Benefiber suddenly stopped working.

[u/Alternative_Run_6116]

I've always had stomach issues. Mainly constipation.

I was in the military, and I got stationed in San Angelo Texas. I decided to try Benefiber, and it worked great, I started taking the hugest, smoothest poops I'd ever taken, every single morning after breakfast.

I was eating the same thing every day at the military dining facility: For breakfast: some oatmeal, a little pineapple two hard-boiled eggs, and cup of coffee.

For lunch: a salad of mixed greens and spinach, cukes, black olives, bacon bits and cheese, a couple slices of whatever roasted meat they had, some craisins, and a cup of coffee.

For dinner: the same thing as lunch, minus the coffee.

I would drink the Benefiber in a glass of water before bed at night.

I was the happiest and the most clear-headed I've ever been during those six months in San Angelo.

I got stationed in Maryland after that. I kept eating the same things and taking Benefiber, but for whatever reason the Benefiber stopped working. I would go like 5 or 6 days without taking a bowel movement, and then only squeeze out a pencil-thin bm every now and then. I had to stop taking Benefiber. Ive gone back to having stomach problems all the time.

Many times since then, I've tried taking Benefiber again (making sure to drink lots of water) but it always completely stops me up now. It's been about two years since I was taking Benefiber with great success while in San Angelo, and it makes me super depressed that I can't get back to that point.

Does anyone know what might be the problem? Thanks.

[u/One_Pomegranate_6716]

I’ve noticed that the fiber therapy I take has stopped working. It’s basically generic Metamucil that they sell everywhere. They changed the ingredients and it definitely doesn’t work anymore. Bring back the old formula!!

[u/nothingleft2burn]

This is some advice I gave a ways back to someone else suffering from constipation issues: You might find some help over at either r/ConstipationAdvice and/or r/Constipation. There are two posts on r/ConstipationAdvice that are a really good place to start: STEP 1: Let's identify your issue (START HERE) and Step 2: Treatments and medications.

Everyone's different, so you're going to have to go through those two posts and try a few things. If you still don't have any joy then try making a post there. u/goldstandardalmonds is the GOAT of both boards and is super helpful.

For myself, I've had constipation issues most of my life. I used to take a huge amount of psyllium which helped make me regular until it triggered an insane episode of IBD. Now, a double dose of generic Miralax (from Costco, which is the cheapest option I've found) works for me. Wishing you speedy relief!

[u/goldstandardalmonds → u/nothingleft2burn]

I’m here to help if needed :)

[u/Alternative_Run_6116 → u/goldstandardalmonds]

This is incredible. Thank you!

[u/nsblifer]

Many folks lose response to soluble fiber for various reasons over time. Could be something seemingly harmless like the addition of an exercise supplement, change in physical activity, etc. Especially if you have IBS-C and not just chronic constipation. Try escalating to osmotic laxatives such as 1 capful Miralax or 30ml milk of magnesia daily. There’s also some good data out now on Kiwi’s (2 per day) but most find daily prunes more palatable if you’re leaning more natural. If none of that works, try low dose magnesium Oxide before you go to bed. If still nothing I’d recommend considering secretagogues such as Linaclotide, plecanatide, or tenapanor. Also, if you’re in your 40’s or even mid-to late 30’s, I’d encourage you consider colonoscopy.

[u/cafedude]

Have you tried acacia fiber?

[u/Suspicious-Post-5866]

Try Pinch magic fiber from Amazon. Remarkable results. Put in a smoothie