My first topic, sorry such a yucky one. I have a strange job, I am an investigator and work in my car, doing surveillance 8 hour shifts. I have meals and urination covered, been doing this many years. But I am worried about my bowels and whether I will need Depends, which I really dont want to resort too.

Any thoughts?

That's a great question! That's hard situation. What do you do now?

I am 5 months out and travel a lot. I have not needed Depends even while on liquids for the first 2 weeks post op. If you are "regular" and don't have issues with incontinence, I would say you don't need them if you have access to bathrooms. If you are concerned and given the type of work you do, it can't help to have them handy. I bought some just in case pre-op, but ended up not needing them.

I would think it all depends on when you plan to return to work.

Those first 2-3 weeks I could not have made it 8 full hours with no access to a restroom. After that point though, things regulated themselves.

I tend to be more constipated unless I am having a problem. I can take a break if emergency, but I really try not to. Also a bathroom could be15 minutes away. I just was not sure on the smoothie/pureed stage how loose your bowels would be.

How soon are you going back to work after surgery?

The doctor says a week, I am planning for two hopefully but self employed, if I am not working I am not making money, pray I don't need a third, but if so I will survive.