Pooping After Tummy Tuck

Tummy tucks are cosmetic surgeries that tighten the abdominal muscles and remove excess skin and fat from the stomach area. The term “abdominoplasty” can also be used to describe this procedure. The surgical procedure reduces the appearance of a round stomach.

Your stomach will hurt and swell for the first week after surgery. A compression garment may be recommended for you to wear while you recover. For a long time—weeks to months—you may feel little to no sensation in the skin of your stomach. Sensation will gradually come back. Tiredom is a common side effect of healing. It may take 5–6 weeks for your energy to return to normal.

After a long journey, you probably won’t be able to stand up straight the first time you get home. Each day, you must rise and walk in order to recover your normal mobility. Keep your feet and legs moving frequently in between strolls.

It takes time for the long scar left by a tummy tuck to disappear. The skin around your belly button may also be scarred.

This treatment plan will give you a rough estimate of how long it will take you to feel better. It’s important to remember that everyone heals at their own pace. If you want to feel better as soon as possible, follow these instructions.

In this post, we’ll consider warning signs after tummy tuck and symptoms of muscle separation after tummy tuck.

Pooping After Tummy Tuck

Constipation does not affect everyone who has surgery, but it is a relatively common side effect of pain medications, anesthesia, and a lack of mobility.

Depending on which body part or parts the surgery involved, straining to have a bowel movement could compromise stitches or affect the body’s healing processes.

As the body is likely to be more sensitive or prone to damage than usual, it is best to use gentle constipation relief after an operation.

In this article, we discuss the symptoms of constipation after surgery and the available treatment options.

Bowel movements after surgery: What to expect

Many people experience constipation after surgery due to the following factors:

• Medications. Pain medications, diuretics, muscle relaxants, and anesthesia can cause constipation in some people. Opioids, in particular, can reduce bowel movements.
• Dietary changes. Some people may need to avoid food before surgery, while others may need to restrict or change their diet for some time after the operation. Too little fluid and food can cause constipation.
• Lack of physical activity. Inactivity is a common cause of constipation. People recovering from surgery often need to rest for extended periods and avoid strenuous exercise. This lack of movement slows down the digestive system.

The symptoms of post-surgical constipation include:

• a sudden decrease in bowel movements
• passing fewer than 3 stools in a week
• straining to pass stool
• lumpy or hard stools
• the sensation that the rectum is not empty, even after having a bowel movement
• feeling as though there is a blockage in the rectum
• needing help to empty the rectum, such as pressing on the stomach during a bowel movement
• bloating or gas
• pain in the stomach or rectum

Complications of constipation after surgery

Untreated constipation can lead to discomfort and potentially severe complications, such as:

• A surgical incision reopening. This can occur if people have to strain to pass stool.
• Hemorrhoids. These swollen veins in and around the anus are the result of straining to have a bowel movement.
• Anal fissure. An anal fissure occurs when a large or hard stool causes skin in the anus to tear.
• Fecal impaction. Chronic constipation can cause hard stool to become stuck in the intestines.
• Rectal prolapse. Straining may cause part of the intestines to protrude from the anus.

Treatment and tips

Untreated constipation can be uncomfortable and lead to complications, particularly after surgery.

However, it is vital to always ask a doctor before using constipation relief, as some methods may not be safe after certain medical procedures.

The methods for constipation relief below may be sufficiently mild for people to use after surgery, as long as they follow the advice of a doctor:

Keep the body moving

As soon as a doctor gives the go-ahead, people should start moving around. Going for short walks around the hospital or home or doing other physical activity will help move food through the intestines and stimulate a bowel movement.

ResearchTrusted Source has shown that insufficient physical activity and excessive sedentary behaviors correlate with constipation. Physical activity may prevent people from feeling constipated.

People who are unable to get out of bed can move their arms and legs where possible to promote circulation and help the bowels move.

Laxative medications

A doctor may prescribe a stool softener for people with post-surgical constipation.

