Constipation is one of the common problems, especially in the early period after gastric sleeve operations. As your intake of food and especially fiber decreases, it is normal for bowel movements to slow down at first and your number of large ablutions to decrease.
So if you’re comfortable and you can go to the bathroom every 2-3 days without difficulty, you don’t have to worry. However, if there are complaints such as stiffness, pain or discomfort in the lower parts of the abdomen, too strict gaita, excessive straining in defecation, it is necessary to intervene.
Constipation after gastric sleeve surgery is a common problem. Here, the main reason is insufficient water and fluid intake after surgery.
Untreated constipation can lead to side effects such as bad breath, nausea and reluctance to eat, petrification of gaita, bleeding due to pushing. The most important causes of constipation include insufficient water intake, insufficient fiber consumption, insufficient exercise, stress, and some medications you use decidedly.
Iron and calcium in the multivitamins you take can also cause constipation. In the same way, protein powders can have a similar side effect in some people. The first thing you need to do to prevent constipation is to make sure that you drink enough water. Besides, you should definitely start exercising.
If it is not very necessary, you can leave vitamins containing iron for a while. If you’re taking narcotic painkillers, you should stop. Avoiding foods such as bananas, cheese, rice, and potatoes, which have the potential to lead to constipation, can also work.
Increasing fiber ratios in your diet or using fiber-containing nutritional supplements can work. For this, 25 g per day in women and 35 g of fiber contribution in men will be useful. Purees or compotes prepared from fibrous fruits such as plums, apricots, adding unprocessed Bran to meals can work.
Finally, you can also use additives such as Benefibre, Dulcolax, X-M, which you can also take over the counter.
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What causes constipation after Gastric Sleeve?
The most important factor in the formation of Constipation after gastric sleeve surgery is low water and liquid consumption, and the reason for low fluid intake is a decrease in the feeling of thirst. Yeah, when you eat, you shut up. Not eating food reduces the need for water and liquids.
This condition is entirely related to human physiology. Sodium (Na) contained in nutrients is the most important substance that allows water retention from the kidneys. Water and sodium are like inseparable binary.
If you remember high school chemistry years, sodium is most commonly involved in the Salt structure (NaCl). Low nutrition will lead to low sodium and salt intake, reducing our need for thirst. Even if you do not have a feeling of thirst for constipation after gastric sleeve surgery, you should get enough fluid.
Most of the liquid taken must be covered by water. Drink at least one liter of water in the first week after surgery. Drinking insufficient water is also the most common cause of malaise after gastric sleeve surgery.
So much so that some patients may have to take fluid from time to time by taking serum through a vein. Because of the laparoscopic procedure of gastric sleeve surgery, it is very comfortable for patients and the transition to daily life is just as easy.
For this reason, low-tempo walks should be started after surgery, especially in the second week. Walking will accelerate bowel movements and correct the problem of constipation.
In addition, despite all precautions, a solution can be created with medication if the problem of constipation persists. You may need help from your doctor.
How to treat constipation after gastric sleeve?
Due to the slowness of bowel movements, a condition of defecation of three or fewer times a week is called constipation. Gastric sleeve surgery is very comfortable for patients due to its laparoscopic application, and the transition to everyday life is just as easy.
Therefore, low-tempo walks should be started especially in the second week after surgery. Walking will speed up bowel movements and correct the problem of constipation. Avoiding foods such as bananas, cheese, rice, and potatoes that have the potential to lead to constipation may also work.
Increasing the fiber content in your diet or using fiber-containing nutritional supplements may work. An average of 1.5 – 2 liters of water should be consumed per day. Other drinks consumed during the day, such as milk, buttermilk, kefir, tea or coffee, should definitely not be considered as a substitute for water.
Their consumption should be limited, especially since drinks containing caffeine, such as tea, coffee, and cause dehydration of the body with their diuretic effect. Brewed tea and coffee can also have a constipation-enhancing effect; in this process, it should be avoided as much as possible.
How Long Does Constipation Last After Gastric Sleeve?
Constipation is a typical side effect of gastric sleeve surgery and lasts for different people for varying lengths of time. Constipation’s duration can vary depending on a number of variables, including a person’s diet, fluid intake, and level of activity.
Generally speaking, it’s important to consume plenty of water and other liquids to stay hydrated as well as high-fiber foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes. Starting a regular exercise regimen is also imperative because it can help control bowel movements.
References:
https://www.barilife.com/blog/constipation-after-gastric-sleeve/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5018031/
