How long before a BM? 9 days post op

[RellaBelle 29]

This is obviously a TMI post so I apologize in advance. I have not experienced the first week diarrhea that many people say they get. All I'm doing is passing gas. I even took a stool softener and nothing happened. I just started full liquids today [suppose to start tomorrow but I was really low on energy so started a day early] and had a Protein shake... they sit well but I think they make me bloated so I may not be able to drink those. Anyway, yeah... 9 days post op and nothing in BM department. Only passing gas. How long was it for everyone before they had movement?

[kaciii 38]

Hi! Sleeves 3/30 I had my first one within 3 days of being home and my second today (since we're doing tmi lol;) ) and mine are actually normal. No diarrhea so I think it may be normal to be more on the constipated side especially if you've been faithful in taking your pain meds. I know I was . Low pain tolerance here . Maybe just give it time .. Unless you're hurting ? Then I would call your dr. Best of luck

[animallover1247 249]

Do whatever you can to not let this build up. Constipation is no joke! Dealing with this issue has been worse than the surgery itself and the recovery for me.

[RellaBelle 29]

@@kaciii - No pain meds. Didn't need any. And no Constipation related pain... it's just... nothing but gas. I don't know.

@@animallover1247 - I took stool softeners earlier this week and they did nothing. I guess I'll some magnesium citrate or something. I find it odd that I'm not even having the urge for a BM. That's why I asked. I didn't want to put myself in a miserable situation with being backed up.

[animallover1247 249]

The stool softners did nothing for me either. I had to get a prescription medication. Magnesium citrate will work but stay near a bathroom.

I never knew Constipation could be so bad!

[WL WARRIOR 692]

You have to realize that you are not going to have a BM (or much of one) on a liquid diet. I did liquids for seven weeks after surgery and only went a couple of times. You should become more regular once you move on to soft foods.

[melyssafaye 181]

I'm sorry about your troubles, but it may work itself out. I took magnesium citrate pre-op and had surgery 3/31. Yesterday I was worried because I hadn't gone either. My surgeon gave me liquid stool softener along with liquid pain meds. It tasted like I would imagine castor oil would taste. Gross!! I managed two doses but then it began to make me heave. Instead, I began taking Miralax every night. Nothing happened.

Just like you, I had gas from surgery that pretty much didn't smell like anything and no urge to go. I'm prone to Constipation so I decided to try magnesium citrate again. It was probably a poor choice.

It is Very Very tough on a post op tummy. It's a lot of carbonated liquid. My poor tummy cramped up trying to get it down. Plus, you have to take small sips. I barely managed half the bottle with extreme effort and discomfort.

I did end up having a bowel movement but it wasn't nearly what I had anticipated. In fact, I only went twice and that was it. Magnesium citrate needs a lot of Water and is rough after surgery. I probably didn't need to take it because I think I just wasn't ready.

If you're concerned and want to take the laxative route, maybe Milk of Magnesia would be a better choice. It's less liquid to get into your tummy and no carbonation.

[RellaBelle 29]

@@WL WARRIOR - I didn't think about that. I just figured there would be some sort of waste.... but I guess not. There isn't much to what I've been drinking these past 9 days.

@@melyssafaye - You made me feel so much better. I hadn't noticed the no smell to my gas but you're right, there is no smell. I haven't had any troubles with my tummy yet and I don't want to upset her with hard medicine. I officially start full liquids today so I'll give it some more time.

Thank y'all!

Edited April 8, 2016 by RellaBelle

[cindyw41 761]

My bowels woke up around 7 days PO. It was all liquid. Walking will help wake them up and get things moving. Gas is a sign that they're returning. Just be careful you're getting to the "don't trust a fart" period

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Edited April 8, 2016 by cindyw41

[Barry W 336]

I think Constipation at a week or more can become dangerous. I would call your surgeon's office today.

[mln74 16]

My post op instructions said to expect not to have a BM for 2-10 days. I wouldn't stress just yet. Your intake has been low and Fluid only. I'm sure you're going to be fine!

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[joannct1 59]

I wws told its very common in over 80% of bariatric patients. I am on anperscription med. Ametiza

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[cdsjjotn 516]

Had the diarrhea within a couple of days then no BI for a good 2 wks. After I started solid food it was about once a week if I was lucky. After talking to the dr, I take duralax every night and add a Fiber power to my Water and yogurt everyday , I do much better now and go a couple times each week. Good luck

[CanadaLoser 80]

I was sleeved 3/30 and wasn't having any movement but was feeling very uncomfortable. I tried Smooth Move tea and nothing happened. Tried Mirolax and nothing happened. Finally went to Milk of Magnesia and after the 3nd dose.... Oh boy!! Let's just say I'm cleaned out! Lol

And I feel soooooo much better!!!

[FocusOnMeNow 599]

One rock solid post surgical maybe day 2 or 3 due to the anesthesia. Then around day 4 the liquid barium for my leak test and it was atomic. Then after that tiny marbles from so much Protein and dairy. If you are still on opiate pain meds those will keep you stopped up. When you get to purées and soft foods keep some fruit and veggie skin on when you purée and it will give you a little more fiber. Don't fret over poop on this site. Wait till we start talking bout FUPAs.