Teresa-TX

I don't have a band yet, but I have found the supplement MSM helps with chronic constipation if taken regularly. MSM is usually taken for joint strength, like glucosamine and condroitin. But it seems to act as a laxative as a side effect. When I diet I always have trouble with constipation from the reduced food intake, and taking MSM seems to counteract that unpleasant result.

I would check with your doctor before taking it, as I am no health care professional and don't know if there is anything about having the band that would preclude taking MSM.

Thank you all for help. I will try each of your comments and let you know what works best for me. As for alcohol.. I drink on occasion and my drink of choice is light orange juice with Grey Goose. It is the easiest on my stomach and only 2 will get me feeling good. Haven't had a beer or any soda since surgery. Once you let it go it is best not to even dabble I believe. It only opens up that pandoras box and I don't want to have to battle the diet coke addiction again. I used to drink coffee with that fiber supplement that dissolves tasteless but coffee seems to be real hard on stomach in the morning so I haven't drank it anymore and that tasteless fiber supplement on dissolves really well in warm drinks. I don't really like warm tea either. I will defientely try the msm and the veg. capsules and I have uped my water intake by at least 2 - 3 times more than before but the downside is I pee all the time it seems like. Oh well better than being constipated. Thanks again for the help and support. Good luck fellow bandsters and god bless you all on this difficult yet rewarding journey!

Hello! I got banded 10-26-06 and have done very well with my weight loss thus far. I have had a little evil friend from the past revisit me twice though since my band was placed. Hemroids!! I haven't had them since I was last pregnant 7 years ago. I am getting hit hard now with pain pain pain. I went to the doctor in May and got really no relief except to say I have a clotted internal hemroid and to not get constipated. Well after 1 week of horrible pain it went away as fast as it hit. Now tonight I was yet again constiapted after not having a bowel movement in 3 days and (sorry for the gross detail but I really need to know if you guys have ever experienced this) I had to actually assist myself in going if you know what i mean. Well to my surprise my hand was covered in blood! Know my hemeroid is bleeding and I am kinda scared. I eat so little what can I do to stay regular?? Does yogurt work? Anything I can take on daily basis? Anybody out there with the same problems please give me some advise.

ps. I had my band adjusted for the 2nd time in May and it is a little tight. I went to Dr. Maese in Dallas. I am thinking about going back to the OCC to have it loosened a bit.

Thanks! Teresa

SW = 256 lbs.

Weight day of surgery 10-26-06 = 244 lbs

1st fill 12-12-06 = 246 lbs

2nd fill 05-16-07 = 200 lbs

CW = 187 lbs )-69 lbs lost

GW - 150 lbs

Hi. This is my first post on here. I have been reading all of your posts for weeks now. I am so excited to get the band. I am flying in via Southwest from Texas. Anyone else out there scheduled to arrive in San Diego on 10/25/06??