I am one week from my surgery date and was talking with my mom about the expected recovery. I had minor surgery about 2 years ago (on my uterus) and found that I exoirenced HORRIBLE PAINFUL constipation from the pain medication I was perscribed. I also am a hospice social worker and know that we put our patients on stool softeners any time a new pain med is percribed..

My concern is this, Constipation is terribly uncomfortable, but it seemed like the meds I took to try to get through it make my stomach cramp something horrible. I can't imagine having that pain on top of stomach surgery. Has anyone heard of this being a problem or have any ideas of solutions I can prepare for ahead of time? I have preop on Friday and will ask my Dr. then, but thought Id check with you guys first.

Thank for any advice you have!

Kim

i had terrible constipation a few weeks after surgery and i was soooo afraid i was gonna cause my band to slip while tryng to ....well you know. i am in health care too and i know better, that pain meds cause constipation. i figured out that mine was because once i started pureed foods i totally slacked on my Water and chewable Fiber pills.. i took some stool softners and prune juice and upped my water intake and after a few days back to normal.

i would advise asking your doc for recommendations of things that wont be so harse on your stomach or your pharmacist. i would also say dont stop drinking water like a dummy like I did! WHEW! i'lll never do that again.

congrats on being banded!

I still have constipation. My morning ritual consists of Miralax and Benefiber washed down with a cup of black coffee. I also make sure to drink at least 100 oz. of water a day.

I've always been constipated. Though for pre op and post op (one week pre and 2 post) while I was on liquids, I had diarrrhea. Not horrendous but annoying. Then I went back to my normalness. At the GI doc I told her about my constipation and she recommended miralax now I take it most days and I'm a lot more comfortable