Constipation After Bariatric Surgery

Constipation is one of the common complications following weight loss surgery. Reorganization of the intestines, changes in the shape of the stomach or a definite change in diet can trigger constipation.

However, patients can avoid this situation by following an appropriate diet and doing certain home remedies. But even if it happened to you, it can easily be eliminated. Let’s take a look at the reasons for constipation and how you can get rid of it.

Why Does Weight Loss Surgery Cause Constipation?

• The lower amount of food intakes compare with you pre-surgery life
• Taking iron supplements
• Regular use of chronic pain relievers, antidepressants or tranquilizers
• The person’s abdominal muscles are weak and the intestines are prone to laziness
• Not drinking enough water during the day
• Insufficient consumption of diuretics
• Inactivity
• Insufficient dietary fiber intake

How Can I Avoid Constipation After Weight Loss Surgery?

It is better to take precautions before you encounter post-surgery constipation. Applying a few methods, you can completely prevent the occurrence of constipation or you can minimize its symptoms of constipation to a minimum.

• Add 2 or 3 tablespoons of direct fiber to a glass of water. You should repeat this process 2 times when you consume fibrous vegetables during the day, and 3 times when you do not consume them.
• You should consume beans regularly.
• Drinking water is a big help in preventing constipation. Be alert to drink 8 glasses of water a day. Consuming too much water will not cause an enlargement or discomfort for your stomach.
• After your surgery, you should walk regularly for at least 5 minutes a day. You should keep your walking time as long as you can. After you start to feel better (approximately 1 month after the operation), you should start doing sports at a low pace.

How Do I Know If I’m Constipated?

You are constipated if you have at least 3 of the following symptoms;

• If you have bowel motility less than 3 times a week and you go to the toilet less than 3 times a week
• If your stool is dry, lumpy or has a hard form
• If you have difficulty and pain in defecation
• If you often experience abdominal pain and abdominal cramps in normal times
• If you feel bloating or nausea in your abdomen during the day
• If you do not feel that you have emptied your bowels enough after going to the toilet

How Do I Prevent Gallstones from Forming After Bariatric Surgery?

Another common complaint after bariatric surgery is the formation of gallstones. After your surgery, your doctor will prevent the formation of gallstones with ursodeoxycholic acid dose treatment for the prevention of gallstones.

In addition, your diet plays an important role in the formation of gallstones. Consuming at least 5 servings of vegetables or fruits during the day will prevent the formation of gallstones.

How to Relieve Constipation After Tube Stomach Surgery?

It is possible to pass constipation with a few recipes at home.

• Olive oil: Consume one tablespoon of olive oil and one teaspoon of lemon juice on an empty stomach.
• Warm water and lemon: Mix 1 cup of warm water (it should be higher than room temperature but lower not too hot) and the juice of half a lemon. Drink the entire glass at once. (Those with blood pressure problems should only use a few drops of lemon).
• Molasses: Have a teaspoon of molasses by mixing it with warm water or tea if you wish.
• Fiber: Consume high fiber foods such as broccoli, peas, peaches, grain-free bread, nuts, potatoes, apples and pears.
• Exercise; You should increase your exercise amount. Walking during the day helps to move your intestines.

What should I do to go to the toilet?

• Exercise: The more you exercise, the more your intestines will be activated.
• Warm water: Warm water is much more effective for relieving constipation than you might think. Consuming warm water makes your intestines move quickly.
• Olive oil: Swallowing a tablespoon of olive oil directly helps to lubricate and move the stool in your intestines. In addition, if you have pain in your anus area caused by constipation, you can apply olive oil before going to the toilet.

What to Eat After Stomach Reduction Surgery?

• Lean ground meat, poultry or fish
• Cottage cheese
• Not very cooked omelet
• Rice or similar grain
• Soft fruits and boiled vegetables
• Strained cream soup

Here’s a complete guide on what to eat and what not to eat after bariatric surgery.

You can also puree your solid foods with these;

• Unsweetened fruit juice
• Skim milk
• Meat Water

Which Soups Are Drinked After the Surgery?

The soups you will drink after the surgery should be pureed, sparse soups containing plenty of water. You should take care that there are no grains in your soups.

You should also avoid adding spices or salt to your soup. You can use broth to both increase the amount of protein and flavor your soup.