Question:
How long after surgery did you have a bowel movement?

I am 5 days post-op and still haven't had a movement, is this normal? Would be interested to learn how long it took others. My bowels have ALWAYS been perfect. I sure hope this doesn't intrefere wit that performance. LOL Thanks! Lacy    — Lacy G. (posted on November 5, 2000)

November 5, 2000
I believe it was a few days after I left hospital 7th day then about every 3-4th day after that.. I'm still pretty much on that routine. Normal in consistency.. However, small stools, due to the amount of food intake.
   — Victoria B.

November 5, 2000
There are probably two things contributing to this situation. First, the trauma of surgery and anesthesia makes your entire digestive system shut down for a while. In the hospital, you probably noticed the nurses listening to your gut with their stethescope. They were listening for the gurgling sounds that would mean your bowels were "waking up". Some people get going quickly, and some take longer. The second thing is that you probably went a couple days without eating anything, then slowly progressed to liquids in tiny quantities. So, there probably isn't much waste in your bowels to get rid of yet. Just give it time, and call your surgeon if you are feeling bloated or blocked up inside. Good Luck!
   — Lynn K.

November 5, 2000
DS on Thursday (5/18), gas passed on Friday, fast arriving loose stool on Saturday X 3, a little Lomotil, then twice on Sunday, home Monday and twice a day ever since, like clockwork: within a half hour of 7am & 7pm while at home, then between 6:30am and 8am, and 5pm-7:30pm now that I am back to work. Occasionally, I do mean only occasionally, will I produce a small amount about a half hour after lunch. And as for the consistency, usually firm, but I will occasionally eat something with more fat than usual just to have a 'good clean out', if I am feeling a bit 'backed-up'. Other than a bit o' gas with certain foods (raw broccoli and garlic bagels really do a number on me about 1 hour after), I have no problems what so ever. Hope this helps...
   — merri B.