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Constipation & Bowel Movements

It is common to experience constipation immediately following surgery due to the anesthesia and/or pain medications which can have constipating effects. True constipation is not having a bowel movement for 3-4 days. To help with staying regular and to help facilitate a bowel movement, get plenty of water and adequate fiber in your diet. As always, it is good to aim for 64 oz of fluid/day. Aim to get your fiber from vegetables, fruit and whole grains. Don’t forget exercise! Daily activity and exercise also help to get the bowels moving.