There is no tactful way to say this - so here goes...

during my 2 weeks pre-op fluids (protein shakes, etc.) I had diarrea.

Now I am on day 3 post op Clear liquids (watered down Protein shakes, etc.) and have not yet "gone to the bathroom."

Is this typical? It seems like most people have diarrea during post op fluids?

Thanks.

You're not alone. I didn't have a BM for about 4 or 5 days after surgery. But when it started... whew! Bad liquid diarrhea for the next 5 days. I was so relieved to start on mushies. Hang in there, ok?

I finally went yesterday...I hadn't gone since 3/13, almost 2 weeks.

Dr. told me to do the milk of magnesia thing. I think I lost 2 more lbs!

She said you need to go at least every three days or your offically constipated. Jut started mushies and hopefully that will help. Had refried beans and cheese for dinner last night.

I did not have a BM for about a week post op. I thought it made sense since I did not have any solids in my system. I was "runny" at first but things evened out after a couple of weeks. Remeber, you had major surgery and your body is in a bit of shock so it may take some to get regular.

Since we're being graphic...may I ask...how do you deal with the BURNING and pain of consistent diarreah? Preperation H?

Benbax~~~

I had the same problem as you. My physician said if I ever became constipated,,it meant I wasnt getting enough Water. I tried more water to no avail. Then i discovered Atkins Advantage CHokkie Protein drinks,,lol,,,one can and WHOOSHHHHHH. Funny how some things can set us off. This too shall pass,,,literally,,lol,,so ,,,drink lots of water,,maybe try adding some benefiber to it,,I was told to add it to everything i put in my mouth. For the first time in 20 years,,my IBS with constipation is gone! Good luck,,and erm...let me know how you come out!

Banded 01/29/07

Dr Ken Cleveland-CMMC-Jackson, MS

331/298/150

no fill to date

I am glad someone had the courage to post this. I am beginning to wonder if all my plumbing still works,lol! I am on the 12th day with no BM. Lots of rumbling etc. I thought it was because I have only been taking in liquids.

I don't feel bad, so I guess I am ok.

M.

They sell a product called Tucks---they are small pre-moistened wipes---that save your a$$ literally when the diarhea is bad. Walmart sells an Equate equivalent. Look around the metamucil and Immodium area. Well worth having on hand!!!

Kat

"Tucks" are very good - but any kind of moistened baby wipe really helps!

I had the same problem. Did not go for the first 4 days and was seriously constipated. When I finally went it was like having twins. Very rough. I would start taking benefiber and stay on it for the next week or so.

john l

I disagree about the not enough water thing. Not everyone who is constipated needs to drink more water. There are different reasons for constipation. I drink way more water when I am eating healthy than when I am living on junk, but with junk I don't get constipated. When I drink plenty of water and eat healthy then I always get constipated. My body has been doing this since I was 9. I can drink over a gallon of water everyday and still be constipated, I know I've done it. I have tried everything. I even started smoking at age 27 in an attempt to regulate myself (dumb I know, and yes I quit a long time ago). I will say this and that is that if you haven't had a bowel movement in 3 days you need to take some milk of mag or some other laxative, it isn't normal, not to have any!