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Constipation

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Constipation

Tips to control constipation:
 
1. While you are limited to a pureed diet, you can still push dietary fiber by eating pureed consistency foods which are in high in fiber, such as oatmeal, oatbran, unsweetened applesauce and bananas at meals or as snacks. Once you are on a soft or regular textured diet, you may select other high fiber foods from fruits, vegetables and whole grains.
 
2. Drink plenty of fluids, especially water, every day (minimum of 40 ounces/day).
 
3. Exercise regularly ( especially a walking program, as tolerated).
 
4. If you find you are constipated, take Senokot-S one dose A.M. and P.M. for up to one week. If constipation has not cleared up by then, contact your doctor.

Sometimes after gastric bypass surgery, patients experience constipation. Constipation can occur for several reasons including insufficient fiber in the diet, not enough fluid in the diet; and lack of adequate physical activity. It is especially difficult to take in adequate dietary fiber while you are on the Puree Diet (which is very limited in high fiber selections) and only able to eat about four ounces of food at a time. However, when you have a problem with constipation, you can add fiber to your diet by taking Senokot-S (an over the counter herbal laxative with a stool softener included) daily till the problem clears up. You can also push fluids throughout the day. Pushing fluids (especially water) keeps you from dehydrating. Drinking lots of fluids helps prevent constipation by drawing fluid to the gut instead of away from the gut. You can also exercise to help prevent constipation. Regular physical activity helps push food through the intestines and waste through the colon.

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