I'm 2 weeks post op still only on broths and Soups and I haven't had bm in 3 days and now I'm having cramps. Has anyone ever taken a laxative after surgery?

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Constipation post op is quite common. Try a non-stimulant laxative first like milk of magnesia or miralax. A single dose of milk of magnesia typically worked for me although one time, after several doses over two days and no result, I did resort to a stimulant laxative (generic correctol) and that did the trick.

Also, if you aren't on a stool softener (I take Colace although at this point, not every day) you might want to start taking one - check with your doctor.

Also, your bowel habits will be quite different post op compared to pre-op, especially while only on liquids. My bariatric center's general guideline was if you go more than 3 days without a BM, then use milk of magnesia.

The anaesthesia often affects the bowel, makes it more sluggish and also liquid only diet is not conducive to bowel movements.

I was taking Osmolax for quite few weeks post op, and this helped.

These days, being on high Protein diet, my constipation is back, but I can take stronger laxatives now.

I also had to give myself an enema once.

Even though I drink plenty of Water, this does not help me, so every few days I take a mixture of Coloxyl and Dulcolax.

They work.

I think that once I can increase my vegetable portions, it should make life easier. I hope so, anyway.

Good luck to you. Gentle laxative are advised early post op.

I used Dulcolax after trying half a dozen other things... Hope you get relief soon !!

With my surgeons okay, I began a daily routine of a stool softner, Benefiber every night and a product called Natural Calm, if I stick to the routine the constipation is under control. Good luck and I hope you find something that works for you.

I had the same problem right after surgery. my surgeon recommended a double dose Milk of Magnesia for accute constipation, but he said to put it in a drink and drink early in the day and drink the whole thing. I did this and it worked like a charm. Check with your surgeon on the dosage, though, as I am no medical professional.

For "maintenance" I switch off between Benefiber and Miralax, putting one or the other in my Water each day. Now at 6 weeks, I have begun to taper off, as I'm not sure if I should be on it long term.

I'm sure with all the suggestions you will find relief.