Hey everyone!

I'm just coming on here to see if anyone has experienced similar issues or see if this is normal. My nurse is suppose to call me back tomorrow so I am still waiting.

I'm 8 days post op from gastric bypass. While the surgical pain has subsided I have been experiencing tachycardia, extreme constipation (haven't had a full bowel movement in 9 days, just little bits here and there), I'm nauseous from pain in my intestines and today when I was able to go a little bit, my stool was red and I haven't had anything to cause that as well as extremely foul smelling.

I had a family member who's a physician check me out casually and ask me some questions. They suggested that there might be some internal bleeding but to keep monitoring it and to rest and not move around too much or put stress on my body.

I'm reading about things like leaks and I'm so nervous now. I want to know if anyone experienced this post op, like a week out. Should I go to the ER?

If you are really concerned and you can't get to speak to the nurse, surgeon or your own doctor in a timely manner, I wouldn't hesitate to go to ER.

constipation is super common right after WLS. It often takes a week - or even a couple days longer - for that first BM.

you might want to start taking Miralax or stool softeners, because the first BM is usually a doozy

you're probably nauseated because of the constipation. That's very common when you're really backed up.

and the red stool - yep - you had surgery on your stomach and intestines, so it's likely from that. Although if you're worried, yes - go to the ER - if nothing else, for peace of mind.

3 minutes ago, catwoman7 said:

constipation is super common right after WLS. It often takes a week - or even a couple days longer - for that first BM.

you might want to start taking Miralax or stool softeners, because the first BM is usually a doozy

you're probably nauseated because of the constipation. That's very common when you're really backed up.

and the red stool - yep - you had surgery on your stomach and intestines, so it's likely from that. Although if you're worried, yes - go to the ER - if nothing else, for peace of mind.

P.S. I highly doubt it's a leak. They usually discover those before you even leave the hospital. Again, the constipation is normal - and I suspect the nausea is from that. And the red stool is likely from the surgery. So this all could be normal - but again, if you're worried, then I'd agree with the above person and go to the ER. Plus I suppose there's always a chance that something else is going on.

Edited February 23, 20224 yr by catwoman7

So, do take stool softeners but I don't think you have constipation at all. You can't have a full bowel movement if you haven't eaten enough in 9 days to populate your bowel fully.

3 minutes ago, Pollito said:

So, do take stool softeners but I don't think you have constipation at all. You can't have a full bowel movement if you haven't eaten enough in 9 days to populate your bowel fully.

that's part of the reason it takes so long to have a BM after surgery, but still, that first one is often awful. Like passing a bowling ball. Stool softeners (or Miralax) make it a bit easier...

My surgeon had me on daily laxatives for the first two weeks post surgery to help with the constipation. Also adding soluble fiber powder to my shakes and protein water.