Constipation After Gastric Bypass Surgery

Did you recently have a Gastric Bypass? Dealing with constipation after Gastric Bypass Surgery? Understanding why you are constipated and what you can do about it is the first step.

Constipation After Gastric Bypass Surgery

Constipation after gastric bypass surgery is very common. While it is normally not serious, constipation can be rather uncomfortable. It can also cause complications and become serious if not dealt with.

Don’t let constipation be a pain in the… don’t let constipation make you uncomfortable when there are easy ways to deal with it.

What Is Constipation?

Constipation is common after any type of weight loss surgery. Constipation means that you are not passing stools regularly. It can also mean that you are not able to empty your bowels completely. Your digestive tract and bowel motility changes after a weight loss procedure such as gastric bypass. This may lead to reduced abdominal motility, slow digestion and difficulty in passing stools.

Oftentimes, in addition to having trouble going, the stools are hard and lumpy. This creates pain as you try to use the bathroom.

What Are the Symptoms of Constipation?

The most common symptom for constipation is having fewer than three bowel movements per week or having hard, lumpy stools that are difficult to pass. Other symptoms include feeling bloated, gassy, and having abdominal pain or cramps.

Why Do Bariatric Patients Get Constipation? 

Many Bariatric Patients get constipation. There are many reasons why this could be. Since there is an immediate reduction in the amount of food and liquid coming into the body, this can cause a backup creating constipation.

When you drink enough water, it keeps the stool moist and makes it easier to have a bowel movement.

Some medications, like tranquillizers, chronic pain meds, narcotics, and antidepressants can cause constipation. Iron supplements have also been known to cause constipation.

How Do You Poop After Surgery?

No one wants to deal with no being able to poop. If you are wondering how do you poop after surgery, there are a few things that you can do besides medication. These ideas are perfect on how to help constipation.

Ways to Deal With Constipation After Bariatric Surgery

Here are some top ways to prevent constipation and improve your bowel movements after bariatric surgery.

Drink Plenty of Water for Better Bowel Movement

Drink enough water. You should be drinking 48-64 ounces of water daily. Also, avoid diuretics like caffeine which can leave you dehydrated.

Stop Pain Medication to Prevent Constipation

Stop pain medication as soon as you can. Narcotic pain medications can cause constipation and make it worse.

Eat a Regular Diet to Improve Bowel Habits

As soon as you are back to a regular diet, make sure you are getting enough fiber. Eating foods that are high in fiber like beans, oatmeal, fruits, and vegetables with the skin and whole foods are good to eat to increase fiber.

Exercise to Improve Normal Bowel Movements

Exercise is another option to help beat constipation once you have been given the ok from your doctor after your gastric bypass procedure.

Can I Take a Natural Laxative?

Try a natural laxative like unsweetened pureed prunes, figs or psyllium husk fiber supplements to help with constipation. The more dietary fiber the better. Increasing both your fiber intake and fluid intake will help with postoperative constipation.

Natural remedies can be a safe and effective way to treat constipation. However, always consult your doctor before beginning any type of new treatment for constipation.

Natural Remedies V’s Medication for Constipation

It is important to remember that, although natural remedies can be effective in treating constipation, if constipation persists or worsens then medical intervention may be necessary.

Over-the-counter laxatives and stool softeners can help relieve occasional constipation. You ca also try smoothies to help you poop.

What Can You Take for Constipation After Weight Loss Surgery?

The longer someone is constipated, the more severe it becomes. As constipation becomes more severe, more water is absorbed from the stool, making it harder to pass. There are a few products that you can take for constipation after weight loss surgery.

If you need post-bariatric surgery constipation relief, you can take a stool softener to treat constipation for the first month after the surgery and drink more water.

If this does not solve the issues, you can use a Dulcolax suppository, enema or Milk of Magnesia.

These items are available over the counter and often available in generic form to save money. Do not take laxatives regularly because this can cause your body to become dependent on the laxatives.

If the problem persists, or you have ongoing abdominal pain you should call the surgeon’s office.

Which Supplements Are Best After Gastric Bypass?

Wondering which supplements are best after weight loss surgery when it comes to constipation? Here are the best supplements to take.

Calcium Carbonate vs Calcium Citrate After Gastric Bypass

When selecting a calcium supplement, be sure to read the label and pick one that is labeled as “calcium carbonate” or “calcium citrate.” Calcium carbonate has been found to cause constipation in some patients, while calcium citrate does not have this side effect.

Ferrus Fumerate vs Ferrous Gluconate Iron Supplements

When it comes to iron supplements, the best choice is ferrous fumarate or ferrous gluconate. These do not have a laxative effect and can be taken with other medications.

Vitamin B Complex After Gastric Bypass

A daily multivitamin supplement containing all eight of the B vitamins should also be taken. Vitamin B complex is an important supplement to help raise energy levels and prevent constipation.

More Questions About Constipation

Here are a few more questions and answers about Constipation After Gastric Bypass.

When Will I Return to Normal Bowel Habits?

It usually takes three to four weeks after gastric bypass surgery for your bowel habits to return to normal.

Can Stress Cause Constipation After Gastric Bypass?

Yes, stress can cause constipation. It’s important to manage stress with relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, yoga and spending time in nature.

What Else Should I Do to Manage Constipation?

As well as taking the right supplements and managing stress, you should also take steps to increase your physical activity. Regular exercise can help stimulate the digestive system and reduce constipation.

Improve Bowel Function After Weight Loss Surgery

If you’d had a bariatric procedure then you may experience constipation. It’s important that you take the right supplements and make lifestyle changes to improve your bowel function. Follow the tips outlined above to get relief from constipation after gastric bypass surgery.