Openai/693c3982-da00-800f-af24-53b2c19d7b2c

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User: Is fiber after surgery good or bad for constipation

Is fiber after surgery good or bad for constipation

Assistant: Short answer: fiber is helpful after surgery—but only if you use it the right way.

Short answer: fiber is helpful after surgery—but only if you use it the right way. Timing and type matter a lot.

After surgery: fiber = good, but go slow

Constipation after surgery is extremely common because of:

• Anesthesia
• Opioid pain meds
• Reduced movement
• Dehydration

Fiber can help prevent and relieve constipation, but too much or the wrong kind too soon can make things worse (bloating, gas, painful pressure).

Best strategy by phase

First 24–72 hours post-op

🔸 Go LOW fiber

• Your gut is sluggish and sensitive
• High fiber here can cause cramping and bloating

Focus on:

• Fluids (water, electrolyte drinks)
• Warm liquids (broth, tea)
• Gentle stool softeners (docusate / Colace)

🚫 Avoid:

• Bran, raw veggies, beans, large salads
• Fiber supplements during this window

After bowel sounds return / first BM

✅ Gradually add fiber

Start with soluble fiber (gentler):

• Oatmeal
• Applesauce
• Bananas
• Mashed sweet potatoes
• Psyllium in small doses

Why soluble fiber?

• Softens stool
• Less gas and bloating than insoluble fiber

Days 4–7 and beyond

✔️ You can slowly increase fiber if stools are soft and moving

Add:

• Cooked vegetables
• Berries
• Chia or flax (small amounts)
• Whole grains (not all at once)

VERY important rules 🚨

• Fiber without enough water = worse constipation
• Add fiber slowly
• If you’re still on opioids → prioritize stool softener + osmotic laxative (like Miralax) before fiber

What works best after abdominal surgery (like hysterectomy + tummy tuck)

Since you’re facing abdominal surgery, straining is the enemy.

💡 Best combo most surgeons recommend:

• Colace daily
• Miralax once daily
• Fluids
• Gentle soluble fiber after day 2–3

This keeps stools soft, not bulky.

Red flags (call your surgeon if):

• No bowel movement > 4 days
• Severe bloating or abdominal pain
• Vomiting
• Hard stools requiring straining

If you want, I can:

• Build you a post-op constipation prevention plan
• Tailor it to opioids vs non-opioid pain control
• Adjust for hysterectomy + tummy tuck recovery

Just tell me 👍