Hello,

I can’t find what I was reading, but I remember someone mentioning stool softeners or Benefiber to help with recovery after surgery. Is this something you should start taking before the surgery? My operation is on Friday, and all the information I've come across is flooding back to me at 3 a.m., and this is the latest thought on my mind.

After surgery is generally the accepted advice unless you need it before on the pre surgery diet. Take Benefibre or a similar soluble fibre daily after surgery. Take stool softener only if you are constipated. I’d also pick up some Imodium because some experience diarrhoea in the first week or two (& watch for wet farts).

You will find you don’t poop every day after surgery simply because you’re not eating much & you’re poop will be smaller but if you find you’re not going after 3 or more days then reach for the stool softener or other constipation aid. Some swear by miralax, others smooth tea, I took coloxyl. Try not to let it go too long as it can become painful and you can risk damage.

Of course every one has different needs You’ll get into a routine that works best for you. I’d take one coloxyl if I didn’t go on day 3 & that was enough. It became I’d take one on day 2 as I got closer to maintenance & was eating more. By this time the constipation didn’t happen regularly & I was getting back into my regular pooping routine.

All the best.

Thanks for your advice. I got it.

no... you take it afterwards. they should've given you an Rx for miralax...at least my team did.