Gross question but need your help folks!

I'm day 5 post-op TT/outer thigh lipo/lipoma removal/port exchange.  Just got back from my first post-op dr visit.  She changed the dressings and put on a smaller binder.  I have a little swelling and bruising - nothing terrible.  She gave me a big thumbs up on how I'm recovering.

That said, I still haven't been able to have a bowel movement since the night before surgery (last Wednesday, the 16th).  I've been taking stool softeners and didn't really start eating anything until Saturday night but lord, people, I need to go!!!  My doc wasn't that concerned yet and I'll see her again on Wednesday.

I'd love to hear from you guys on how long it took you to go, when I should get worried and any suggestions you can give me.

Thanks in advance for your collective wisdom.

Dana

Dana,

Make sure your fluid intake is good; otherwise, you will be in a world of hurt when you come loose.

I had a tummy tuck November 27 and think it was 5 or 6 days later that I had a bowel movement.  I'm having a breast reduction and lift on Wendesday but don't expect that will cause any issues.

Lisa

The only thing that gets me moving again post-op is a "laxative", not just a stool softener.  I take 3 a day until things start moving...then I switch to the "softener".  Also, I start eating 1/2 - 1 cup of fiber one during the day to add bulk.

Hope that helps!

PS - be sure to drink lots of water too!

The best product is Senokot S which is a laxative and stool softener, that's what my PS prescribed when I was having this issue. If you are taking pain medicine most of them have constipation as a side effect. Senokot S is available over the counter and most pharmacies(CVS, Walgreen) should have it in stock, take two pills twice a day and it should start working the next day. Good luck

I ad a BM on day 4. I think the only reason I did though, was because the antibiotics negated the pain meds. They screwed up my digestive system just enough to make me normal. LOL!

I had really bad issues before starting on Miralax.  My PCP suggested this and my surgeon said it was ok.  Now I take a capful daily in some OJ.  As long as you stir it well, it dissolves well and has no taste.  The last time I bought the Walgreens brand and it was cheaper and worked just as well.  It may take a couple days to work but using it daily or even every other day should keep you regular. 

Lin

You guys are the best - thanks so much.  I was nervous about taking something that was more than just a softener (when I run into this issue in "real" life I can get things going again by having two cups of coffee instead of my normal single cup so the concept of ex-lax, etc. is foreign to me) but if I don't see progress this afternoon I'll pick up some stuff and take tonight before bed.  

Wanted to add - I think I'm definitely drinking enough - I've been peeing every 2-3 hours but thanks for the reminder!

I am 5 days post op and today is the first day that I was able to have a bowel movement.   I wasn't eating enogh to have one so I increased the vegies.  this together with stool softener must have done the trick.

 Ah sweet success.  I bought the senocot and must have scared my system because before I could even take it I was on my way to the bathroom.  Thanks peeps!

it took 2wks fir me...mag. cirate did the trick for me.  It was like heaven...