I've been taking Alli now for about 4 days, and have not had a bowel movement. I thought taking Alli was suposed to have the opposite effect. I drink atleast 64ozs. of water a day and eat plenty of fiber. I also follow a low fat diet. SO I wanted to know if its okay to take one laxative tonight?

Some other people have reported having constipation and have done well with some prune juice at bedtime; or a stool softener if necessary.  Try to avoid the laxatives if you can.

I hope this helps.

Pat Baird, MA, RD, registered dietitian 

I have had some constipation too, and I think it's actually because of increased fiber.  I think because of the diet change, I need to add even more water than 8 glasses a day, because the increased fiber, especially the higher ratio in my diet, needs more water to move things through.  I think most people think a high fiber diet automatically would make one more "regular," but sometimes Metamucil is given to make liquid stools more solid.   I think in my case at least, that my body isn't used to all this fiber.  Increasing my water is helping. (accept I still have to pee too often!)

Another helpful hint: if prune juice doesn't do it for you, try heating it in the microwave.  Hot prune juice works great, especially if you haven't eaten for a couple hours before taking it!

Teresa

That's a very good tip about heating the prune juice in the microwave!  I may borrow it, if you don't mind :)

Yes, it may indeed be the increased fiber.  Fiber works on it's ability to bind water and move food through the digestive system.  If there's not enough water to keep things moving, it literally gets "stuck" resulting in constipation.

Pat 

 

t7aplejax:

I have had some constipation too, and I think it's actually because of increased fiber.  I think because of the diet change, I need to add even more water than 8 glasses a day, because the increased fiber, especially the higher ratio in my diet, needs more water to move things through.  I think most people think a high fiber diet automatically would make one more "regular," but sometimes Metamucil is given to make liquid stools more solid.   I think in my case at least, that my body isn't used to all this fiber.  Increasing my water is helping. (accept I still have to pee too often!)

Another helpful hint: if prune juice doesn't do it for you, try heating it in the microwave.  Hot prune juice works great, especially if you haven't eaten for a couple hours before taking it!

Teresa

I know that the moderator said to avoid laxatives - Does this mean all laxatives? I mentioned on another thread that I occasionally use Traditional Medicinals Smooth Move tea with Senna Leaf. You can "control" the strength of the laxative effect to some degree by adjusting the length of time that you allow the tea bag to steep.

mspaulding:

I know that the moderator said to avoid laxatives - Does this mean all laxatives? I mentioned on another thread that I occasionally use Traditional Medicinals Smooth Move tea with Senna Leaf. You can "control" the strength of the laxative effect to some degree by adjusting the length of time that you allow the tea bag to steep.

Personally, I always suggest people avoid laxatives.  I feel they are too hard on the system and can cause loss of too many electrolytes and fluid.  Senna is the basis of Sennakot -- which many people find too harsh -- and I wouldn't recommend it as a tea either.

Pat

I have the same problem. I just emailed the company to ask them what to do.  I'll let you know wht they tell me.

maidmarianhaskins:

I have the same problem. I just emailed the company to ask them what to do.  I'll let you know wht they tell me.

Take a look at some of my suggestions in the posts above this one. Our information is very consistent. Please let me know if you need anything else. Pat