Question:
How do they expect you to have a BM when you haven't eaten in days?

I have heard from many people that the hospitals do not let you leave until you've had a BM, and that hey give suppositries and enemas and other such delights to enduce one. Can someone clarify? I thought the reson was that they wanted to make sure your digestive system was "flowing" if you will. However enemas and suppositries don't go through your whole system, so how can they know? Also what do they do if you refuse these treatments, which I fully intend to do. I know it sounds silly, but I have issues with anyone near my bum, due to a history of sexual abuse, and I just can't bear it, and am so scared of this coming up in the hospital. Can anyone offer suggestions? Thanks!    — [Anonymous] (posted on October 5, 2001)

October 5, 2001
I did not have to have a BM before I left the hospital for this surgery, although I did for another surgery prior. Before I left the hospital for the other surgery, I was given a small dose of Phillip's milk of magnesia. Worked like a charm. No suppositories, etc. Actually, you do have some food in you from before the surgery. The anesthesia is a "constipator", so they want to make sure things are working again. But, for the WLS, the surgeon just said that within 2-3 days after leaving the hospital, your BM's should start again, which they did. If they want to make sure you have a BM before leaving, just request some Phillip's if that's not what they offer.
   — Gina E.

October 5, 2001
I haven't had my WLS yet, but I do know that they will not necessarily keep you until you have a BM. They listen for bowel sounds with a stethascope on your tummy. Supposedly when your bowels are working, they make an audible noise. I wouldnt worry about it too much, and if they mention suppositories and such, just say for personal reasons you'd rather not. I'm sure it wont be an issue.
   — Monica H.

October 5, 2001
I am 5 months post-op lap/rny and was not required to have a BM before leaving the hospital. I know this is the case in certain surgeries but not in WLS. I suggest you ask your doctor ahead of time if he or she requires this. You may be worrying needlessly. Good luck on your surgery.
   — [Anonymous]

October 5, 2001
Stop and reassure yourself for a moment. You are a survivor... you are an adult.. you can REFUSE any and all medical treatment that you wish. NO ONE can make you have any procedure you do not want. The "magic words" to use are to look directly at the hospital personnel and say "I do not consent to this procedure" or "I withdraw my consent for this procedure." Okay, now that you know that you are in control here, it is very UNLIKELY that they will require a BM before discharge from the hospital. LOL, what are they going to do, hold you hostage? I don't think the insurance company will all that! All they are really concerned about it if you are making "bowel sounds", the gurgling and such that is always going on inside (they will listen to your tummy/abdomen from the outside. One thing you might want to discuss with your surgeon is whether he requires a bowel prep prior to surgery. Some docs do (but I think it's mainly the ones that are hung up and weird about feces!) but many don't. If your doc does, then tell him that you have some emotional issues surrounding this and you need non invasive treatment for this. You can be given oral medications to cleanse your system. An enema or suppository is only going to work on what's in your large intestine, and they don't do anything at all with that in your surgery.. so it shouldn't be necessary. Just remember... you have more power than you may realize. Take care and have a good journey.
   — BethVBG

October 5, 2001
I had to have a suppository while in the hospital to ensure that my bowels were "performing" correctly, and trust me, it was not as bad as what I feared. I was still slightly dopey from all of the drugs, and a pleasant nurse and me cracking jokes about it certainly made the situation better. However, I will say that my systems were all in order after just the one suppository, and when the nurses came back to me with even MORE, I flat out refused them, and told them that I'd had my BM, the job was done, and I didn't need any more, and no one gave me a problem about it.
   — blank first name B.

October 5, 2001
I work at a BTC and we do not require a BM before you leave or suppositories. We do like to hear some bowel sounds and make sure you are tolerating fluids ok though. Don't worry about this too much and you can definitely refuse any treatment you want. The surgeons and nurses are in most cases doing what they have to do to keep you as healthy as they can. Do your coughing, deep breathing, and walking as much as you can and everything *lol* will work out.
   — [Anonymous]

October 6, 2001
After surgery, the nurses were all over me to go take a BM. One mentioned that they may not let me leave if I didn't, so I lied, said I did and flushed it down. I told them I didn't think they were supposed to examine it, and that was the end of the harrasment. Sad that I had to do that, but I wasn't allowed to eat for 24 hours before surgery, I had nothing to "GO" with. LOL
   — [Anonymous]