Irritable Bowel Syndrome Message Boards

Hi Gayle - Welcome to the board! Major surgery with anesthesia is likely to have some affect on your IBS. I would definitely talk to your doctor about this in advance, and make it clear how serious this concern is to you.

Anesthesia and pain killers in general tend to slow down muscle contractions and contribute to constipation. You're also likely to be on a restricted food/drink intake, which means your bowels will be more empty than usual and you might get a little dehydrated.

I'd ask your doc how soon before and after surgery you can take a soluble fiber supplement. You might want to increase your supplement intake in the week or so before surgery to keep yourself really stable, and then continue taking it as soon as possible after surgery. Drinking as much water as you're allowed after surgery will help a lot.

You'll probably be pretty inactive in the days after the surgery, and this can contribute to constipation too. Hang in there - the main thing to remember here is that it is all temporary. You will be able to eat and drink normally again, and regain your activity level, and your IBS will stabilize, so don't worry.

Best of luck on your surgery, and I hope you are thrilled with the results!

- Heather

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Heather is the Administrator of the IBS Message Boards. She is the author of Eating for IBS and The First Year: IBS, and the CEO of Heather's Tummy Care. Join her IBS Newsletter. Meet Heather on Facebook!

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