6 days post-op and finally a BM

OK, I know we talk about these things...even though it seems a little wierd...but I do want to share this in case anyone else is here and worried. The night before I went to the hospital I did use an enema. It was not required but everyone I talked to that had gone through this surgery said "do it". I have felt pretty good even though I had not had one yet because I was passing alot of gas and my surgeons office said if I had not done the enema they would expect one in a few days but the enema changes things a little and I should see one between day 5 and 7. Today is 6 and I finally had one. I have not been taking in that much "substance" so that probably contributed to it taking a while also. My average meals right now are: am-1 oz of cream of wheat or rice (because I HATE it), 3 oz. applesauce, and 2-3oz of yogurt, lunch:3-6oz. creamed soup and 2-3 oz. yogurt, dinner:3-6 oz. creamed soup, a little applesauce and SF pudding...sometimes I do wake up at night feeling nauseous and if I do, a clear broth takes it right away...I must just be a little empty/hungry. I am bored with these foods and wish there were more choices(that I liked) so I am looking forward to seeing my doctor in 8 days and moving to the next stage with some cottage cheese and beans. I also have not taken any meds for pain since last night around 6pm...so maybe I am done! I could even sleep on my side last night comfortably...Those first few days were awful but I am definately glad I did this...oh, and just for fun I did weigh myself...down 13 lbs...seems like a lot, but again, I am probably not eating enough.

That's great Miriam!! I'm glad the ole' system is getting cranking again! Who would have thought that we'd look forward to a BM!!! HA! My surgery is the day after tomorrow. Are you saying we should or shouldn't do the enema????

Well, I just decided to because of everyone else suggesting it and my doctor did not mind but when I was in the hospital and they talked about having a BM soon (which I knew I could not physically eat enough for) I mentioned the enema the night before and everyone just stopped asking...they all sai if I was cleaned out then it will come when it needs to....I guess as oppossed to sitting in there for several days until you begin to eat enough to really want to go. And the only bloated icky feeling I had disappeared as soon a I was able to pass gas which was on day 3....So I am glad it was just something I did not have to really worry about.

I had my surgery on wednesday 21st and had my first BM on the friday .. but i did alot of walking and also had an enema on thursday b/c i had alot of gas pains.. I am down 15 lbs ... but i'm only aloud to eat full liquids (i know all dr. are different) i wish i could eat crm of wheat ! lol that would be a nice change from what i am eating... I'm glad your doing well .. best of luck ... Brooke

Hi Brooke, You need to call your doctor and ask because a "full liquid diet", even if you just look it up on the internet and in some of the GBS surgery books, always includes cream of wheat...you just need to make it fairly runny and I use apple juice to make it (because I hate it). That is what I am on...a full liquid diet...You may get to have it afterall! Mariam

i'll have to look into that.. i have a big binder with everything i can eat and do... but i'm sure it could be missing a few things .. i'll have to make a call to my nut... thanks

I am also on a liquid only diet and my literature from both the doctor and the nutritionist calls for alternating protein drinks and clear liquids such as broth (and they specify not creamy soups) for the full 2-8 days postop. Still 4 more days to go for me. I know how you feel. I'd love cream of wheat, applesauce...heck anything listed above...but I'm so petrified of band slippage so I'm sticking with the boring stuff I have now till Saturday. So far 11lbs down, my surgery date was 2/23/07.

Hi Pam, I dont understand the difference as far as diets go, but I know in my nutrician class, the RNY's did get to eat a little different than the band...??? but just remember this is such a short time overall!!! We will get to have something normal soon! mariam

Doh!! I always forget to see which surgery a poster had. I'm new here, can't ya tell? Actually the nutritionist notes I have are aimed for RNY (the clinic just started seeing more Lap Band patients so they're adding it in) but the notes from the doctor I have don't seem any different with the exception of quantity. (doctors notes say 8oz every hour vs. 4oz from the nutritionist) Anyway, I do realize that even within the same surgery type, folks may have different instructions from doctors. I was just thinking along the lines that sometimes it feels weird to hear of folks eating "heartier" than I am. I'm suffering along with the clear liquid folks for the time being. I keep telling myself I can do it and so far so good. I do think I may break out some V-8 splash. I can also say that I was mighty happy to get that first BM out, but I swear it will be a week before I have another.

I hate to say it, but this does make me feel better. I had surgery on Monday the 26th and didn't even pass gas til last nite (the 27th). I then had a b.m. too....woohoo. Was starting to get a bit concerned. I knew the bowels were working coz I could hear them rumble. Plus the gas seemed to be building up, causing a bit of pain, so felt good to get rid of it.