Constipation After Surgery: Why It Happens and How to Manage It

Written by Dr. Bharat Pothuri, MD, FACG | Updated On 08-17-2025

Constipation After Surgery: Why It Happens and How to Manage It

It is time consuming to recover from surgery. One common problem many people experience is constipation. It can make you feel uncomfortable and slow down healing. If you live in Houston, this is something familiar.

This guide explains why constipation occurs after surgery, how to manage it safely, and which foods can help. At Gastrodoxs, we want your recovery to be smooth and comfortable.

Section 1: The Cause of Constipation Following Surgery

After surgery, your body focuses on healing, which can slow down your gut.

Dr. Bharat Pothuri, a Houston-based surgeon, explains:

“Your body is spending energy to repair and re-energize itself after anesthesia. This slows down how food moves through your system.”

Common reasons for post-surgery constipation:

• Anesthesia: Slows digestion for a day or two.
• Pain medications (especially opioids): Make stools harder.
• Reduced movement: Staying in bed slows bowel activity.
• Reduced water intake: IV fluids may not be enough.
• Low-fiber diet: Post-surgery diets are often low in fiber.

Tips that help:

• Go on short strolls or stretch gently.
• Talk to your doctor about non-opioid pain relief.
• Drink water frequently—even small amounts help.

Section 2: What Causes Post-Surgery Constipation

Knowing the causes helps you treat it early.

• Anesthesia:
  - Slows gut movement
  - Bowel function takes time to return.
• Opioids:
  - Relax gut muscles
  - Make stools dry and hard.
• Dehydration:
  - You may not feel thirsty, but your body still needs fluids.
• Low-Fiber Diet:
  - Light or clear diets slow digestion.
• Low Physical Activity:
  - Staying in bed keeps the gut from moving.
• Pain and Stress:
  - Pain reduces movement; stress affects gut function.

Section 3: Medication Side Effects

Some medications make constipation worse. Talk to your care team about these:

• Opioids: Slow bowel function.
• Calcium- or aluminum-based antacids: Harden stools.
• Iron supplements: Often needed after blood loss, but can cause constipation.
• Anticholinergics: Rarely used, may slow digestion.

Dr. Pothuri says: “Ask if your medications can be adjusted or spaced out.”

Section 4: How to Manage Constipation After Surgery

Drink More Fluids

• Take water, herbal tea, or broth during the day.
• Aim for 8–10 cups daily (consult your physician for your limit).

Add Gentle Fiber

• Try applesauce, bananas, or cooked prunes.
• Then move on to oatmeal or cooked vegetables.

Get Moving Early

• Even short walks help your gut.
• Deep breathing and stretching also help.

Use Laxatives Safely

• Docusate (Colace): Softens stools.
• Miralax: Draws water into the bowel.
• Always follow your doctor's instructions.

Improve Toilet Posture

• Elevate your knees on a footstool.
• Lean forward with elbows on thighs.

Keep Track

• Record your bowel movements.
• Report to your doctor if you do not go for 2–3 days.

Section 5: 10 Simple Stress Busters to Stay Regular

• Eat small, frequent meals.
• Drink 4–6 oz of prune juice daily.
• Try warm beverages during the day.
• Gently massage your belly in circles.
• Use a heating pad on your stomach.
• Do not strain—stop if you feel pain.

Section 6: Foods That Help

Fruits & Vegetables

• Berries, peeled apples, pears.
• Artichokes, cooked carrots, squash, spinach.

Whole Grains

• Brown rice, oatmeal, bran cereal.
• Whole wheat toast.

Beans & Lentils

• Black beans, lentil soup, split peas.

Fluids

• Herbal tea, prune juice, broth.
• Sugar-free electrolyte drinks.

Healthy Fats

• Olive oil on veggies.
• Mashed avocado on toast.

Section 7: Laxative Guide

Section 8: When to Call a Doctor

You can recover at home, but call your doctor if you have:

• Severe abdominal pain or swelling
• Vomiting or trouble keeping fluids down
• Fever over 101°F
• No bowel movement for 5+ days

Dr. Pothuri adds: “If things don’t improve, it could be a blockage. Don’t wait.”

Section 9: Dr. Pothuri's Advice

“I remind my Houston patients—healing your gut is just as important as healing your wound,” says Dr. Bharat Pothuri. “Stay hydrated, move when you can, and eat some fiber. If needed, we’ll use gentle laxatives.”

Section 10: Trusted Resources

• Mayo Clinic: Combating Constipation
• NIH: Dietary Fiber Guide

Conclusion

Constipation after surgery is common—but it can be managed. Now you know why it happens and what you can do. Follow these tips to feel better and recover faster.

Need help? The team at Gastrodoxs and Dr. Pothuri are here to support your recovery.

About the Author

Dr. Bharat Pothuri is a Board-Certified Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist. With extensive experience in digestive health, he specializes in advanced endoscopic procedures, chronic GI disorder management, and preventive care. Dr. Pothuri is dedicated to providing expert, patient-focused insights to help improve gut health and overall well-being.