Question:
How long before I have a bowel movement after surgery.

I had my surgery a week ago and I still haven't had a bowel movement. I am not in any pain because of it, I am just wondering if this is normal. thanks, marian    — 0204 (posted on July 3, 2007)

July 3, 2007
I also had my surgery a week ago, and just had my first bowel movement yesterday.
   — Ms_Etrnlyblsd

July 3, 2007
Hi, I remember when I first has my operation, I used to go every 5 to 7 days. Not sure if everyone was the same way. I am now 1 1/2 yrs post and I still go every 4 to 5 days. All the best to you on your new venture in your life. <3 Carol
   — Carol Giusto

July 3, 2007
I had my surgery on Friday, & I am still waiting myself. I'm sure it's because of no solid food.
   — bugkillermckee

July 3, 2007
I am 5 weeks out and it took me about a week and I have only been going about once a week since.
   — Alvernlaw

July 3, 2007
Yes, it was about 7 or more days before I had my first bowel movement. Remember, you haven't had much in your system but liquids -- no solid foods so you want have a bowel movement until you start the protein shakes and puree food. My nutritionist suggested the benefiber powder to get some fiber in my diet. I did it like 2-3 days in a row and the results where too much so now I just take it maybe one or twice a week --if that.
   — the7thdean

July 3, 2007
It was the same for me! I am out one week and 3 days. I called the nurse and she told me that you should have one by now. She told me to take a mild laxative or drink sugar free apple juice. I took senokot and it worked like a charm!
   — KathigME

July 3, 2007
I think it was over 2 weeks for me. I took Senekot and Smooth Move Tea until it finally happened. Now, almost 8 months out, I go almost every day!
   — Sheri A.

July 3, 2007
Marian, you need to call your surgeon. Don't wait until Monday. I don't think it is normal at all to be a week without a BM. There are plenty of things they can offer you to help aid a BM, but you need one, and I am afraid the longer you wait, the more of a problem it will become. Please call them today. They probably will have you take milk of mag or buy some miralax, but your bowels need to move. Also, please be sure you are drinking plenty of water. Take care Marian. Patricia P.
   — Patricia P

July 4, 2007
I had my surgery 6/28 and had my first bowel movement 6/30. It was the apple juice (dilluted of course).
   — DTray

July 5, 2007
I agree with calling the doctor. If everything is okay with him consider Miralax, it is now available without a prescriptio. It is a laxative plus a softener. It seems to not cause painful gas and cramps. I take it along with several of my postop friends. Not to be gross but if your stool is very hard it is going to hurt your bottom as well as your freshly operated abdomen(just think about bearing down). Been there and done that-Heather
   — tazthewiz23

July 7, 2007
I am into my 9th week since surgery and am having a bowl movment every two to three days. If you are worried try taking powdered benifiber. It helps the Diatition told me to take it at my two week check up.
   — aggieknight

July 12, 2007
Since you are concerned enough to ask about it, I highly suggest checking in with your surgeon on this matter. My opinion: I would not worry about having a bowel movement. If you are like most WLS patients, you most likely were on a liquid diet for sometime to ensure that your stomach and bowels were empty for the surgery. Now, as a post op, you are probably still on a liquid or pureed diet and consuming just a very tiny amount of food. Compare what you ate in a normal day pre-surgery to how you are eating post-surgery. My guess is that it would probably take a week of post-op eating to equal the volume and calories of what you were eating daily pre-op. Less food = less stool = less bowel movements. Adding something like BeneFiber or FiberSure into your food may help increase the volume / bulk of stool which may help stool move through your system faster. I'd also suggest trying Colace (a stool softner) before taking any kind of laxative. For myself, I have the philosophy that my body will go when it is ready and as long as I am not uncomfortable or in pain, I don't take anything... It might take awhile but I always end up going. As I said at the start of the post, please contact your surgeon on this topic as s/he is the person who knows the most about you and your surgery. Best wishes.
   — mrsidknee

July 19, 2007
I had gastric bypass & the next day had a barium test to make sure no drippage before tube could be removed from nose. 3 days later had my 1st movement due to that test. My surgeon has me on citrucel 2x's a day to help regulate me since I have had a problem since surgery with my bowels. You could try warm prune juice or my dr. told me to and that really did help.
   — LornaZB

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