I just heard of bowel prep, my surgeon has never said nothing about it and this is the 1st time I heard of it.

Is this something that I need to do before surgery???

Ms Lisa

I think this is standard for this surgery. My instructions were to drink a bottle of magnesium citrate (OTC at any pharmacy) between 4-5pm the day before surgery. They also told me to drink only liquids after I had the magnesium citrate (i.e. no solid food for dinner). This is one effective laxative!

I didn't have to do one, just had to do clears the day before so the stomach would be empty. They don't operate on the bowels at all so there's really no need to clear them out... if your surgeon didn't tell you to do it, don't worry about it!

The Bowel Prep will help “clear you out” so you will be less likely to develop constipation after surgery.

My doctor recommended to take a bottle of Magnesium Citrate or 3 tablespoons of Milk of Magnesia (over the counter) the evening prior to surgery. (around 5 -6 pm) .

Quick answer: YOUR WORST NIGHTMARE (HA!)

I have had to do a bowel prep prior to any major surgery. I remember the band prep was not incredibly pleasant I don't know if others received this advice, but I was also told not to drink anything "red" the day before surgery.

some docs who require bowel preps do it so that the bowels lay flat during operation and is not "in the way"

keep the bathroom open just for you cause you'll be needing it lol

I had to have a colonoscopy earlier this year. I was drinking the rest of stuff they gave me from the bathroom. So glad I don't have to do this for surgery. Horrible is all I can say.

I had to drink 2 bottles of the magnesium citrate the day before and then only clears untill midnight. But iif your doc has ot told you to do one then dont worry about it, but if he does wind up saying you have to do it just be prepared to stay at home all day and not wonder off to far from the bathroom.

My notes said to take "colace" 2 days before, but um, I'm super-regular (TMI I know) so I opted out. I had no problems whatsoever during surgery or after. My NUT recommended taking Benefiber powder but honestly I guess I will wait until it is a problem before I start messing with whats working. I think it tends to be a problem after you start doing the high protein/low carb thing...we'll see though.