How long until BM post-op?

gracegetsgastric
on 1/5/18 7:10 pm
VSG on 01/02/18

I had my VSG on Tuesday and so far I'm doing really well! The first day/night in the hospital was really rough, and I definitely experienced that "dear lord, what did I just do to myself?" moment, but every day gets easier. I haven't needed any narcotics or nausea meds today, and I managed to get in 88 grams of protein and about 100 oz. of water without any issue, so hopefully everything continues to go well!

Anyway, I had a question about bowel movements...fun! I haven't had one since before surgery, which my surgeon told me was to be expected, and that I wouldn't necessarily have one every day etc. They also prescribed me some kind of stool softener-type medication (I don't have it next to me ATM and I don't remember the brand) and said I'd probably want to take it every other day. But in my anesthesia fog, I forgot to ask them when, exactly, I should expect BMs to make a reappearance. I've been drinking protein drinks really just for two full days now, and other than that, I've been on water/clear liquids since Monday, 1/1. I'm not all that concerned right now, and I don't feel any discomfort, but I was wondering when y'all had your first post-op BM and if there's a point where I should start paying closer attention.

I kind of can't believe the surgery has really happened! After months and months of prepping and reading all the forum posts, I'm finally on the other side! :D

VSG on 1/2/2018!

Age: 27 Height: 5'8"
HW: 354 (May 2017) SW: 319 (DOS, 1/2/2018) CW: 198 (1/22/2019)

My YouTube: Grace Gets Gastric

Shannon S.
on 1/5/18 9:03 pm
VSG on 11/07/17

Took me about a month to be really regular. My 1st BM came at about a week later. I was terribly constipated, and I had to take a few doses of milk of mag to help move thing along. As you are able to eat more this gets better. Fluids and movement will help.

gracegetsgastric
on 1/6/18 1:01 pm
VSG on 01/02/18

Thanks! My surgeon also recommended milk of mag to help move things, so I think I'll pick some up this weekend. :)

VSG on 1/2/2018!

Age: 27 Height: 5'8"
HW: 354 (May 2017) SW: 319 (DOS, 1/2/2018) CW: 198 (1/22/2019)

My YouTube: Grace Gets Gastric

Acedding27
on 1/5/18 9:58 pm
VSG on 12/14/17

I had my first one about 4 days post-op. I assume some go longer.

I was having some constipation and I have trouble getting the 96 oz. Of recommended water sometimes. I was talking a dose of miralax every other day or so and it was great. I only had 4 doses, so when I ran out, I waited too long and got constipated. Well, I had to get an enema. Doctor says it shouldn't happen again as long as I get my recommended amount of water but so far I still occasionally need miralax! Tmi. ;-)

Anyway, point is that some people do have trouble being regular. I'll be 1 month postop on 1/14.

gracegetsgastric
on 1/6/18 2:40 pm
VSG on 01/02/18

Great to know! How soon after surgery did you start taking Miralax?

VSG on 1/2/2018!

Age: 27 Height: 5'8"
HW: 354 (May 2017) SW: 319 (DOS, 1/2/2018) CW: 198 (1/22/2019)

My YouTube: Grace Gets Gastric

Acedding27
on 1/6/18 2:49 pm
VSG on 12/14/17

I called my surgeon the 3rd day and he said it was safe to take immediately. I bought some that day (I hadn't gone for several days before surgery either) and had a slight BM night 4.

I found a large generic at Wal-Mart that's only like $7 and it lasts a while since I only take a dose every two (sometimes three days.) It's VERY gentle I don't notice anything like diarrhea, pain, or gas.

Erin T.
on 1/6/18 3:42 am
VSG on 01/17/17

I had pretty continual problems until I gave in and added daily Miralax. I now take 1/2 or 1 whole capful of Miralax daily and things are very regular! I tried Colace first, which could be what he gave you, and it never did much of anything for me.

VSG: 1/17/17

5'7" HW: 283 SW: 229 CW: 135-140 GW: 145

Pre-op: 53 M1: 22 M2: 12 M3: 12 M4: 8 M5: 10 M6: 11 M7: 5 M8: 6 M9-M13: 15-ish

LBL/BL w/ Fat Transfer 1/29/18

gracegetsgastric
on 1/6/18 2:39 pm
VSG on 01/02/18

Yes, I've seen a lot of posts about Miralax on the daily menus etc. I just wasn't sure how early on people started taking that.

VSG on 1/2/2018!

Age: 27 Height: 5'8"
HW: 354 (May 2017) SW: 319 (DOS, 1/2/2018) CW: 198 (1/22/2019)

My YouTube: Grace Gets Gastric

Erin T.
on 1/6/18 2:43 pm
VSG on 01/17/17

I started it at one month, but I wish I would have started it sooner. I had constipation issues even when I was on a full liquid diet for 3 weeks.

VSG: 1/17/17

5'7" HW: 283 SW: 229 CW: 135-140 GW: 145

Pre-op: 53 M1: 22 M2: 12 M3: 12 M4: 8 M5: 10 M6: 11 M7: 5 M8: 6 M9-M13: 15-ish

LBL/BL w/ Fat Transfer 1/29/18

Gwen M.
on 1/6/18 11:48 am
VSG on 03/13/14

I experienced "liquid in, liquid out" so I didn't have solid BMs for a while.

This is worth calling your surgeon's office to ask about!

VSG with Dr. Salameh - 3/13/2014
Diagnosed with Binge Eating Disorder and started Vyvanse - 7/22/2016
Reconstructive Surgeries with Dr. Michaels - 6/5/2017 (LBL & brachioplasty), 8/14/2017 (UBL & mastopexy), 11/6/2017 (medial leg lift)

Age 42 Height 5'4" HW 319 (1/3/2014) SW 293 (3/13/2014) CW 149 (7/16/2017)
Next Goal 145 - normal BMI | Total Weight Lost 170

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