Constipation is common after surgery. Between anesthesia, pain medications, changes in eating and drinking, and spending more time resting, your usual bowel routine can easily get disrupted.
For many people, bowel movements gradually return toward normal as recovery progresses. What matters isn't just how many days it has been, but how you're feeling overall, whether symptoms are improving, and what your surgical team told you to expect.
Several parts of surgery and recovery can affect your digestive system at the same time.
You may have fasted before surgery, received anesthesia, started new medications, changed what you're eating and drinking, and become much less active than usual.
Any of these changes can affect your normal bowel habits.
Certain pain medications—particularly opioids—can also slow movement through the digestive system. If you're prescribed one after surgery, your discharge instructions may include a plan for preventing or treating constipation.
There isn't one number that's normal for everyone.
Your usual bowel habits, procedure, medications, activity level, and how much you're eating and drinking can all affect when you have your first bowel movement after surgery.
Some people may go several days without one.
Rather than watching the calendar alone, pay attention to the bigger picture. Are you able to pass gas? Are you eating and drinking? Is abdominal discomfort improving or becoming worse? Are you experiencing nausea or vomiting?
Your discharge instructions may also tell you when your surgical team wants to hear from you if you haven't had a bowel movement.
Your surgical team's instructions should come first, particularly if you've had abdominal or gastrointestinal surgery or were given a specific postoperative diet.
For many patients, several basic recovery habits may help.
If you're allowed to drink normally, staying hydrated can help keep stool softer and easier to pass.
You don't necessarily need to drink a large amount at once. Smaller amounts throughout the day may be easier, especially if your appetite is low or your stomach still feels unsettled. Learn more on how much water you should drink after surgery.
Eating less than usual is common during early recovery, especially if you have little or no appetite after surgery.
As your appetite returns, gradually getting back to eating can also help your digestive system return toward its usual routine. In the meantime, focus on nutrient dense foods, including protein, and gradually return to your normal eating pattern as you are able.
If your surgical team hasn't given you dietary restrictions, foods containing fiber may be helpful for some people. Your procedure matters, though, so don't make major dietary changes that conflict with your recovery instructions.
Spending more time sitting or lying down can contribute to constipation.
Gentle walking may help get your digestive system moving again while also supporting other parts of recovery.
Follow your activity restrictions and increase movement gradually. If you're unsure whether you're pushing too hard, How Much Walking Is Too Much After Surgery? can help you think about activity during recovery.
Your surgical team may recommend a stool softener, laxative, or another bowel regimen, particularly if you're taking opioid pain medication.
Follow the instructions you were given rather than adding or combining constipation treatments on your own.
If the recommended plan isn't working, contact your surgical team and ask what they want you to do next.
Once your regular diet is appropriate, foods containing fiber may help support normal bowel function.
Depending on what your surgical team allows and what you tolerate, sources of fiber can include:
Increasing fiber isn't appropriate for every postoperative diet, however. Some procedures require temporary restrictions on fiber or certain foods.
The bigger goal is to gradually return to an eating pattern that works with your recovery instructions rather than trying to fix constipation with one particular food.
For broader guidance about eating during recovery, see What Should I Eat After Surgery?
Avoid significant straining, particularly if your surgeon has given you restrictions related to your incision or procedure.
If stool is difficult to pass, repeatedly trying harder isn't necessarily the solution.
Follow your postoperative bowel plan. If you're uncomfortable, unsure what you can safely take, or having difficulty despite following your instructions, contact your surgical team.
Yes.
Constipation can cause bloating, pressure, cramping, nausea, and general discomfort. When you're already tired or sore from surgery, those symptoms can make the entire recovery feel harder.
It can also sometimes be difficult to tell whether abdominal discomfort is from constipation or something related to your procedure.
If symptoms are significant, worsening, or different from what your surgical team told you to expect, check in with them.
Contact your surgical team if constipation isn't improving despite following your postoperative instructions, or if you're unsure what you should do next.
Seek prompt medical guidance if you develop symptoms such as:
These symptoms aren't necessarily caused by ordinary constipation and may need medical evaluation.
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Constipation is a common part of early recovery after surgery. Anesthesia, pain medications, eating and drinking less, and reduced activity can all contribute.
Instead of focusing only on how many days it has been since your last bowel movement, look at the bigger picture. Follow your surgical team's bowel-care instructions, drink and eat as directed, gradually increase activity when appropriate, and pay attention to whether your symptoms are improving.
If constipation isn't getting better, you're unsure what to take, or you develop significant or worsening symptoms, contact your surgical team.
Recovery doesn't always happen in a straight line. The free SurgiNav Surgery Recovery Roadmap walks you through the stages of healing so you know what to expect and when to reach out to your care team.
Download the Free Surgery Recovery RoadmapThis article provides general educational information and is not a substitute for medical advice. Always follow the instructions provided by your healthcare team.
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Educational information only. Always follow your surgeon's instructions.