has anyone ever struggled with this?

ok, sensitive subject and I'm new here, what a way to meet me. Has anyone suffered from not being able to have a bowl movement? I am following Atkins as perfectly as I am able to make it. proteins, vegetables, no sugars or aspartame, at least 80 oz of water a day, I am eating some cheese, but it seems so scant. I'm removing it from my diet today. I'm cooking in coconut oil and have started taking natural psyllium husk capsules because they do not have any artificial sugars which I know takes me out of ketosis. It did about 10 years ago, so I figure it will now, and I don't need it.

So what else can I do??? Its been four days and I'm getting worried. I know this is not good for me. What can I do and not cheat?

Are you eating your vegies? I found that if I eat the 15g of carbs as veggies I have less of a problem. But I did take some fiber yesterday and was successful. Hopefully the fiber pills will kick in today. I take the fiber in powder form mixed with water, this seems to work better for me than the pills. Good idea to limit the cheese.

Try increasing your water consumption. You can also add 1500mg of magnesium per day to your vitamins and supplements. It helps get things 'moving!'

i think it is very common. You eat less fiber and things move more slowly. It is not really an issue. you will adjust

There are a lot of things you can do. And sorry to dissapoint you but non of htem involves cheating LOL

Eat cabbage, broccoli or brussel sprouts and your veggies (you have a lot of room for veggies in your diet - remember the rules about veggies - don't skimp on them)

Take vitamin C and magnesium supplements. This is a power combinations

I don't like psyllum or flax myself. I find they plug me further.
They are good as supplements before you have problems but once you get problems forget about those fibers. Try something that loosen things up and moves things around.
Dri

Thanks!! liv001, tkls0514, bojak89, Gosh do I appreciate the support. I'm not alone in this quest. My father-in-law died of colon cancer and I am a two time survivor of cancer, so I was so scared when everything stopped moving. I can see that I need supplements magnesium and vitamin C. definitely am eating enough vegetables but will add cabbage, don't know about brussel sprouts! pe-yew! You are right on the psyllum, I just feel full up but nothing is moving. I just went out and bought herbal laxative tea then came back and saw these responses, now not sure if I should have a cup of that or not.

I had the same problem and turned to Miralax. You buy the small bottle and put a capfull into your beverage, for me it was unsweentened iced tea (with a little Splenda). There is no taste to Miralax and it doesn't cause any accidents. It works within a day and just makes things flow much easier. It will help you right away.

Chia seeds. they dont taste like anything and 1 tablespoon has alot of fiber in it, just make sure to drink plenty of water. they are also pretty low carb i think.

I'm a magnesium proponent too - I had IBS and fixed it by taking a magnesium citrate pill every few days. It has other remarkably beneficial psychological effects, too.

If things get bad enough to really need a laxative, my son has Cerebral Palsy (which has a side effect of constipation due to the nerves in that area not working); he has a daily measure of polyethylene glycol ("Restoralax" is the brand I have) which fixes that problem for him ery effectively. Take it with lots of water though!

Have to chime in, too.

I agree with liv001 and sbromwich - magnesium. A relative turned me on to "Calm" - you can find it at GNC, but it's half the price at Amazon. Most of the reviews I read recommeded the Raspberry-Lemon flavor. So I got that - tastes fine to me.

It's a powder that you mix with warm water. The directions start you off at 1/2 tsp a day (in 8 oz of water) for a little while (I've forgotten the time frame) and after about a month, I take it twice a day, 1 teaspoon in the warm water.

Also -- tkls0514 talked about water consumption. If you want another reason for getting in your 64 oz a day - this is it. Helps things move. :- )

Seems like different things work for different people - I've tried Benefiber and Metamucil - didn't do anything for me. A friend swears by Miralax.

I realize this is not much help for the immediate problem - so I really hope that is "eased" soon. Best of luck!! Joyce

Beans Beans the magical fruit....I don't know it they fit into the Atkins diet but they have a lot of fibre and that is what you need. Otherwise bananas, salads.. anything with fiber. Pills and supplements can only do so much, you afto eat food with fiber

Joyce, I also heard about calm today, will check it out at Amazon. I need no help with the water. I feel like a guppy, I'm swimming in it. My wonderful ketosis? breath has me drinking steadily trying to get rid of the taste! ugh! The teeth are getting whiter as well from all the brushing. really! benefits to everything. As for the immediate, hopefully this herbal laxative tea works. Thanks

Lalaith - so glad I could give a little endorsement for you! It really has made a difference for me. Happy that water is not an issue for you, either. So many people talk about having a hard time trying to get it all in. I guess that is one of the things that stuck with me (finally - wasn't easy at first, I admit) through the multitude of times I joined WW.

That's it - there is a positive spin to almost everything - whiter teeth is a good thing, too! ~grin~

If you have a chance, read a few of the reviews on Amazon for the Calm. Many really extolled the virtues of the product. The best of luck!! Joyce

Before I started Atkins,I had no problems in that department,once a day, every day,clock work!NOW....FORGET IT!I hate this part of the diet...I know this too will pass,but in the mean time?Not even a strong cup of coffee first thing in the morning helps.Is it the extra fat and protein that causes this?

Not being a medical professional - my guess would be that it is lack of fiber in your diet.

I agree - I hated this, too. Certainly not life-threatening, but darned uncomfortable and annoying!

Joyce

I found that eating spinach for breakfast in my omelets and an increase in water made a great difference! That's one reason they say drink the water!

I gotta say,I am drinking my share of water plus.Not always meeting the 12-15 nc of veggies,but very close.It's not uncomfortable or anything,it's just not what feels normal "for me".I am moving onto OWL Monday,so maybe I will see a change as I am adding more variety.Still sticking to the plan.

try senna tea or capsules.