After your surgery, you might be less active and also might be taking antibiotics, painkillers or both. The combination often makes surgery patients constipated.
Constipation is defined as having a bowel movement fewer than three times per week. With constipation stools are usually hard, dry, small in size, and difficult to eliminate. Some people who are constipated find it painful to have a bowel movement and often experience straining, bloating, and the sensation of a full bowel. Constipation is one of the most common gastrointestinal complaints in the United States. More than 4 million Americans have frequent constipation, accounting for 2.5 million physician visits a year.
Avoid constipation before and after your surgery.
It will cause nausea, vomiting, and cause you to strain. This is very bad if your have had anal fissures, hemorrhoids, gallstones or a hernia operation.
Before your surgery:1 - 2 weeks before your surgery, start on a high fiber, low fat diet. Add Metamucil or the generic pysllium husks to your diet every morning and evening to establish a regular bowel movement routine. You can buy Metamucil at any pharmacy or grocery store. Generic Psyllium husk is available at Trader Joe's or any pharmacy or grocery store as well.
After your surgery: Unless directed otherwise, continue with your Metamucil.
If you become constipated, buy Phillip’s Milk of Magnesia. Follow the directions on the bottle, until you feel relief. This often will take 12 – 24 hours. Continue with the Metamucil.
