Question:
Has anyone ever just lacked the urge to urinate/deficate after surgery?

I am one month post op and I am still eating softer foods per my tolerance levels right now...but ever since surgery, I have not had the same urger to urinate or have bowel movements. I literally have to remember to urinate now. And that is maybe 3 times a day maximum. I have not had pains like I am constipated but I have not had a BM in a week. There is just no urge to go. I have been at the same weight for about 2 weeks now and I am only one month out...do you think that I am retaining fluid since I am not going to the bathroom alot? Has anyone else had this problem...either with the plateaus this early on or the bathroom problems? HELP!!!!    — Heather D. (posted on July 16, 2001)

July 15, 2001
Since I was 16 I could only go about once a week. Nothing has changed. :(
   — Danmark

July 16, 2001
When I first had the surgery (3 weeks ago), I couldn't even tell if I had to urinate. Whenever I thought to go, I had a lot and thought, geez, I actually need to remind myself to go. This coming from someone who used to have to get up in the middle of the night to go. What color is your urine? If you are getting in enough water it should be a light yellow color. I'm still having probs getting in the required water. But I'm trying. I've noticed I get much more water in in the morning after my walks than at any other time of day. So I take advantage of that and drink as much as I can get in in the morning. The BMs seem ok if you're going at least every 3 days or so. Good luck!
   — Kimberly L.

July 16, 2001
Heather, I am about 7 months post-op open rny. I, too didn't feel the urge to urinate for several weeks after surgery. My doc said that the bladder is one of the last organs to "wake up" after surgery, and for some it may take some time. However, you must remind yourself to go in the restroom or few hours to try so you don't get a bladder infection. Keep drinking those fluids as much as possible--you have to keep that bladder working. I wouldn't worry too much about the decrease in BMs--remember you aren't getting in any solids, so a decrease seems normal. I would say the BMS will increase as your solids do. Be sure to call your doctor if you have any pain, or just want some reassurance that all is alright.
   — Susan S.