Constipation After Gastric Sleeve Surgery

Weight loss surgery is considered an effective tool in the treatment of obesity. In addition to resulting weight loss, this type of intervention may improve or reduce associated diseases and risk factors, such as hypertension, metabolic syndrome, and type 2 diabetes. Diseases related to the digestive system are more common in obese people. Problems related to the digestive system that may not be seen prior to surgery may arise.

Constipation is a common complaint after gastric surgery. About half of the operated patients suffer from short-term or long-term constipation. After gastric surgery, there is a significant decrease in bowel movements. Due to a decrease in bowel movements, there is an increase in the stool transit time. In this case, the frequency of defecation occurs, this leads to constipation.

Because less food is consumed after gastric sleeve surgery, not enough fiber can be obtained and there is a reduction in the amount and frequency of defecation. Constipation is more common during this period, especially since the first fifteen days after surgery are fed liquid foods and fiber foods are not consumed.

 As food variety increases and high-fiber foods are consumed, stool occurs and normal defecation occurs.

When treating constipation, we must first change our lifestyle.

1. We should consume at least 2 liters of water per day.
2. We should exercise regularly every day.  Regular brisk walking is most ideal.
3. We should consume 2-3 apricots or dried figs per day.
4. The foods we consume should be high-fiber foods, not carbohydrates.

If our symptoms do not improve with these non-drug regimens, drug therapy can be used.

There are drugs that increase bowel movements (rectum) or draw fluids into the rectum and soften the stool. However, these drugs should not be used for a long time.