it was horrifying.

what was horrible about the MRI?

BlueButterfly94

Oooh, I get constipated a lot- and it seems to be a hereditary thing. Doesn't matter what I eat or drink throughout the day. (Foods that have been known to send people to the bathroom frequently haven't made any difference either, haha!) I just take miralax every now and again and it helps. Good luck, sir! I hope you can figure out the problem and fix it!

jellybeanhed313

I drink Natural Calm almost every day(sometimes I forget). Its very gental-no cramps or anything like a laxative, but has a kinda laxative effect. When I take it I go the next morning wtihout fail. You can get it at Whole Foods or most stores. I like the raspberry flavor. It mixes into hot or cold water very easily and goes down easy. helps you relax too which is nice. Its worth a shot. Hope you feel better!

bumblebeez86

I was constipated for about 3 weeks when I first started and it really is terrible - the pain is unbelievable. I tried some mild laxatives (senna) but they didn't work. I notice when i Usually eat 'junk' food it helps but not good when on a diet. The thing that got me going again was caffeine tablets (like pro plus) I don't recommend it as a regular thing and since the beginning of the year I have only used them twice but they have worked both times.

wilsoje74

What makes you constipated while losing weight? You should not have to be admitted to the hospital for constipation. Find a dr that can see you sooner. Try miralax. Worked wonders for my son when he was little.!