Expert: Karla K. - 5/13/2010

Question
Hi, I live in the UK and just had my VSG on 6th May, was discharged home on 8th May and have been feeling very good indeed - no pain!  However, yesterday evening I needed to go to the toilet and it was difficult and sore and seemed like a bit of a prolapse.  I wanted to strain as I could feel a blockage, but it makes me feel faint to do so.  I took Fybogel 2 days ago in the evening, and again last night, to see if I could get myself moving.  I know that I'm still on free fluids only for another week (according to my consultant) and that I'm not therefore consuming anything that might need passing, but I should like to get back to my regular bowel habit, which was once a day at 8am regular as Old Faithful!  Any chance of some advice?  I'd appreciate all the experience/help you can share.  Thanks.

Answer
Hi Vicki:

First off, congratulations on your successful surgery.  I'm so happy to hear that you're doing well.

Constipation is really common in the early post-op phases of a VSG, and is actually common post-surgery of most kinds.  I'm not familiar with Fybogel, but I'm assuming it's a fiber supplement--maybe a powder or capsule.  You might want to check with your surgeon about getting a prescription (if necessary, or simply a recommendation) for a stool softener.  That should help.  I know of a few Over-The-Counter Brands here in the States, but I'm not familiar with the U.K. market.  A natural remedy that sometimes works is simply to have hot water and lemon in the morning.

As you suspect, once you move to more regular foods, things should get better.  I know for "mushies/pureees" in the States, many people do a watery porridge which can help.  You can also puree high fiber fruits like berries.  

Some VSG patients find that once they're on solids a small bowl of high fiber breakfast cereal is all they need to keep them regular.

I hope this helps.

Sincerely,
Karla