Constipation

Medically, constipation is defined as the presence of less than three bowel movements per week. If the bowel movement is reduced to less than one per week, then it is referred to as chronic constipation. Constipation occurs as a result of slowness of the movement of stool in the colon. Constipation may occur due to multiple causes including poor bowel habits, certain drugs, eating a diet low in fiber, abusing laxatives, hormonal imbalances, and diseases of the other parts of the body also affecting colon. The two types of disorders of colon that lead to constipation are inertia of the colon and dysfunction of the pelvic floor. Constipation may also occur during pregnancy due to increased levels of estrogen and progesterone hormones. Constipation may be treated using dietary fiber, non-stimulant laxative, enemas, stimulant laxatives, biofeedback training, suppository and surgery. Stimulant laxatives may damage the colon permanently and aggravates constipation; hence, they are used as a last resort to treatment.

Nutritional Concerns after Bariatric Surgery

New behaviors take time to learn. The first few months after your operation represent a sensitive time both psychologically and physiologically. Depending on your operation, it is very important to allow any connections between the stomach and the intestine to heal. The first few months post-op are also complicated by problems with judging adequate hydration. You must be cognizant and careful that obesity and over-eating may be signs of an addiction behavior.

Vitamin Supplements and Medications

We strongly encourage a healthy balance diet after bariatric surgery. Even with a balanced diet, it is difficult to consume enough variety to ensure that you are meeting all of the recommended amounts of each vitamin regularly.

Detailed question

Diverticula are small sacs that occur on your large intestine (also called your colon). Some people think that they must stay away from eating seeds because these seeds can get stuck in the openings of these sacs. Can eating seeds develop or worsen diverticulosis?

Does eating seeds affect my condition of diverticulosis?

The majority of scientific literature does not support the hypothesis that by avoiding eating seeds you can avoid future attacks of diverticulitis.

Colon

The large intestine carries out the function of absorption of water and electrolytes as well as storing waste until it can be expelled. It is also responsible for maintaining water balance and some absorption of vitamins such as vitamin K. The mixture of remaining food and intestinal juices called chyme in the colon is devoid of almost all nutrients and water; it consists of primarily the undigested food with some amount of water and electrolytes.

Recovery and Life at Home after Bariatric Surgery

Recovery after bariatric surgery takes time and patience. The diet is strict. You may experience discomfort and pain as your body heals. The length of time to return to normal activities can vary from patient to patient. Some patients are able to return to work within a few weeks and see weight loss soon after surgery. For others, a couple of months go by before they experience noticeable weight loss. From lifestyle changes to health transformations that change lives, life after surgery is full of both successes and challenges.