Kennedy Yalamanchili, M.D. F.A.C.S.

Constipation is a common problem after surgery and is associated with the use of narcotic pain medications, decreased fluid intake, and lack of activity

How to Prevent Constipation

• Increase your fluid intake about a week prior to surgery. You should drink an extra glass of water a day.

• Get up and move around after surgery. This will help keep your bowels moving. Increase the amount you walk as tolerated.

• Reduce narcotic use as tolerated.

• Take a stool softener with your narcotic medication.

• Eat a well-balanced high fiber diet. Aim for 15-30grams of dietary fiber per day.

  • High fiber foods include: 

    • fresh fruits and canned dried fruits especially with skin or seeds

    • vegetables such as carrots, cabbage, peas, dry beans

    • whole-grain, wheat, and rye breads and crackers

    • oatmeal and bran cereal

    • brown rice and wild rice

    • barley and popcorn

    • wheat germ, corn, and cornmeal

• Drink plenty of liquids. Eight to ten 8 ­ounce glasses of fluid each day will help keep your stools soft.

• Plan you bowel movements for the same time each day, if possible. Set aside time for sitting on the toilet or commode, preferably after a meal.

• Avoid or Limit:

  • caffeine including coffee, tea and soda

  • milk and dairy products

  • foods high in sugar

 

Relief of Constipation

• If you need a laxative, try 1-2 tablespoons of Metamucil per day, and/or a tablespoon of milk of magnesia in the morning, drink lots of water.

 

Still Constipated?

• Try Magnesium Citrate. This is found over the counter at most grocery stores and pharmacies. It comes in a bottle. Drink half of a bottle at a time, and for no results in half an hour drink another half bottle. May repeat for 2 bottles in 24 hours.