Okay my friends....may be too much info for some...

I'm having the opposite problem than Tami....Since my hernia surgery on Monday morning, I have gained 5 lbs! I'm eating healthy and not tons, much better than I have been eating in the past few months, to tell you the truth. One problem though...I have not had a bowel movement since Sunday either (no comment on being "full of it" Mr. Phillips!) Anyway, I'm not "uncomfortable" yet, but I know this isn't healthy. Started stool softeners yesterday....nothing yet. So anyway, do you think this is the reason for the weight gain? I just can't STAND the scale to go up and up! I am pretty swollen in the abdomen too, but it's not red or overly uncomfortable....looks nice, actually, other than being swollen. Any comments? Thanks guys! Theresa P.S. I know, I know, I'll ask the Dr. if it continues, but just interested in your comments.

Hey I see you posted early. I have been up since 3. Insomnia sucks!!! Anyhew! You stated that you are on Tylenol #3. Welllllllll, this has codeine and it sometimes as the same effect on a persons plumbing as vicodin. Constipation could be caused by this and also by the (I cant spell it) but by putting you to sleep for surgery. You probably have water retention from the IV. Plus as Kevin kindly states, you have not pooed so you have also gained some weight from this. I hope you are feeling better soon. Prunes always make things work. Get better soon!!!

Hi Theresa, Tami is right. I have found that dried apricots and dates work very good for constipation. If you try these be sure to read the ingredients a lot [not all] have sugar. Glad to hear you're eating healthy and feeling pretty good. Love you. God bless, Annette

Theresa - this happened to me when I had my hernia repair last July. I ended up with a rectal tear that was beyond painful. Indescribable misery ! It is because of the reasons others gave to you so my recommendation is WATER WATER WATER, don't strain, increase your fiber (something like benefiber) and if that doesn't work - think preop preparation. I finally added in a cup of coffee (gives me loose stools) and made sure that my water intake was high and I took more than enough of the benefiber every day. Not doing this immediately caused me a month of misery. Don't worry about the scale - it'll go back down. Right you your are bloated and filled with IV fluids. If nothing happens soon, call your doc! You don't want to travel the road I took. Sheryl In the Zoo

You and Tami are both full of poop. Do what she says and eat stool softener or I'm sending Jon up there with a fleet enema and a fire hose. kp

Theresa, I am glad that your hernia surgery went well, but do be careful with the constipation. I would talk to your doctor if you are still unsuccessful at "making things move." I ended up with an illiyus( I realize I just totally messed up on that spelling) after one of my complication surgeries and had to go back in the hospital for 5 days due to things not moving through my system.. Take care of yourself.. AmyH