Are you feeling blocked up? You know, constipation. Last week we had a discussion in the new private facebook group about what a pain constipation can be after surgery or any time. Let’s talk about some tips to help relieve it.
Hi, I’m registered dietitian nutritionist Dr. Susan Mitchell. You’re listening to the Bariatric Surgery Success podcast episode number 38. This is the first podcast under the new name but you shouldn’t have any trouble locating it. The feed to your favorite podcatcher remains the same and it will continue on where Beyond Bariatric Surgery left off. It’s been a frantic few weeks so if you’re having an issue with anything, let me know. You can contact me easily thru the website. You’ll see the contact us link at the top of the page.
Website: Breaking Down Nutrition
Don’t forget to join the NEW private FB group, the Bariatric Surgery Success community. You can join right now from the website as well. You’ll see the JOIN button on the homepage.
Last week in the new private Facebook group, there was a lot of dialogue on constipation. You’re probably thinking…really…you sit around and talk about pooping. If you’ve had trouble pooping since surgery, you know why we’re talking about it. It’s one of the most common complaints after surgery especially sleeve gastrectomy and lap band according to my bariatric dietitian colleagues who work with bariatric surgical centers. Depending on your surgery and your body, your bowel movements may or may not be the same as before surgery which is typically a normal side effect. Before surgery, maybe you had a poop daily but after you may be going only every other day. Remember, you are your own unique person so if you’ve not had a bowel movement in several days or if having a movement becomes painful or uncomfortable get back in touch with your surgical center and physician. Most have their own protocol for constipation depending on how far out from surgery you are and what type of surgery you had. It’s not unusual to need to take a stool softener for the first month or so after surgery but again ask what the suggested protocol is for your specific situation.
Do you feel like you’re on a roller coaster you can’t get off and go back and forth between dumping syndrome and constipation? Dumping syndrome is related to the type and amount of carbs that you eat. Remember you can listen anytime to podcast number #32 on 4 ways to prevent dumping syndrome from dumping on your day. There’s also a freebie with some great tips just waiting for you…download it on the homepage.
Podcast: #32 4 Ways to Prevent Dumping Syndrome from Dumping on Your Day
Website: Breaking Down Nutrition
But if constipation makes you feel like a cement block is in your gut, let’s talk about how to help relieve it from a nutrition perspective.  Constipation can occur for a number of reasons. Run thru this checklist with me and ask yourself how many of these speak to you. Any or all of these items can increase the chance that you’re constipated.
Here we go…
Are you eating less food?
Are you taking an iron supplement?
Are you abdominal muscles weak?
Are you taking pain medications?
Are you drinking less water and other fluids than perhaps your body needs?
Is your exercise or activity level down?
Is your diet missing foods high in fiber?
 
How many of these did you answer yes to?
Looking at constipation from the nutrition perspective, typically about one month after bariatric surgery you can start to increase your consumption of higher fiber vegetables, beans and lentils which help prevent constipation and work to help with regular bowel movements. Typical fiber intake goals range from 25-30 grams daily or about 15 grams for every 800-1000 calories you eat. A gastric band, sleeve gastrectomy or gastric bypass greatly reduces the ability to consume large amounts of fiber-containing foods so you know that it can be challenging to get enough fiber day to day. It becomes really important to choose as many high fiber veg