Question:
Bowel Movement AFTER surgery

This is very graffic; but I need to know. I had RNY on last week. on Sunday when I got home, I thought I had to pass gas, but found this sticky dark red 'stuff' (looked black, but after cleaning, found it to be very dark red); almost like a baby's first poop. I figured it was 'left over' stuff from my intestine or something so i didn't panic. WELL, this morning the same thing..but i actually felt the sensation to go to the rest room and this is what came out. I am still on a relatively light diet...broth, pudding, soup, popcycles..i just dont' feel the urge to move to the next step yet...but anyway, about the bowel movement outcome, is this normal? I was going to call the surgeon....but i'd prefer to wait it out cause aside from that, IT'S BEEN A GREAT RIDE POST OP....NO PROBLEMS OR PAIN    — hatda (posted on February 5, 2008)

February 4, 2008
This topic has been discussed at the support group meetings I attend monthly. It has been commonly called a "tar" BM, where it's sticky. I can't tell you why it happens, but it does happen. I noted it too. It normally subsides as your BM's get more regular. Constipation is a common complaint too, so I'd suggest you stock up on stool softeners. The color may be somewhat different, depending on what you had to eat, but the "tar" is basically your bowels beginning to work again. DAVE
   — Dave Chambers

February 4, 2008
Hi Hay Day: Glad you're not having any problems other than the "tar". I'm 3 weeks out and other than being constipated that is the only irregularity with my bowels. I've heard of the other...what you have....but it didn't happen to me. I'm sure it's totally normal for some...but I'd still call the doctor just to make sure. I mean, after all we paid, that's one of the things that they're there for after surgery...to help us know what's going on with our bodies. Good luck....welcome to the losers bench. Chris....3 weeks out and 25 lbs. lighter.
   — cjjordan

February 4, 2008
Congratulations on your RnY!. Yes, this is normal. When they did your surgery, they cut quite a few places. The stomach was cut twice, and your intestines were cut in 2 places. Each of those places need to heal and will slough off bloody material. As time passes, so will this. Best whishes and hope your recovery remains positive!!
   — nursenut

February 5, 2008
OK...I am an ER nurse...CALL YOUR DOCTOR AND LET HIM KNOW IMMEDIATELY about this stool!! From your description it sounds like blood in your stool and you NEED to have it tested and your surgeon ABSOLUTELY NEEDS TO KNOW ABOUT THIS!!!! Medical questions like this should always go through your physcian and/or surgeon, never take your answers from a forum on a question such as this and leave that as your best answer. Black stools, or coffee grounds vomit/stool is usally an indication of gastric bleeding. It just simply has to be tested, go call now! ;o) Take care and good luck ~ Tomi
   — Tomi D.

February 5, 2008
I would indeed agree that this si somethong that merits a discussion with your surgeon. That being said, I remember at my first follow up appointment after my surgery, I told my doctor that the most important thing I learned immediately after my surgery was to never trust a fart. Just a little humor, but if I were you I'd check with my surgeon for peace of mind on the issue. Best wishes for health and happiness!
   — djfoz

February 6, 2008
Definetely call your surgeon!!! I had this after surgery and it was because of a intestinal bleed. I was kept in the hospital for observation and for frequent blood checks because I ended up losing so much blood that I became SEVERELY anemic and had to recieve blood.... it is important to call your surgeon and if you feel dizzy when standing or your face becomes ghostly pale then go to the ER... most likely you need a blood transfusion. My doctor said that my case was bad because of the way I responded to Lovenox... my blood would not clot. I hope you feel better soon... this can wear you out!!!
   — Juliana W.

February 7, 2008
I agree with Tomi. I also have medical training. Yes the tar is normal. But dark red or black stools are a sign of blood in the stool. Better to be safe than sorry I say. Talk to your Surgeon.
   — Jo_Michalko

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