These medications, which include docusate sodium (Colace), draw water from the intestines to moisten the stool. Moist stools are easier to pass.

Alternatively, a doctor may recommend a fiber laxative, such as psyllium (Metamucil or Konsyl) or methylcellulose fiber (Citrucel).

Doctors do not recommend fiber laxatives for people whose constipation results from opioid medication use, as they could cause severe abdominal pain and potential bowel obstruction.

Other medications for constipation include:

• Stimulants, such as bisacodyl (Ducodyl or Dulcolax), which make the intestines contract to produce a bowel movement.
• Osmotic drugs, such as magnesium hydroxide (milk of magnesia), to move fluids through the colon.
• Lubricants, such as mineral oil.
• Enemas and suppositories, which can soften the stool.

People should not take over-the-counter (OTC) remedies for constipation without speaking to a doctor first. Not all constipation medications are suitable for everyone, especially during post-surgery recovery.

Alternative pain relief

Many people take opioid drugs after surgery to reduce pain. According to estimates, up to 40 percent of people on these medications experience constipation.

For post-operative pain that is mild or moderate, OTC pain relievers offer an alternative treatment. Examples include ibuprofen (Advil) and acetaminophen (Tylenol).

People experiencing constipation as a result of using opioids should speak to a doctor to see if other medications would be more appropriate for their needs.

Magnesium

Magnesium is a muscle relaxant, and it is a primary ingredient in many laxative medications. It can relax the bowels to alleviate constipation.

According to some researchTrusted Source, magnesium oxide is safe for people with mild constipation to use. Standard doses typically produce a bowel movement within 6 hours.

However, anyone wishing to take magnesium for constipation should speak to a doctor first, as some people have a higher risk of magnesium toxicity and other complications.

The doctor can also check whether the magnesium will interact with any other medications that people are taking.

Probiotics

Probiotics are beneficial bacteria and yeasts that play an important role in gut health.

A reviewTrusted Source of 14 studies on probiotic supplements found that some types may help treat constipation. These probiotics may increase the frequency of bowel movements and soften stools so that people can pass them more easily.

It is essential to speak with a doctor before taking probiotics for constipation after surgery.

What to eat before and after surgery

Food and fluid intake, both before and after surgery, plays a vital role in preventing and treating post-operative constipation.

The following dietary tips can help people maintain regular bowel movements, but it is always best to follow a doctor’s specific advice on pre- and post-surgery eating plans:

Drink plenty of fluids

Dehydration can cause constipation. It is crucial to drink water regularly throughout the day to stay hydrated. Diluted fruit juices, especially prune juice, can also help.

It is advisable to avoid caffeinated drinks, such as coffee, tea, and cola, as they can make dehydration worse.

Eat fiber-rich foods

Fiber helps stool pass through the digestive tract.

Adults eating a daily diet of 2,000 calories should aim to consume 25 grams (g) of fiber each day, according to the American Heart AssociationTrusted Source.

High-fiber foods include:

• fruits
• vegetables
• whole grains
• nuts and seeds
• beans and lentils

People who do not have a good appetite after surgery can try drinking a smoothie comprising blended fruits and vegetables to boost their fiber intake.

It is also important that people increase their fluid consumption when they begin to eat more fiber.

Avoid certain foods

Some foods are more likely than others to cause constipation. People should limit or avoid the following foods until constipation resolves:

• dairy
• processed foods
• refined grains, such as white bread, white rice, and white pasta

Snack regularly

Consuming food can stimulate a bowel movement. For this reason, eating small, frequent meals may help ease constipation.

How long does constipation after surgery last?

Most people with constipation following surgery will experience relief after a few days, especially if they receive treatment quickly.

Stool softeners and fiber laxatives tend to act within a few days, while stimulant laxatives and suppositories typically work within 24 hours.

The exact amount of time that it takes will depend on several factors, including:

• a person’s overall health
• the duration of anesthesia
• the type of medication

A person should speak to a doctor if their constipation persists for more than a few days.

