I had my surgery June 19th. Brachioplasty, tummy tuck and some lipo around hips and “saddle bags”. I haven’t had a bowel movement since I had surgery 5 days now. I’m very nervous about it since I have taken opioids for pain and I know they cause constipation. I don’t want want to have to “push” for obvious reasons. I’ve been taking colase, does nothing. An advice? I’m scared!
Answer: Postoperative constipation. Postoperative constipation is common, especially when narcotics are used heavily. Suggestions vary among practitioners, so it would probably be best to start with your surgeon’s advice. Try to wean yourself from the narcotics. Stay hydrated with plenty of fluids. If it becomes uncomfortable you can drink a bottle of magnesium citrate. Best wishes.
Helpful 2 people found this helpful
Answer: Postoperative constipation. Postoperative constipation is common, especially when narcotics are used heavily. Suggestions vary among practitioners, so it would probably be best to start with your surgeon’s advice. Try to wean yourself from the narcotics. Stay hydrated with plenty of fluids. If it becomes uncomfortable you can drink a bottle of magnesium citrate. Best wishes.
Helpful 2 people found this helpful
Answer: Constipation is Common After Tummy Tuck
Helpful 1 person found this helpful
Answer: Constipation is Common After Tummy Tuck
Helpful 1 person found this helpful
June 24, 2018
Answer: Postoperative Constipation Though not uncommon, postoperative constipation can be very troublesome. The common suggestions;lots of fluid, roughage,stopping the narcotics if possible, will help. I recommend Milk of Magnesia to get your gut going. If however, you experience pain, fevers, chills or have bleeding, see your doctor to make sure it is not a more serious problem than simply constipation.
Helpful 1 person found this helpful
June 24, 2018
Answer: Postoperative Constipation Though not uncommon, postoperative constipation can be very troublesome. The common suggestions;lots of fluid, roughage,stopping the narcotics if possible, will help. I recommend Milk of Magnesia to get your gut going. If however, you experience pain, fevers, chills or have bleeding, see your doctor to make sure it is not a more serious problem than simply constipation.
Helpful 1 person found this helpful
June 24, 2018
Answer: Constipation Dear DeannaS,you are right, opioids can cause this kind of problem. Every plastic surgeon has his own postoperative protocol which he recommends to his patients. I would suggest you to discuss this with your plastic surgeon.Daniel Barrett, MD
Helpful 1 person found this helpful
June 24, 2018
Answer: Constipation Dear DeannaS,you are right, opioids can cause this kind of problem. Every plastic surgeon has his own postoperative protocol which he recommends to his patients. I would suggest you to discuss this with your plastic surgeon.Daniel Barrett, MD
Helpful 1 person found this helpful
June 25, 2018
Answer: Constipation after surgery Thanks for the question. Constipation is very common after surgery. This is often related to the use of narcotics for postoperative pain control. Narcotics reduce bowel activity resulting in constipation. The more narcotics that are taken the higher the risk for constipation. The first solution is to only take the narcotics if you need them. Most patients are off of narcotics within a week after surgery. Having a tummy tuck with muscle tightening can also contribute to postoperative constipation. The second potential solution is a new medication on the market called Movantik which is specifically designed to treat opioid induced constipation.
Helpful 1 person found this helpful
June 25, 2018
Answer: Constipation after surgery Thanks for the question. Constipation is very common after surgery. This is often related to the use of narcotics for postoperative pain control. Narcotics reduce bowel activity resulting in constipation. The more narcotics that are taken the higher the risk for constipation. The first solution is to only take the narcotics if you need them. Most patients are off of narcotics within a week after surgery. Having a tummy tuck with muscle tightening can also contribute to postoperative constipation. The second potential solution is a new medication on the market called Movantik which is specifically designed to treat opioid induced constipation.
Helpful 1 person found this helpful
