One of the common concerns after weight loss surgery is constipation. Do you all know ‘What is constipation?’. Constipation is defined as a condition in which there is difficulty in emptying the bowels, usually due to hard stools that occur less than once a week is considered constipation. Some people feel they are constipated if they do not have a bowel movement every day.
Bariatric surgery may affect bowel function temporarily and lead to constipation usually during the first post-operative month because of gradual progression in diet. The effects can be acute or chronic. Constipation after surgery usually happens due to sudden reduction in food intake and insufficient water intake. Diligent attention to water intake and addition of stool softener or fibre supplements like Metamucil or Fibercon may help relieve the problem. Always speak with your surgeon and/or dietician about the available supplements. Tea and coffee intake should be limited due to their diuretic nature. Sometimes calcium and iron supplements and pain killers may also contribute to constipation by slowing down bowel function. In addition to increase in water intake, a high fibre diet also aids in overcoming the problem of constipation after surgery. Regular physical activity, small and frequent meals, a glass of warm milk at bed-time, regular intake of fruits, vegetables, husked pulses, sprouts and legumes helps in improving bowel functions.
It is important to know that constipation is not always related to bariatric surgery, and a relationship should not be automatically assumed. Recently developed constipation that is not easily related to the bariatric operation or doesn’t improves with diet and lifestyle changes requires further diagnostic measures for detailed evaluation. As always, other etiologic factors should be considered.
Before making changes in diet, vitamins and medications, be sure to consult your surgeon and/or dietician and do follow your surgeon for life.
