Bowels not moving much, neither are the scales

[MrsMinnie]

Ok, I have a problem and I am feeling really low. This is actually Day 9 of my diet. But I re- read the book and started again, so I'm on day 5. Even then, I have not lost any weight or inches.
I started going to the gym but before that I was running (a bit).

My problem is that my tummy is huge, I look pregnant sometimes but the biggest issue is that I don't go to the loo much. My bowels only moved yesterday after 5 days of nothing. (I have always been like this by the way, it's not just the atkins diet)

I have tried taking laxatives in the past, but maybe they weren't strong enough. I was also taking herbal detox tea but it didn't work and after that I was scared to take anything that would spoil the diet, although I thought of herbal laxative tea.

I have an appointment for colonic irrigation but I'm not really comfortable about it. I was advised it might make things move a bit.

Can someone help? Any suggestions?

[staziaw]

Re: Bowels not moving much, neither are the scales

Drinks lots of water and eat your veggies (fiber, baby!). I also take psyllium capsules (2 in the morning and 4 at night) -- no toilet problems here!

Steer clear of the laxatives and detox teas. They can make your intestines "think" they don't need to work anymore.

Also, try massaging your belly. Clock-wise motion - go from your right hip up to your right ribs, across to your left ribs, down to your left hip and across to your right hip. You can do this gently or with a little pressure. Don't forget to work around the belly button too! I used to be a massage therapist and this was one of my tricks to deal with a client's constipation. Worked really well!

Good luck!
Stacy

[Fatalblue]

Re: Bowels not moving much, neither are the scales

Water really helped me. I increased my water when I had that problem ages ago and it really helped. The more water you drink, the more water you will have in your colon. It helps moisturize the stools and really gets things moving.

I love flax too, I buy ground flax seeds and make the "muffin in a minute" for a snack or breakfast. I believe the recipe is in the main dish forum.

[iyamamaschke]

Re: Bowels not moving much, neither are the scales

Have you tried adding a small amount of flax to your meals that totally helps me I am very regular now. I had to do that from the start. I thought I was flax sensitive it's just that my body wasn't used to going and with 2 weeks use I feel like a new person. I add about 1 tsp in my soups, my eggs whatever gives it a bit of a nutty flavour.

Sarah

[gonnabskinny]

Re: Bowels not moving much, neither are the scales

Hey MrsMinnie, you can go to this thread also. Lots of answers to consitpation issues. Also, I posted on there the recipe to the Muffin in a Minute (flax seed muffins). You might want to check it out. Good Luck!http://www.atkinsdietbulletinboard.c...ad.php?t=45701

[MrsMinnie]

Re: Bowels not moving much, neither are the scales

Hi Guys, thanks for the info . . . i'm sooooooooo depressed.

[D14965]

Re: Bowels not moving much, neither are the scales

Dont be depressed! things will work out fine soon and you will feel GREAT!

[MrsMinnie]

Re: Bowels not moving much, neither are the scales

Hey Donna Thanks. I actually feel better today. In fact, I'll get ready to go to the gym now.

[GaynorA]

Re: Bowels not moving much, neither are the scales

Hi there. Psyllium husks in powder form are good too. Don't despair hon. I'm going through the days of not losing syndrome and being constipated too. I've just invested in Psyllium husks yesterday - so I'm hoping it will make a difference. But, it will come off. Persevere okay? Lotsa luv to you.

[MrsMinnie]

Re: Bowels not moving much, neither are the scales

Hi all, I haven't had a chance to go to a health food shop as there isn't one in my area. Hopefully I'll go today. The last time my bowels moved was on Monday, 4 days later still nothing (today is my 5th day). I drink about 2.5 litres of water a day and eat veg too, I have also tried massaging my tummy as advised, but nothing is happening.
I have some good herbal capsules and tea (chinese), but I don't want to have any if it will spoil things seeing as I have actually started losing some weight.

[Pie4me]

Re: Bowels not moving much, neither are the scales

I eat 3 large sticks of celery every day along with my water and that helps
me so much with being constipated. You might try it!

[tmn]

Re: Bowels not moving much, neither are the scales

Metamucil capsules, at least 64 oz of water a day (shoot for more...), and some veggies like spaghetti squash. Spaghetti squash has replaced the apple for me. And it fills me up nicely. Veggies that retain water and have a decent amount of fiber really helps.

[tmn]

Re: Bowels not moving much, neither are the scales

Just reading through more closely. It sounds like you're going to need some help to get it moving. I would go to a pharmacy and see what they suggest. You'll probably need to get something like Fleet enemas to help soften the stool first. I know, it's yicky but I've been there, too, and it was worth it. All the previous advice is great for afterwards but some of it doesn't help until you get the old material loosened up and outta there.

Until you get it going, I would suggest a little less fat and protein, and more liquids and veggies.

Hugs, U

[Kerith]

Re: Bowels not moving much, neither are the scales

MrsMinnie - please let us know how everything goes. I'm glad you posted here, because this is something that I have trouble with myself. When I wasn't on Atkins, I was doing a low calorie diet, but eating lots of oatmeal and fruit - that seemed to help me out a lot. Of course I tend to get lazy on this WOL, and don't eat nearly as many veggies as I should. I will be following the advice listed in this thread as well, and hopefully I will have positive news to report in a few weeks!