Constipation

[annettepop]

Hi I had gastric sleeve 2016 since then my bowel habits have drastically changed I use to go every 2/3 days now I am going every 3/4 weeks I know I have reduced food intake but 3-4week seems a really long time to go between bowel Movements I was given laxido but this does not really help any advice gratefully received thank you Annette.

[Julie Thompson]

Hi Annette

It is very common for people to have altered bowel function after bariatric surgery. It is challenging to achieve advised healthy fibre intake due to the reduced volume of food that is eaten at any one-time. Fluid intake is also essential, but not without fibre - laxatives are frequently required to help. I would advise you go back to your surgeon or ask the bariatric specialist nurse for advice - another type of laxative might be more helpful, perhaps. If you are past the usual two-year surgery follow up period go back to your GP to discuss this problem. Another possibility to consider is pelvic floor problems, which happen for about a third of people with constipation, your GP can check for this.

Kind regards