Constipation after sleeve gastrectomy.

Let’s do it. Let’s talk about poo! There are many benefits of a sleeve gastrectomy, but there are also common complications and side effects that you may experience from the more serious to the annoying. Constipation is one of the more common complaints after a sleeve, with some studies suggesting almost 25% of people experience slow bowel movements at six months post-op.

 

What is constipation?

First things first, it’s good for us to define what we’re talking about when we say constipation. Usually, constipation is defined as having difficulty emptying the bowels and hard feces when you do go. How often you go is not necessarily a factor – some people will feel constipated after a day, others after a week. It’s important to note that after a sleeve gastrectomy, bowel movements may be less frequent, so don’t freak out if you’re not going as regularly as you used to, but do pay attention to how hard it is to go.

How long will it last?

In most cases, constipation is temporary but making sure you’re doing what you can to help will reduce the chances of it reoccurring or becoming more of a problem. The main causes of constipation after a sleeve include diet, exercise, medications or iron supplements. You do not want to be relying on laxatives every day to keep things moving, so if you’re struggling (excuse the pun) with constipation, check these three things.

1. Fluid.

Are you hydrated? If you’re dehydrated, your body will hold on to all the fluid it can, leaving not much left for your bowel movements. The more you drink, the softer your poo!⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

2. Fibre.

Not enough fibre = constipation. Make sure you are taking a fibre supplement (like Benefibre) and eating fibre-rich foods every day. Importantly, be careful not to overdo the fibre supplement if you’re not drinking enough – it will make things worse! Also, build up the amount of fibre you take over time until you get to the recommended amount.

3. Movement.

If you move, your gut will too! make sure you are active during the day. Aim to increase your step count slowly and fit in some moderate-vigorous exercise over the week to help things get moving.  ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Finally… If you’re ever unsure or worried about your bowels, please don’t hesitate to contact your team. It’s much better to be safe than sorry. And if you’d like to hear a little more in depth, then watch the recording below – it’s a snippet from a live Q&A session I did for our LWAS Community group.