Why do so many surgeons recommend stool softeners rather than fiber?

Just wondering.  My surgeon recommended fiber products first if constipation was a problem (and we were already getting in some high fiber foods, since that was the first thing to try), because it is more "natural" than stool softeners (or, worse, laxatives), but it seems like there are lots of people whose surgeons skip the two fiber options and to use the softeners as the first line of attack, and I am wondering if anyone has asked why or if the surgeon has given a rationale.  (I realize some people may already have tried higher fiber foods or things like Benefiber before they post about constipation issues, but it is rare that people mention these, so I have to doubt how often that is the case.)

Lora

Excellent question! I have wondered the same thing as I struggle with constipation since having surgery.  I was getting no where with stool softeners and laxatives.  I started eating 1 fiber one bar a day along with sugar free prune juice and I have not had any problems in the last 1 1/2 months.  My doctor gave me the green light to increase my fiber intake once he got tired of me complaining about constipation! Still don't know why he didn't suggest fiber in the first place.

My NUT told me from the 1st meeting to add benefiber to my protein drinks

I was told by a veteran (not a surgeon) was the need to get things moving quickly.  Especially as a new post-op the complication of a bowel obstruction is much greater than when someone is a couple years out (don't know if that's true) that they want to get things moving as fast as possible.  Preventable measures are hopefully used before there's a problem, but once there's a problem...they go to what they feel will work quickest.

I think too many surgeons forget to tell their patients to be proactive with their digestive track.  I love the idea of putting benefiber in each protein shake and will start doing that.  One of the nurses had also suggested taking a probiotic to keep things moving.  I don't know if the veteran I spoke to was true, but having the unfortunate cir****tance of sharing a room with someone  who had a bowel obstruction (and was basically FULL of $#!t), that is one complication I will definitely avoid at all costs...

My surgeon wants me taking 3 stool softners a day plus 4 fiber chew tablets a day and laxatives as needed. I am told to take all of these on a regular basis becuase I am told it is easier to be proactive then reactive. Not quite sure if this is what you were looking for. Hope it helps.

At the risk of giving too much info, I tried Benefiber before starting stool softener. Basically it just gave  me MORE hard poop to pass. The stool softeners are helping somewhat. I am 7 weeks post-surgery and trying to find something that works well. I will try the prune juice.

In a nutshell, surgeons are much better at drugs, than nutrition.  I'd tend to agree, that stool softeners are much more efficient in keeping things passable while using narcotics, especially while in the hospital.  Intake of drugs are more reliable than fluid/foods immediately post op.  When you are ready, and able, switch over to what works best for you.  Let your primary team know, and hound them to order it (especially useful if it involves even OTC drugs) unless they have the magical order that you can take your own.  Nurses usually are more willing to work with you, as they are pretty used to bowel protocols the surgeons order.   Good luck on your surgery!

My surgeon and his dietician are fiber advocates.  I eat high-fiber cereal and prunes on a daily basis, and supplement with fiber (Metamucil), but I occasionally will need help via a stool softener or Miralax, most likely because I'm on a double dose of iron.  (I've always had iron-deficiency anemia, at least since I was 5 years old.)

I don't know if this is why, but I can't handle fiber supplements (or too much fiber in general), it causes painful gas and bloating.  I've noticed that I'm MUCH more sensitive to discomfort and pain from fiber post-op, than I used to be.  I'll take stool softeners any day, over fiber supplements.