Pooping Blood After Tummy Tuck

After surgery, you may notice some changes in your stool. It is normal for your bathroom habits to change, especially in the first few days following surgery.¹ Most changes are not serious.

If you have had surgery, you may have made major changes to your diet. Surgery can also affect your stress level² and your medication routines.³ These changes can lead to a different bathroom pattern. Usually, these changes resolve as you recover.

This article will discuss some common stool changes that can happen after surgery. It will also explain which changes are likely to go away on their own and which ones may need medical attention.

Diarrhea

Diarrhea is defined as three or more loose stools per day.⁴ Diarrhea can happen if your diet or medicines changed before or after surgery. Diarrhea can also happen the amount of fluid in your body changes, either because you are drinking more, or you received intravenous (IV) fluids in a vein.⁵

It’s a good idea to talk to your health care provider if you have diarrhea, especially if you also have moderate to severe cramping, a foul odor to the stool, fever, vomiting, or pain. 

Clostridium difficile (sometimes called C. diff) is a type of bacteria that live in the digestive tract. If you have taken or are still taking antibiotics, these bacteria could build up in your body. Too much C. diff can lead to foul-smelling stools and painful cramping.⁶ If left untreated, it can lead to serious health issues.

For that reason, it’s best not to ignore diarrhea after your surgery, especially if you are taking antibiotics. To check for bacteria, your doctor may want to perform a stool culture.

Diarrhea lasting for more than 24 hours during the first few days of recovery should be reported to your surgeon immediately.

Constipation

Going to the bathroom less often doesn’t necessarily mean you are constipated. Constipation means you’re having fewer than three bowel movements in a week. You may also be constipated if your stools are dry or hard.⁷

Some pain medications can cause constipation, such as the opioids hydrocodone, oxycodone, morphine, and fentanyl.⁸

You could also become constipated if you eat less or eat different things than you normally eat. When your eating habits return to normal, your bathroom habits should, too.

To keep you from becoming constipated, your doctor may recommend a stool softener, a medication that adds water to stools and makes them easier to pass. If prevention doesn’t work, a gentle laxative may help.⁹

You might try boosting the fiber in your diet by eating fruits and vegetables. It’s also a good idea to drink more water and to move as much as possible. Some people find walking helpful.¹⁰

Constipation is considered severe if it causes pain, or if you have fewer than two bowel movements in a week. If you have severe constipation, you may need more than one medication to treat the problem.¹¹

If you had surgery on your rectum, colon, or digestive tract, don’t use an enema without talking to your surgeon.

Call your surgeon if you have not had a bowel movement or passed gas for more than five days. (Passing gas is a sign that your bowel movements are starting to return to normal.)

Also, if you have pain, fever, vomiting, or unusually foul-smelling stools, it’s very important to talk to your health care team right away.

Black or Tarry Stool

Stool that is black or looks like tar may have blood in it. Most of the time, stools of this color are not considered normal after surgery. Dark stool can be caused by medications such as iron supplements, charcoal, and Pepto-Bismol. Black foods, such as licorice, can also make stools black.¹²

To find out what’s causing a black stool, your doctor can perform an fecal occult blood test.

If you have black or tarry stools, it is important to seek medical care even if you have no other symptoms.

Clay-Colored Stool

Your stool may be white or clay-colored if you had barium, a chalky liquid, as part of a medical test.¹³ Very light stools can also happen if you have taken antacids.¹⁴ Some babies on milk-only diets also have very light stools.

If your stool is white, very light, or clay-colored, it’s a good idea to talk to your doctor about it. Stools with little color can sometimes be a sign of a liver condition.¹⁵ Some liver conditions can be dangerous if left untreated.

Call your surgeon if you have white or clay-colored stools and there is no clear explanation for the lack of color.

