How Long After a Tummy Tuck is It Normal to Have a Bowel Movement?

Ten days of constipation can seem like a lifetime so keep working on it as you have been.  Dietary supplementation will help, keep active and walking regularly and make sure you don't take too much pain medication unnecessarily (despite the normal discomfort from this operation).  If you develop fevers, abdominal distention or bad cramping you will need to visit your physician for help, otherwise this happens not uncommonly.

Constipation is a common problem with the use of narcotics as well as the altered activity level while recovering. I encourage you to eat a high fiber diet and keep well hydrated. Stop narcotic medications as you are able. If that is not adequate in helping you return to a comfortable elimination schedule speak to your surgeon about adding a laxative to help you.

It is very normal to suffer from constipation after any type of surgery when you are taking Narcotics (pain killers) to ease the pain.  As soon as you feel you are able to dis-continue the use of the pain medication you should do so.  In the meantime use over the counter fiber products to assist you with the constipation and contact your surgeon to prescribe you a stool softener as well. Hope this helps and congratulations on your procedure.

After surgery developing bowel troubles such as bloating and constipation is very common. This is because you have just had abdominal surgery, you are less mobile, and you are taking narcotic pain medication which causes the slowing of the bowels. This can be very unpleasant experience given that you should avoid straining after this type of surgery.  Whilst in hospital my patients are prescribed a number of medications to minimise any bowel problems. I also encourage drinking plenty of fluids, maintaining a high fibre diet and taking supplements such as Metamucil. This will hopefully make going to the bathroom more frequent and therefore be less traumatic on the wounds and abominal muscles.  The potential for bloating, along with the surgical swelling will make you appear a lot fuller in the beginning but it is temporary and will settle.

Constipation can cause significant problems in the
post-operative period.When patients
undergo abdominal surgery, constipation can lead to severe discomfort and pain.
If not addressed, it can lead to bowel obstruction and severe secondary
complications.In the
immediate post-operative period, narcotics and dehydration can contribute to
the development of constipation. In someone with baseline constipation, it’s
important that every effort be made to optimize their condition
pre-operatively. Stool softeners should be continued in the post-operative
period. Every effort should be made to maintain hydration and activity levels.
Narcotics should be tapered as quickly as possible following surgery as well.