No Bowel Movement After Gastric Bypass

Question

What is the Duration of Time Before I Should Expect a Bowell Movement. I Have Bypass Surgery and It Has Been Going on a Week.

David Buchin, MD · Answer

Having a bowel movement after bariatric surgery may take some time and it is different for everyone. Most of the time bariatric patients are on an all protein shake diet afterwards and are getting very little fiber in their diets. I recommend to all my patients postoperatively and preoperatively to take Benefiber as directed daily to help them have a bowel movement. I typically do not recommend laxatives as they can be habit forming. If you are having trouble you should contact your bariatric surgeon.

Ali Solmaz, MD · Answer

It’s actually quite common to experience a delay in bowel movements after gastric bypass surgery, especially within the first week. Several factors contribute to this: the effects of anesthesia, pain medications (particularly narcotics), dehydration, and the very low-calorie liquid diet most patients follow immediately after surgery.
For most people, it can take 5 to 10 days to have a bowel movement after surgery, particularly if intake has been limited to liquids or protein shakes. As long as you are passing gas, not having severe abdominal pain, bloating, or vomiting, this is usually not a sign of obstruction or complication.
To help stimulate bowel activity, make sure you are staying well hydrated&mdash;sip water frequently throughout the day. Once your surgeon clears you, walking regularly also helps bowel motility. Some patients benefit from gentle stool softeners or fiber supplements approved by their surgical team.
However, if you reach or exceed 10 days without a bowel movement, or if you develop increasing abdominal pain, distention, nausea, or vomiting, you should contact your bariatric surgeon right away to rule out blockage or other issues.
In most cases, your system will normalize once you start adding more protein and soft foods. Constipation early after gastric bypass is common and usually temporary, but it’s important to stay proactive about hydration and movement.

Shawn Garber, MD, FACS, FASMBS · Answer

Timing is variable, but usually you should have one in a few days. If not you should contact your surgeon. Some patients need Miralax after gastric bypasss to keep their bowels moving because they don't eat very much fiber.

No Bowel Movement After Gastric Bypass

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