I have what I consider severe constipation after tummy tuck. What other safe treatments can I try?

Question

I am po day 8 from a TT w/o MR. I was mildly constipated pre op. I have been off narcs for 6 days. I have been using colace 200mg twice daily, Metamucil once a day. I have tried glycerine sup, with just emptying of lower bowel, and stool like rabbit droppings. I have tried enema, and have added lactulose 3 days ago. I cannot have a BM without using the supp, and it is as described above. I am bloated, crampy and passing a lot of gas. Drinking lots of H20. Not sure what to try next.

Joubin Gabbay, MD · Answer

It's certainly truck sounds like you've tried many of the available options. I find that a Dulcolax suppository can be quite helpful as well. That said, you're using a lot of different galleries and should probably really try to stick with the advice of your surgeon to make sure that you don't have any problems.I wish you the best.Dr. Gabbay

Dallas Buchanan, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. I am sorry to hear you are having so much trouble. The narcotic pain medicine can tend to really constipate people so this often happens after surgery. I usually put my patients on a regimen of colace twice daily in the beginning (which you are already doing). Then I tell patients to supplement with daily Miralax as needed (this can be obtained over the counter). If that does not relieve the issue, then you can try dulcolax orally and in suppository form. Also drinking lots of water can help. If you are doing all these things and still not getting relief, I would suggest contacting your doctor and being seen. You may need to be admitted to the hospital to resolve this issue if it gets really severe.Hope this helps!

George Marosan, MD · Answer

In my practice, we start our patients on stool softeners e few days prior to surgery. If they still get constipated, we recommend prune juice and Phillips Milk of Magnesia, 30cc/day, repeat in 1 day if no results. Almost always works. Good luck.

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. As you are trying many areas of treatment, best to listen to your surgeon as to his recommendations.  That said, there are other treatments you may wish to entertain, including OTC Senna, miralax, magnesium citrate, or good old fashion prune juice.

I have what I consider severe constipation after tummy tuck. What other safe treatments can I try?

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Answer: I have what I consider severe constipation after tummy tuck. What other safe treatments can I try?

Answer: I have what I consider severe constipation after tummy tuck. What other safe treatments can I try?

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I have what I consider severe constipation after tummy tuck. What other safe treatments can I try?

Answers (4)

Answer: I have what I consider severe constipation after tummy tuck. What other safe treatments can I try?

Answer: I have what I consider severe constipation after tummy tuck. What other safe treatments can I try?

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Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.