I know this is a gross subject (but heck it's a bodily function and the body goes through a lot of stuff during & after surgery), but I want this to be as helpful as possible for anyone thinking about elective surgery. I have read horror stories about BMs post-op; especially the first one after a tummy tuck.
My thoughts before surgery were along the lines of - well if you really can't use your abs at all [which you can NOT] then you'll be needing some serious help! I bought Dulcolax stool softeners (narcotics like the Vicodin I was given really stop you up, and I guess sedation does too) I also bought a bottle of Magnesium Citrate (that's all at any pharmacy around the fiber, laxatives, etc. section).
The first day after surgery I started taking 3 stool softeners a day (mind you I drink a minimum of a gallon of water a day) and I was eating enough food (fibrous veggies & adding powder form of fiber to my protein shakes etc. to help) to be producing stuff, but nothing was coming out or even feeling like it was anywhere near wanting to make its way out. I decided I did not want to wait a week, get seriously uncomfortable from being stopped up. So yesterday morning I sucked it up and chugged half the bottle of Magnesium Citrate. Now, yea it tastes gross, but you also need to drink water to get things moving so just chase it with a bunch of water and the taste is gone and done. Within 3 hours of that it worked and the great relief came! Let me tell you I am so glad I did not wait any longer before doing that. I think that was part of the reason why I had such a hard time eating at all (because I was all filled up and nothing was moving out).
Anyway I figure that will hopefully be the only time that was really needed since my big plan is to not be taking anymore Vicodin. Sorry if it's gross, but I know it can be helpful!
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