Problems with bowel movements post-surgery?

[akusah 67]

I am scheduled for late October for my surgery. I have need reading the various threads but I have not seen any information on how ones bowel movements change post-surgery. Please share.

[michellewitt05 0]

I'm 3 weeks post op and have had very few. Gonna try adding benefiber.

[Tiny One 223]

Was constipated at 2 mons, but got relief after taking stool softener. No problems since. 10 mons post op & have pretty regular movements. At least twice a day.

[SassySenior 111]

I'm pre-op and already had a problem from drinking Protein Shakes. I wasn't drinking enough Water. Now, I do 2 tbsp. Milk of Magnesia with 8 oz. water and 2 Ducolat (prescription) a day. I am getting about 50 oz. water in and aiming for more. I think drinking plenty of Clear Liquids is the key.

[solymarmivida 14]

I am 5 days post op and am having very liquid stools every few hours. Anyone else have this issue post op?

[DonRodolfo 1,416]

I am scheduled for late October for my surgery. I have need reading the various threads but I have not seen any information on how ones bowel movements change post-surgery. Please share.

I used to have a lot of issues pre surgery that seems to have been replaced by new (more tolerable) problems.

I have somewhat frequent upper esophagus gas that causes a little discomfort. This is mostly in the morning. Burping helps a lot and my doctor says this should go away soon.

(TMI ALERT) BMs are not the volume they used to be. Since I'm eating less I guess this can be expected. I get nicely formed logs (I'm told this is a good thing). However, I have to make sure to get enough Fiber (Metamucil twice a day) or it feels like I'm pushing out a tree - very difficult to get started and to keep pushing out. I imagine most of you know what happens if you push too hard so I'll spare you that.

I wake up with A LOT of gas. I believe this is mostly because I'm still using a CPAP machine. Good thing is that I'm far enough out that I can trust farts.

[DonRodolfo 1,416]

I am 5 days post op and am having very liquid stools every few hours. Anyone else have this issue post op?

The first few weeks were very unpredictable and I learned to never trust a fart at that point. My tummy finally calmed down after a month or so.

[pattylo 36]

I had terrible Constipation, tried an 16 oz Fresh Squeeze Orange juice and back to be regular bye bye constipation!

Sent from my iPad using VST

[CCRNonherway 78]

I am 5 days post op and am having very liquid stools every few hours. Anyone else have this issue post op?

I had diarrhea for about 2 weeks post op. dr assured me it was normal.

[buckeyefan1985 29]

Metamucil wasn't much help for me. It said you can use it up to 5x per day. I was using 3x per day. Very frustrating. I was getting all my Protein and Water daily. I tried some prune juice today and had success multiple times today. Woo Hoo! Hopefully this is the start of a beautiful relationship. Constipation has been the worst part of my post-op recovery.

[Tiny One 223]

I am 5 days post op and am having very liquid stools every few hours. Anyone else have this issue post op?

Yes, it's normal. Especially because you are only intaking liquids.. It will change as your diet phases changes.

[Daydra 345]

I've experienced some Constipation as well. I mentioned it during my 1mo post op and my nurse said not to worry too much unless I feel bloated, that since I have greatly reduced the amount I'm eating, it is normal not to need to go as much. However, I've had a couple episodes where it was extremely difficult to go, and one episode where I thought I was headed toward a digital removal, but a dulcolax suppository was eventually effective. I don't really like to take Miralax, even though that seems to come highly recommended, because it seems like it gets soft enough that it's difficult to expel. Usually the first thing I reach for if it's been about 3 days or more and I can feel that I could go if only things would MOVE!, is Phillips caplets. I tried Ex-lax, but just ended up with an uncomfortable cramping sensation for about 4 days... not doing that again.

[Daydra 345]

I am 5 days post op and am having very liquid stools every few hours. Anyone else have this issue post op?

This very well could be normal, as many posters have said, but my post op guidance was to call the clinic if I had multiple daily loose stools because it could be a reaction to the antibiotic that I was given during surgery.

Doesn't hurt to call and ask...