Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
Is Weaning Off From Stimulant Laxatives Advisable After Gastric Bypass Surgery?
Question: Please help. I had a gastric bypass 5 years ago. Since then I have been on laxatives to ease my defecation. I have become dependent on them to have any movement at all....usually water. How do I taper off stimulant laxatives. I was told I would probably need a stool softener the rest of my life because of the part of the intestine removed. I am currently drinking between 80 to 100 oz per day.mostly Powerade then water. I have decreased my lax abuse from 20/day to 8/day and have added two doses of Miralax and 25g of fiber daily. Am I doing this correctly. My weight went up 16 lbs in one week when I stopped taking 20/day. Please advise.......thank you, Shannan.
Brief Answer:
You are on a right path
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for writing in
Yes it is a fact you might need stool softner for longer periods or may be for your life
Having gone through the list of medications I feel you are on a right path managing your constipation
It is usually variable and not fixed with patients so trial and error is the best way to manage the doses but you may need some for of laxative for quiet some time
It is surprising that your weight increased by 2 lbs per day on reduction of the dose, keep a close watch on your diet and if even after balanced diet it keeps on increasing we might need a further evaluation
Hope this helps
Do write back in case of concern
You are on a right path
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for writing in
Yes it is a fact you might need stool softner for longer periods or may be for your life
Having gone through the list of medications I feel you are on a right path managing your constipation
It is usually variable and not fixed with patients so trial and error is the best way to manage the doses but you may need some for of laxative for quiet some time
It is surprising that your weight increased by 2 lbs per day on reduction of the dose, keep a close watch on your diet and if even after balanced diet it keeps on increasing we might need a further evaluation
Hope this helps
Do write back in case of concern
Note: For further follow up on digestive issues share your reports here and Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
