Did you know that people commonly experience constipation after surgery? (Well, you found this blog post so maybe you did). Yes, even if you were regular before surgery you might be backed up after. The good news is there are easy ways to go poop while on the mend. Read on fiber friends.
What is Constipation?
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Constipation is when you try to pass hard stools, haven’t pooped, or simply have a hard time pooping. Signs of post-surgical constipation include:
- Bloating or gas
- Hard and lumpy stools
- Pain in the abdominal or rectal area
- Straining during bowel movements
- Decrease in bowel movements or fewer than three bowel movements a week
Ignoring constipation symptoms may lead to discomfort and potential complicationslike:
- Reopening of the surgical wound. This can happen if the patient would have to force themselves to poop.
- Developing hemorrhoids. When straining during bowel movement, the veins in and around the anus become swollen, resulting in the development of hemorrhoids.
- Having anal fissures. This happens when hard or a large stool tears the skin in the anus.
- Fecal impaction. When one is experiencing constipation, they have large stools that are hard to pass. When it becomes chronic constipation, it can cause hard stools to get stuck in the intestines.
- Prolapse of the rectal area. Rectal prolapse happens when one is straining while pooping, causing part of the intestines to slip down inside the anus.
Always consider consulting your doctor for medical advice if you are experiencing these issues.
Causes of Constipation After Surgery
Constipation is a common side effect of surgery and for a few different reasons:
- Medications. There are medications that can cause constipation. These are pain medications, diuretics, muscle relaxants, and anesthesia.
- Dietary changes. Dietary restrictions before and after the operation may sometimes cause constipation. These changes affect the gut as fewer fluids and food can result in constipation.
- Lack of exercise. Having less physical activity is a common cause of constipation. Those recovering from surgery often need to rest for a longer period and avoid heavy or grueling exercise, so this lack of movement slows down the digestive system.
What Helps Post-Surgery Constipation?
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Constipation post-surgery can be treated naturally. The focus should be on recovery post-operation but that doesn’t mean you can’t go poop! Some helpful treatments include:
- Hydration. Water breaks down our food intake and helps with digestion. Some fruits are also good for hydration like watermelon, peaches, and cucumber, as thesefoods help in staying hydrated.
- Move. A simple movement of getting up and moving can help with constipation. Depending on the type of surgery you’ve had, you might need to wait for months before starting or continuing some exercises. With your doctor’s go signal, you may start with non-strenuous activities like walking.
- Fiber. Fiber is your gut’s best friend in general. Fiber bulks and softens the stools for a smooth exit. You can get fiber from pears, avocado, apples, bananas, and other high-fiber foods. Another way to increase your fiber intake is by taking fiber supplements like Bonny.
Bonny Help Manage Constipation
Bonny is an all-natural, fiber powder supplement that helps with constipation. Bonny contains a proprietary blend of psyllium husk and prebiotic inulin to support your digestion and gut health. Not only does Bonny helps you have solid, soft and smooth poops, but the prebiotic inulin is also food for the good bacteria in your gut.
Bonny is vegan, gluten-free, and tastes like something you bought at a fancy juice bar. Available in amazing flavors like Super Strawberry Serenity and Apple Pie. Bonny contains 17%+ of your recommended daily fiber intake in one glass. Focus on your recovery and gets things moving with a nice glass of Bonny. Simply add a serving to cool water, stir energetically and enjoy.
As always, we wish you pleasant and painless poops!
