Constipation

Managing Constipation

This section is a series of information about Managing Constipation that may occur after the surgery

In the context of bariatric surgery

  • This is a common problem after bariatric surgery.

  • You may have fewer bowel movements in the first 4 weeks after surgery.

  • The problem usually resolves when solid foods are tolerated.

  • Constipation is not defined by the absence of one bowel movement per day. "The normal number of bowel movements can vary from 1 to 3 per day, to 2 to 3 per week."

Possible causes

  • Insufficient water intake

  • Insufficient physical activity

  • Low fiber diet

  • Taking narcotics

Preventing constipation

  • Drink at least 1.5 L of fluids per day

  • Walk to promote intestinal motility

  • Avoid fiber supplements if fluid intake is insufficient

  • When the normal diet (step 4) is tolerated, opt for high-fiber foods (15 to 20 g per day)

  • Prune juice (from the 3rd or 4th week after surgery)