Day 11 post-op, still no poop...

[uscgal97 0]

I had my surgery 11 days ago and I still haven't had a bowel movement. I would think it was weird except that I'm only having liquids. Is this something I should be concerned about? I'm taking benefiber but it hasn't worked yet. Any advice?

[CathyBFromGa 0]

check with your doc, but mine said i could use Milk of Magnesia. i'm six days postop, Clear Liquids only, and a BRUTAL preop bowel cleanse. Today I used a glycerin suppository and had some explosive episodes of diarrhea-like activity. Sorry that's gross, but we're all family, right? i've been a little concerned about it too, more about my intestines "forgetting" how to work with no solid intake. then i remembered there are patients who spend weeks in ICU or hospital beds with only IVs and they don't poop... so I reckon we'll be okay. check with your doc if you're really concerned or if you are having pain. cathyb

[racer 0]

Uscgal 11 days sounds about right for after surgery to me . Painkillers and other meds do it to you too. Before band i went everyday post band about every 4 days. Less in less out. Hey in bootcamp i went 6 weeks without a bm . Didn't eat enough and worked out so hard body burned up everything.

[lsprrnbr 0]

Have you passed gas? Are you bloated? If you have not passed gas and your belly is bloated or distended, you may have an ileus. This is bad and you need to see your doctor. If you are passing gas, I would just pick up an OTC laxative and wait for results. Good luck to you!

[BetsyB 9]

If you're still on a liquid diet, it's not a concern.

If you are uncomfortable, have a distended abdomen, feel as though you have to go but can't, etc., then it's time for a call to the doctor.

But if you just haven't had the urge because you're not putting anything into your body that would be eliminated via the bowel, it's nothing to worry about :scared2:

(You probably don't need benefiber at this point; it works best when there is food in the bowel, and in combo with any painkillers you may be taking, can contribute to eventual Constipation. But this is another thing to ask your doctor about----mine said to hold off until after the liquid stage.)

[k-butterflyy 2]

Have you passed gas? Are you bloated? If you have not passed gas and your belly is bloated or distended, you may have an ileus. This is bad and you need to see your doctor. If you are passing gas, I would just pick up an OTC laxative and wait for results. Good luck to you!

what is an ileus? i'm 4 days out. i think i've passed gas once and my belly is very bloated.

[lsprrnbr 0]

It is where a part of your bowel just stops working temporarily and you get a back up of stuff in there.

[uscgal97 0]

Thanks all for the feedback, appreciate it. I have absolutely no problem passing gas. Doing it ALL the time, between the burps and other stuff. I'm off of the pain meds and just sitting around waiting for a BM. haha! No pain really, its just so strange. Maybe I will just check in with doctor, since it's now been 12 days. But, at least it wasn't 6 weeks like Racer said! That's intense. I'll call today and keep y'all posted.

Stay tuned.

[Chloe1982 0]

I had my surgery on 05/04/10 and started getting worried on day 4 with no bowel movement. I took a full dose of strawberry flavored Milk of Magnesia. I got over night cramp free relief just like the bottle promised. :scared2:

[Sandybells 0]

I am a 2006 lapband patient. I have had episodes of Constipation and have started taking a half of a tablet of a laxative daily. I get it at Walmart (Equate brand Vegetable laxative..It says on the bottle sennosides 8.6 mg..Senna concentrate.) It is very gentle for me and I rely on it to keep things moving through the weeks. Of course make sure you are drinking enough but for insurance..take a mild one.