I had lipo 8 days ago under general and I am just not having regular bowel movements. What should I do?

I suggest speaking to your physician this may be due to painkillers you are taking.  If you arent taking any, then I suggest adding a fiber supplement and/or miralax.  Best, Dr. Emer.

Hi there, constipation is very common in your situation. I am sorry for how frustrated you are. I would advise you to speak with your surgeon directly for their specific recommendations. Make sure you are drinking plenty of water and consuming food high in fiber. Best of luck. -Dr. Coan

Constipation after general anesthetic is very common.  Talk to your doctor for his or her specific recommendations.  I generally tell my patients to 1) drink lots of water 2) fiber in the diet such as prunes 3) stool softener 4) selective other medical over the counter laxatives such as dulcolax oral or suppository, enemas such as Fleet enemas, glycerin suppositories, Miralax, or Magnesium citrate (some of these things you need to watch out if you have kidney problems or electrolyte abnormalities.)  5) Minimize your narcotic usage.  6) Walk.  Seek medical attention immediately for persistent nausea/vomiting, severe abdominal pain or blood in your stool.  Good luck!

Constipation is very common after surgery.This is usually due to the use of narcotic pain medication. If you're taking narcotic pain medication, see if you can back off.Ask your doctor if it's acceptable to use ibuprofen.There are many types of laxatives available.I often recommend my patients use metamucil after surgery, especially if they need to use narcotic pain medication.I also encourage my patients to use high doses of ibuprofen to avoid the need for narcotic pain medication in order to alleviate problems with constipation.We typically discuss these side effects prior to prescribing such medications. Check in with your plastic surgeon to see what he or she has to say.Best of luck,Mats Hagstrom, M.D.