I am three weeks out and need advise how often do you have a bowel movement? How do you know if your constipated and how can I prevent it??

I am only 7 wks out... but yes... it was horrible... I believe its because of the anesthesia, the lower Fluid intake and probably because you're not back as active as you were before surgery... once I got my fluid intake up and got back to walking, I am experiencing less constipation...I had to use a stool softener and glycerin suppositories to help relieve the discomfort of constipation. I don't think it will ever go back to what you're used to... you'll have to find your new normal post surgery for a lot of things...

Anyway, I hope you find some relief soon!

Fiber gummies... Two a day until you start moving then lower it until you get the consistency you desire.

I have kaiser and MD recommended FiberCon twice a day even if I am not constipated to regulate BM coz he knows it will happen after surgery. I have been taking it twice a day- ever since surgery day, and had first BM on post op day#4, and regular BM everyday after that.

I saw those in the drug store but my surgeon says NO to gummies of any sort...

Smooth move herbal tea will be your best friend!!

I eat fiber one in the morning, every morning. It looks like dog food but the stuff works. I also eat salad everyday. You need insoluble fiber to move the poo. Soluble fiber, which is what is in most of the fiber supplements will bulk up the poo making it easier to move through as well but the function is not as "efficient" as the insoluble fiber. I had a very bad constipation issue and was taking tons of fiber supplements, colace, and milk of magnesia. I finally had enough of it all and decided to get the fiber in my foods making a very concerted effort. I've been going everday for the last week since I changed my diet to incorporate the fiber one cereal and veggies. (spinach smoothies with mango and greek yogurt are helpful and healthy)

I haven't had any problems, so far. But things have slowed down, from once a day to once every 2 days.

I NEVER had a problem in my life until I started this 12 week high protein diet. I am a 3times a day girl, so you can imagine my horror when three days past without a movement. I even had a BM the day after I had my gallblader surgery.. I've never missed a day before in my life! I was sooo uncomfortable. I realized it was because my body is used to a lot of veggies and fiber and suddenly I was giving it protein shakes and cottage cheese and almost no fiber. I now add two tablespoons of chia seeds every day ( one tablespoon in my AM protein shake and one tablespoon in my pm protein shake) Things have been smooth sailing ever since! I don't know WHAT I'm going to do post surgery because I don't know how soon I'll be able to add hydrated chia seeds back into my diet, but I guarantee that is going to be the first question I ask my doctor when I see him!