Question:
My surgeon does not require bowel prep prior to surgery.

I was scheduled for surgery two weeks ago. I followed the surgeons instructions for light eating for 48 hours prior to surgery. Sue to unforseen circumstances, my surgery was postponed. The afternoon of the day I would have had surgery, I was stricken with a horrible bout of diarhea. If I had had surgery that day, I would have been a mess, struggling to get out of bed, messing myself and unable to clean myself thoroughly. What a disaster that would have been. My question is, even if my surgeon does not require bowell prep, is there any harm in doing on my own? Would it delay leaving the hospital? Would it interfere with recovery in any way? What do you think? I need advise before my 'real' surgery dates comes. Thanks    — [Anonymous] (posted on October 2, 2001)

October 2, 2001
My surgeon didn't do a bowel prep either. Funny, I kept invisioning a loaded hose spraying stuff all over the operating room, so I took correctol two days before my surgery. It didn't work the next day like it should, so come the morning of my surgery I hadn't had a bowel movement. If I had it to do all over again, I would probably drink some apple juice or prune juice 2 days before, but if your surgeon doesn't require it I wouldn't worry about it. I don't think they open the intestine and leave it open to hook it to the stomach or anything like that.
   — K T.

October 2, 2001
My doctor didnt require a bowel prep of any sort. No eating after midnight the night before was the only prep for me. I am glad that I didn't "clean out" my system before hand because (and I don't mean to be gross), afterwrds it felt so great to pass gas and move my bowels. It moved everything around. I don't know if this is unique to laparoscopic or what, but the gas is hell and it felt great to let loose afterwards.
   — Jeannet

October 2, 2001
I have some information about this on my webpage, the pros and cons, the different kinds you can use, that I think will help answer your question and there is also a ton of other helpful ideas and facts about WLS. You can access it at http://www.lkdobson.homestead.com Good luck to you !!!
   — Lisa D.