Question:
Laxative before surgery?

My aunt is having a lap RNY in two weeks and her Doctor said nothing to eat or drink after midnight and she also doesn't have to do a laxative. I feel like maybe she should one anyway. I know I had to have one! I think I would eat light also the day before. any advice? Thanks, Deb Holder    — Deb H. (posted on April 12, 2001)

April 11, 2001
I would advise that she follow her doctors instructions. I had lap with the same exact instructions and I was going to do a laxative anyway until my mother (a nurse) reminded me that I had to have a bowel movement before leaving the hospital and with the little I would eat after surgery it probably wouldnt be enough. She was so very right!
   — Anna B.

April 11, 2001
My doc did not even mention taking one and I was fine.
   — Lisa B.

April 12, 2001
I had lap RNY 2 weeks ago. I went to Red Lobster the night before surgery. I did not pig out but I enjoyed a nice meal. I was told not to eat after midnight. It was also recommended not to pig out on alcohol/fatty/sugary foods as you do not want the liver to be inlarged during surgery. An enlarged liver can result in a lap procedure being converted to an open one.
   — smummert

April 12, 2001
When I had my Lap RNY, my only instructions were to avoid all food and drink after midnight. I was also shocked. No laxative, enema, etc. I was fine. Each doctor has there own set up. A friend of mine couldnt even have nail polish on!! My advice, your aunt should follow her doc's instructions!
   — Jeannet

April 12, 2001
wow! i am so jealous of all those who didn't have to do a bowel prep! mine was NO fun. i was on clear liquids only the whole day before surgery. at noon i had to drink a bottle of magnesium citrate (double yuk) then had several episodes of diarrhea. not to bad, not as bad as a stomach flu. then i had to take mega doses of two different antibiotics that evening. that was tough on an empty stomach. but, i was allowed clear liquids up until two hours before my scheduled arrival time. i think your aunt should just do what her surgeon says. sounds like people do fine either way.
   — melanie S.

April 12, 2001
I'd definitely advise her to take one anyway! Like magnesium citrate to clean her out. Everything in the bowel shuts down completely when we have any type of abdominal surgery and then it must all start up again afterwards. There's always lots of gas too and this is quite painful. Without being cleaned out to begin with, the added pain might be almost unbearable to some people. This is nothing I'd ever want to bet on, so I'd tell her to take a laxative. If she does this, she can comfortable eat a light supper and then nothing to drink after midnight. Take the magnesium citrate around 9 or 10 p.m. with an ice water chaser. I've had at least 7 abdominal surgeries so I know what I'm speaking about. I hope she does well.
   — Cindy H.