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Recovering from Addiction to Prescription Medications

I never thought of myself as an addict, but I did end up addicted to anti-anxiety medication after developing Generalized Anxiety Disorder. At some point, the medicine stopped being a way to deal with the nervousness and panic attacks, and became something my body craved. I knew that I needed help fast. Fortunately, a local drug rehab program includes support for people like me. They helped me wean off the medication, use methods like massage therapy to help my nerves heal, and even provided ongoing counseling for our family. I don't know how I would have made it without their help. If you suspect that your medication has crossed the line from being helpful to hurtful, take heart. Let me tell you about my journey out of addiction and back to wholeness.

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Recovering from Addiction to Prescription Medications

3 Tips For Avoiding Constipation After Your Gastric Bypass

by Valerie Stevens

The health risks associated with obesity cause many morbidly obese individuals to seek surgical help when it comes to managing their weight. Gastric bypass is a surgical procedure where the first part of the small intestine is bypassed, connecting the stomach and the lower intestine directly. Smaller amounts of food can be eaten following gastric bypass, resulting in weight loss.

One of the side effects you might face after your gastric bypass is constipation. Eliminate any possible discomfort by using these three tips to treat your post-bariatric constipation.

1. Ingest more fiber.

Soon after your gastric bypass, you will be placed on a liquid diet. Liquids can easily be digested by your modified stomach as you heal from the surgical procedure. Unfortunately, liquids contain very little fiber. This can lead to post-surgical constipation.

Add a fiber supplement to your liquid diet. Water soluble supplements can be dissolved in your broths, water, or other liquids to help you get the fiber you need to stay regular. Just be sure that you select a fiber supplement that will not add additional calories to your daily diet.

2. Use pain medications sparingly.

You will experience some pain and discomfort as you recover from your gastric bypass. Narcotic painkillers are often prescribed for patients who have undergone a bariatric procedure. Constipation can be a side effect of some of these medications.

You should use narcotic painkillers as sparingly as possible following your surgery. If you find that you are experiencing significant constipation as a result of your pain management routine, talk to your doctor about prescribing an alternative painkiller.

3. Take a fish oil supplement.

Constipation can sometimes be treated naturally with a fish oil supplement. Omega-3 fatty acids play an important role in stool softening and elimination. Since fish oil is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, taking a fish oil pill daily could help keep you regular.

Be sure to discuss your fish oil consumption with your doctor. Too much fish oil could contribute to excessive bleeding, which is a serious risk following any major surgical procedure.

Having gastric bypass surgery can be a lifesaving way to manage your weight. Coping with the side effects of this surgery is a small price to pay for the health benefits and increased life expectancy that comes with losing weight. If you find that you are experiencing any constipation after your bariatric surgery, be proactive in finding possible solutions.

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