Green Stool

Green stool is often caused by eating green foods such as spinach, broccoli, or kale. Green food dyes, such as those found in Jell-O, are often to blame for green stool.¹⁶ If you eat something green and it passes quickly through your body, the green color may be more noticeable.

Stool that is very dark green (almost black) is still considered normal. If you are not sure if the stool is dark green or black, smear a tiny amount on a piece of paper.

Red Stool

Red stool is most often the result of diet. Beets, cranberries, tomatoes, and brightly colored foods such as candy and Jell-O can cause red stool. If you’ve eaten something bright red, a red stool is normal.¹⁷

If you want to be sure red stool is related to something you ate, you could cut out that particular food to see if the stool color changes.

You may also notice bright red blood in your stool if you have a health condition affecting the end of the digestive tract, such as hemorrhoids, swollen veins in the rectum or anus.¹⁸ Hemorrhoids are often caused by constipation and straining to pass stool.

This bleeding may show up on toilet paper rather than on the stool itself. If you notice this kind of red in your stool, you may want to try a stool softener to keep you from straining.

Bright red stool is sometimes a sign of a serious health condition such as colorectal cancer.¹⁹ For that reason, it’s important to talk to your health care provider if you notice red in your stool, on toilet paper, or in the toilet.

Call your surgeon if you experience rectal pain, rectal bleeding, lightheadedness, high fever, nausea, or vomiting.

Other Stool Colors

Most changes in stool color are not medical issues.

Food dyes or brightly colored fruits and vegetables can change the color of your stool. In some cases, yellow/orange stool can be a sign of high fat content²⁰ in the stool and may indicate that the pancreas is not able to do its part in helping the body to digest food.

“Rapid transit time” is also a common culprit. Rapid transit time means food moves through the body quickly and may not be fully digested. Diarrhea can cause rapid transit times and visible color changes in stool.²¹

Warning Signs After Tummy Tuck

Symptoms such as a high temperature (over 101 degrees Fahrenheit), severe nausea and vomiting, persistent dizziness, or incoherent behavior (including hallucinations) should prompt medical attention.
WHATEVER PAIN YOU’RE EXPERIENCING THAT YOUR PAIN MEDICATION ISN’T CURING.
RADIANTLY RED FACE AND BODY THAT’S VERY SENsitive to the Touch.
OCCURENCE OF EXCESSIVE BLEEDING OR SEEPAGE OF FLUIDS THROUGH THE INTRACRANIAL OPENINGS.
A VERY DISPROPORTIONAL AREA ANYWHERE ON YOUR ABSORB OR A VERY LOCALIZED POINT OF ABDOMINAL BRUISING.
DIFFICULTY BREATHING OR PAIN IN THE LEGS.

Symptoms Of Muscle Separation After Tummy Tuck

The separation of the abdominal muscles, known as diastasis recti, most commonly manifests as a bulge or “pooch” in the middle or lower stomach, especially after exercise or periods of stress on the abdominal muscles. Extreme muscle separation often causes other symptoms, such as:

Incontinence\sConstipation
Incorrect or poor posture
Gas and gastrointestinal problems
discomfort in the lower back, pelvis, or abdomen
Insufficiency of the pelvic floor
And in extreme cases, it can cause a hernia in the abdomen.
All or some of these symptoms may develop after delivery in women who have experienced postpartum muscle separation.

Summary

Surgery can change how often you go to the bathroom. Most of the time, your body will return to its usual patterns in several days. But if you experience diarrhea for longer than 24 hours or constipation for longer than five days, it’s important to check in with your doctor. If you have cramping, fever, vomiting, or pain, don’t wait to talk to your health care team.

Surgery can also change the color of your stool. After surgery, the most important stool colors to notice are black, red, and white. If you see these color changes, talk to your surgeon to find out whether there is cause for concern.

Changes in stool patterns can be stressful, especially after surgery. Some changes are normal and will resolve as you recover. Others may be a sign that a problem is developing. It’s always okay to talk to the people on your healthcare team about what’s happening after surgery.