Bowel issues...

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alord426
alord426 Posts: 129 Member
in Health and Weight Loss
I have always had issues with going to the bathroom but since starting my weight loss journey 2 years ago it has gotten worse and I am LUCKY if I can go once a week!! I have even gone to see a stomach specialist who even agrees that I have a stomach issue. I drink water and have up'd my fiber but nothing worked. I have even tried Miralax but that never helped. The only thing that will work for me is taking a dulcolax (laxative) which I have to do once a week or else I will not be able to go :( does anyone else have this problem?!?! It's very frustrating!!
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Replies

  • Fozzi43
    Fozzi43 Posts: 2,984 Member
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    See the thread called "An embarrassing problem"

    I posted about the exact thing a few hours ago.....:laugh:
  • alord426
    alord426 Posts: 129 Member
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    Hot coffee. Coffee coffee coffee.

    It works!

    Use a sweetener and creamer if you don't like it black. (I don't like it black either, YUCK!)

    I don't drink coffee :( I wish I did!
  • sherisse69
    sherisse69 Posts: 795 Member
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    I have struggled with this for years. A few things I did that have helped are:
    -Got rid of all the fake sugars out of my diet - if I want sweet, real stuff only
    -lots of water
    -benefibre powder
    -walking shortly after your meals. Doesn't have to be long or far - just helps to get things moving.

    If I think of anything else that has helped, I will gladley pass it on. I feel your pain!!! Good luck :)
  • sherisse69
    sherisse69 Posts: 795 Member
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    Oh, and try Fennel tea! It helps to ease some of the stomach discomfort! And I have used Kelp pills before as well. Not sure how much they specifically did, but could be worth a shot.
  • erickirb
    erickirb Posts: 12,293 Member
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    if you use laxatives often they become habit forming as you shed healthy bacteria using this method, which just makes the problem worse next time.

    I would suggest:
    i. up your fat intake slightly (lubricates digestive tract),
    ii. take mineral oil.a TBS or 2 every few days (lubricates digestive tract), and
    iii. start eating a daily pro-biotic yogurt or Kefir.
  • August_1958
    August_1958 Posts: 110 Member
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    Try Phillips Probiotics. Once a day with a meal. Regulates this issue (either way) by adding good bacteria to your digestive tract that fights the bad bacteria.
  • alord426
    alord426 Posts: 129 Member
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    if you use laxatives often they become habit forming as you shed healthy bacteria using this method, which just makes the problem worse next time.

    I would suggest:
    i. up your fat intake slightly (lubricates digestive tract),
    ii. take mineral oil.a TBS or 2 every few days (lubricates digestive tract), and
    iii. start eating a daily pro-biotic yogurt or Kefir.

    Thank you!! I hate to use to the dulcolax but it is the only thing that seems to work :/ I will try the probiotic!
  • alord426
    alord426 Posts: 129 Member
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    Try Phillips Probiotics. Once a day with a meal. Regulates this issue (either way) by adding good bacteria to your digestive tract that fights the bad bacteria.

    thanks :)
  • PatriceMG
    PatriceMG Posts: 232 Member
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    My husband uses coffee, but he's never had an issue anyway. I, on the other hand, have always had issues. Only going once every 3-4 days... one of my medical professionals suggested i drink 2 glasses of water first thing in the morning. Right when i get up. It has really helped me without taking laxatives which can be habit forming. Good luck!
  • wheresheidi
    wheresheidi Posts: 213
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    I take a Flaxseed oil caplet with everymeal now. Works great!.
  • jjelizalde
    jjelizalde Posts: 377 Member
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    A bowl of All Bran every morning will solve the problem. Bran is nature's intestinal scrub brush.
  • b14a3w3
    b14a3w3 Posts: 61 Member
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    I mix a teaspoon of Metamucil in my smootie. Then I take a metamucil capsule with dinner. Also prunes are good for that. I get the individually wrapped ones and eat a few of them a day. I still only go 2 times a week but it's way easier now. My husband thinks I'm weird. He goes 2 times a day (how annoying)....but I have always been this way. Good luck.
  • VanillaBone
    VanillaBone Posts: 119 Member
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    Is there a 'mechanical' problem? Rectocele, diverticulitis, etc?
  • alord426
    alord426 Posts: 129 Member
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    The stomach specialist I went to said it's normal if I only go once a week and to take the dulcolax if I need to go after not going after a week. It pissed me off that this was his solution!!
  • cjc166
    cjc166 Posts: 222
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    I have always had issues with going to the bathroom but since starting my weight loss journey 2 years ago it has gotten worse and I am LUCKY if I can go once a week!! I have even gone to see a stomach specialist who even agrees that I have a stomach issue. I drink water and have up'd my fiber but nothing worked. I have even tried Miralax but that never helped. The only thing that will work for me is taking a dulcolax (laxative) which I have to do once a week or else I will not be able to go :( does anyone else have this problem?!?! It's very frustrating!!

    My wife had a similar issue. We switched our eating to "Eat to Live" by Dr Fuhrman, and now she's super regular, going once/day. She has never gone once/day in her entire life. The diet is comprised of 90 fruits, veggies, beans, nuts, seeds, and whole grain. Around 60g fiber/day from natural sources, super high in micronutrients, and low in sodium. It might be worth a shot.
  • alord426
    alord426 Posts: 129 Member
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    Is there a 'mechanical' problem? Rectocele, diverticulitis, etc?

    I am not sure. He wants to see me back in 6 months and possibly do a colonoscopy.
  • alord426
    alord426 Posts: 129 Member
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    I mix a teaspoon of Metamucil in my smootie. Then I take a metamucil capsule with dinner. Also prunes are good for that. I get the individually wrapped ones and eat a few of them a day. I still only go 2 times a week but it's way easier now. My husband thinks I'm weird. He goes 2 times a day (how annoying)....but I have always been this way. Good luck.

    Yes my fiance goes like 5 times a day lol very annoying!!
  • alord426
    alord426 Posts: 129 Member
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    I have always had issues with going to the bathroom but since starting my weight loss journey 2 years ago it has gotten worse and I am LUCKY if I can go once a week!! I have even gone to see a stomach specialist who even agrees that I have a stomach issue. I drink water and have up'd my fiber but nothing worked. I have even tried Miralax but that never helped. The only thing that will work for me is taking a dulcolax (laxative) which I have to do once a week or else I will not be able to go :( does anyone else have this problem?!?! It's very frustrating!!

    My wife had a similar issue. We switched our eating to "Eat to Live" by Dr Fuhrman, and now she's super regular, going once/day. She has never gone once/day in her entire life. The diet is comprised of 90 fruits, veggies, beans, nuts, seeds, and whole grain. Around 60g fiber/day from natural sources, super high in micronutrients, and low in sodium. It might be worth a shot.

    Thanks!! I will take a look at it :)
  • PatriceMG
    PatriceMG Posts: 232 Member
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    You look great by the way!
  • beckajw
    beckajw Posts: 1,738 Member
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    I agree with the advice to make sure you are getting sufficient fat in your diet. Try some red beans with olive oil at night. Then the next morning drink a cup of coffee. I know you don't drink coffee, but it seems to work for most people. It can be decaf.

    Edit: And LOTS of water

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