Metamucil, Psyllium, or Alpine tea??

[WendyNZ]

Well today I have just had my first dose of Metamucil. I guess you could say I wasnt too regular.....

I'm a bit concerned though, because a few of you have said that it makes you retain water, so am I best just to stick to the Alpine tea, or should I really give the metamucil a go? I also bought pure straight psyllium, that I figured I could add it foods like some of you suggested.

I'm unsure if this may fix one problem, but end up creating a whole new problem...

What do you think? I'm nearly finished week 3, so I'm new to much of this...

Wendy

[fornight]

I think metamucil is also psyllium.

It really depends on the body. For me, I have to eat A LOT OF psyllium husks (together with > 3litres water daily) before BM starts.

You need to experiment to see what suit your body best.

I will prefer tea but I am worried about the ingredients in the laxative tea in singapore. At the moment, I am sticking with Senokot which works excellent sometimes - Not sure why the result is not consistent though.

[ConnieK..]

Wendy,

I have done some research and I am not sure Alpine tea is allowed. It contains fennel seeds which are definately not allowed. However having said that you are not actually eating them so I am unsure. Perhaps a call to your clinic on this one.

I was one who could not do psyllium - it made me gain and retain fluid very badly. I tried it for a few weeks and did notice a change in movements , but my weight was awful - even gained 1 week
In the end I resorted to senna leaves steeped and added to a green tea when I needed it - seemed to help.

fornight is right metamucil is psyllium. According to current information -New rules on metamucil, the ONLY one that's allowed is the Fibrecaps.

Dont forget also that you are eating much less and so do not need to go as often. It is only a problem if it is the consistency ( ie very hard and dry) or size (as in uncomfortable/painful to pass) that is worrying you ... if it is just the frequency I would say be patient LOL

ConnieK

[ConnieK..]

An update ...

this alternative was posted in a previous thread and was confirmed as being OK by Dr C

http://www.pharmacyonhand.com/index....tml?pidVal=184

It is a form of synthetic sugar used to treat constipation ( Lactulose) and is safe to take every day without causing dependance - may be of some value.

Connie

[shell]

Connie, the link doesn't work.
Shell

[ConnieK..]

hmmm does for me ... heres another

http://www.cincottachemist.com.au/pr...php?crk=176963

[shell]

yep that one works
Shell

[WendyNZ]

Right well that arms me with lots of information additional to what I knew, I have an appointment today with Cohens and I will discuss it with them again.

I was told to have the Alpine tea by them, but this is a new clinic here and maybe they dont have all the information....I will post again and let you know what I find out

I also wonder if a sluggish bowel, has an effect on your metabolism rate....

Thanks guys I'll be in touch

[WendyNZ]

Well I went for the weekly check up yesterday and spoke to the girls about my concerns. They said they didnt know that I couldnt take alpine tea, so they are looking into it for me, they said they didnt know that some people find metamucil and psyllium to increase water retention. When I asked if the particular metamucil I had was ok ( I bought the plainest one) they didnt know. So I got them to check their lists, and the reply was 'goodness I didnt realise there was so many metamucils'. Turns out I'm not allowed the one thats approved, and they have never heard of the caplet one that we ARE allowed. I was told to then try Black Forest tea, I asked where to get it from because I couldnt find any intown at all, they didnt know where to get it either. They dont however think that irregular bowel movements has an effect on your rate of metabolism. So generally it wasnt such an informative chit chat was it.....

However right at the end I was suggested to take Senokot, as one of their monther in laws took it daily for years...... (not on the cohens) Does anyone have any thoughts on this product? I need to find some I guess and check out the ingredient list to be sure myself....!

I also wonder if the likes of Perppermint tea would be beneficial, as Peppermint aids digestion, so is digestion and bowel movements hand in hand?

Wow, I would love to hear your thoughts on this team One thing that annoys me, is that if taking Metamucil and Alpine tea etc is now NOT allowed, this will probably make my first set of bloods (in 6 days time) a deviation, which makes me a bit cross because I have not had anything I'm not allowed to, and I have not deviated. When it comes to cooking the rest of the familys tea I make the kids or hubby if he's home taste the sauces and graveys and casseroles to check the flavours etc, so that I dont risk it.

Anyway, have a great day, and I look forward to hearing from you today, Wendy

[Miss]

Hi Wendy

Just for interests sake I have found when I drink the peppermint tea, it does aid with bowel movements, so maybe worth a try!! Also I did take Metamucil fibresure a couple of times (I used this before cohens when I was breast feeding) I had checked with clinic here in Qtown and they couldn't see why I couldn't use it, so did use a couple of times but then everything started working properly again and haven't had to use since. It is just a powder you can sprinkle on your food has no taste and a lot easier to swallow than the drinks!! I think I saw the pills advertised on tv the other day so they shouldn't be too far away perhaps check with a pharmacy. I will keep an eye out for you as well......
Not sure whether this has just been a ramble or informative????
Keep up with the good work, you are doing an awesome job!!
Cheers
Melissa

[WendyNZ]

Hi Melissa, thanks for your thoughts.

It seems as though we are going to the same clinic so maybe it makes a difference with the person that you speak to there..... However I will step up the peppermint tea and see if that makes a difference. My bowels seem to be....rather sluggish.... so its going to take a fair bit to get things on track. eg 7 days constantly and no movements etc etc

Arent you doing a fantastic job with weightloss, well done!!!!

Maybe I will see you in there some time, would be great to have someone to go for a black coffee with and share some wisdom

Thanks, Wendy

[karen2002]

Just another idea - try slippery elm bark (capsules or tabs). very gentle, take one every day before main meal/s (twice a day if badly constipated). My consultant said they were fine to take.
Psyllium fibre can be very irritation to the bowel for many people.
Alpine tea is a bit too gentle for me.. i.e. it doesn't work for me!

[Miss]

Hi Wendy

I'm not sure that I would have much wisdom to offer, but am always up to meeting other fellow cohenites!! A coffee sounds good some time, just ask the girls at the clinic for my number they know who I am!!

Cheers
Melissa