Constipation is a frequent issue for our patients, either after a surgical weight loss procedure or even just while on one of our appetite suppression programs.
For starter we recommend using Benefiber. Most pharmacies also sell their own generic brand. Benefiber is a mostly tasteless, odorless powder that you can mix in with any liquid. The recommended dose is 1-2 teaspoons, up to 3 times daily.
Our recommendation is to start at the maximum dose of 2 teaspoons three times daily and back off from there to achieve the desired result.
It’s beneficial to stay on a fiber supplement long term, as high fiber diets are associated with less hunger, better weight loss, and lower rates of colon cancer and heart disease.
If Benefiber does not work after a couple of days, Miralax would be the next best option. It works by bringing water from cells into the bowels. The recommended dose is 17 grams (marked on the cap) dissolved in 4-8 ounces of any clear liquid, once a day.
If you have to step it up to Miralax, stay on it until the desired result is achieved and then switch back to the maximum dose of Benefiber.
It’s important to note that you must follow either of these products with plenty of fluids, or neither will work well. If you still don’t have success after following these guidelines then please contact the office.Constipation After Weight Loss Surgery/Medical Weight Loss
Constipation is a frequent issue for our patients, either after a surgical weight loss procedure or even just while on one of our appetite suppression programs.
For starter we recommend using Benefiber. Most pharmacies also sell their own generic brand. Benefiber is a mostly tasteless, odorless powder that you can mix in with any liquid. The recommended dose is 1-2 teaspoons, up to 3 times daily.
Our recommendation is to start at the maximum dose of 2 teaspoons three times daily and back off from there to achieve the desired result.
It’s beneficial to stay on a fiber supplement long term, as high fiber diets are associated with less hunger, better weight loss, and lower rates of colon cancer and heart disease.
If Benefiber does not work after a couple of days, Miralax would be the next best option. It works by bringing water from cells into the bowels. The recommended dose is 17 grams (marked on the cap) dissolved in 4-8 ounces of any clear liquid, once a day.
If you have to step it up to Miralax, stay on it until the desired result is achieved and then switch back to the maximum dose of Benefiber.
It’s important to note that you must follow either of these products with plenty of fluids, or neither will work well. If you still don’t have success after following these guidelines then please contact the office.
