How long until BM post-op?

I had my VSG on Tuesday and so far I'm doing really well! The first day/night in the hospital was really rough, and I definitely experienced that "dear lord, what did I just do to myself?" moment, but every day gets easier. I haven't needed any narcotics or nausea meds today, and I managed to get in 88 grams of protein and about 100 oz. of water without any issue, so hopefully everything continues to go well!

Anyway, I had a question about bowel movements...fun! I haven't had one since before surgery, which my surgeon told me was to be expected, and that I wouldn't necessarily have one every day etc. They also prescribed me some kind of stool softener-type medication (I don't have it next to me ATM and I don't remember the brand) and said I'd probably want to take it every other day. But in my anesthesia fog, I forgot to ask them when, exactly, I should expect BMs to make a reappearance. I've been drinking protein drinks really just for two full days now, and other than that, I've been on water/clear liquids since Monday, 1/1. I'm not all that concerned right now, and I don't feel any discomfort, but I was wondering when y'all had your first post-op BM and if there's a point where I should start paying closer attention.

I kind of can't believe the surgery has really happened! After months and months of prepping and reading all the forum posts, I'm finally on the other side! :D

Took me about a month to be really regular. My 1st BM came at about a week later. I was terribly constipated, and I had to take a few doses of milk of mag to help move thing along. As you are able to eat more this gets better. Fluids and movement will help.

Thanks! My surgeon also recommended milk of mag to help move things, so I think I'll pick some up this weekend. :)

I had my first one about 4 days post-op. I assume some go longer.

I was having some constipation and I have trouble getting the 96 oz. Of recommended water sometimes. I was talking a dose of miralax every other day or so and it was great. I only had 4 doses, so when I ran out, I waited too long and got constipated. Well, I had to get an enema. Doctor says it shouldn't happen again as long as I get my recommended amount of water but so far I still occasionally need miralax! Tmi. ;-)

Anyway, point is that some people do have trouble being regular. I'll be 1 month postop on 1/14.

Great to know! How soon after surgery did you start taking Miralax?

I called my surgeon the 3rd day and he said it was safe to take immediately. I bought some that day (I hadn't gone for several days before surgery either) and had a slight BM night 4.

I found a large generic at Wal-Mart that's only like $7 and it lasts a while since I only take a dose every two (sometimes three days.) It's VERY gentle I don't notice anything like diarrhea, pain, or gas.

I had pretty continual problems until I gave in and added daily Miralax. I now take 1/2 or 1 whole capful of Miralax daily and things are very regular! I tried Colace first, which could be what he gave you, and it never did much of anything for me.

Yes, I've seen a lot of posts about Miralax on the daily menus etc. I just wasn't sure how early on people started taking that.

I started it at one month, but I wish I would have started it sooner. I had constipation issues even when I was on a full liquid diet for 3 weeks.

I experienced "liquid in, liquid out" so I didn't have solid BMs for a while.

This is worth calling your surgeon's office to ask about!