Hey yall... sorry for the TMI but I need some suggestions. I literally have not had a bowel movement since a day before my surgery 8 days ago... I am still on full liquid so have been doing protein shakes and yogurt etc., but nothing! I have reduced my percocet intake to 1 every 4 to 6 hours and I know that can really contribute too. I have used a stool softener/laxative for two days now and nothing. I called my doc and he recommended milk of magnesia but I don't think I can stomach that stuff. Anyone else struggle with this right after surgery and have any suggestions? I am drinking Celebrate ENS 4 in 1 shakes which have fiber in them too but clearly not enough :/.

yep - happened to me...I took Metamucil and a good quality probiotic. NUT wanted me to poo immediately! :-)

Best of luck - hope things get "movin'" for you soon.

Me too. I didn't want Milk of Magnesia either. I finally got a Dulcolax at 7 days. Issue resolved.

Thanks for the recommendations!

My doctor told me to do a fleets enema. Not the most appealing option, but it worked. He also told me to take milk of mag once or twice a week until I'm regular on my own

Try the cherry flavor milk of mag, the taste is not bad at all and it works

My NUT suggested Benefiber, which I have used daily for months now, with no issues. I actually use the Shopko brand, which is a lot cheaper. Got me regular, and keeps me that way. I add it to my "cocktail" in the morning, consisting of cold Water, Water Enhancer drops, unflavored Protein powder, and powdered Calcium citrate. A quick and easy way to get a lot done in a fairly tasty manner.

definitely had some problems post-operatively. My recommendation would be miralax, but I'd actually stay away from the fiber - right now you're eating so little that it can bunch up and cause a blockage in your intestines, especially if you're having trouble getting all your Water in. Miralax is nice and gentle but it does take a couple of days to work.

I was told NO Metamucil ever -- it thickens up and can make a mess in your sleeve. I use Milk of Magnesia (I add a tiny bit of S/F Torani Syrup to make it palatable) occasionally and take docusate every day (PCP recommended that). I also use Benefiber in my coffee or other drinks -- you don't even know it's there.

Miralax is what my doc recommended and it works really well.

The best thing you can do, for YOUR situation, is to call your surgical team. They have all the answers for you particular need, AND you paid them for it!!!

I had the same issue as you I ended up having to use the fleet suppositories and milk of magnesia to get things moving per my doctor’s recommendation. I now drink a cup of smooth move tea every few days to try and stay regular.