What to take after surgery to go to the bathroom?

September 22, 2025 •

4 min read

According to research, as many as 40% of patients experience constipation after surgery, a common and often uncomfortable side effect. Understanding what to take after surgery to go to the bathroom is crucial for a smooth recovery and can prevent unnecessary discomfort and complications.

Quick Summary

Managing post-surgery constipation often involves a combination of stool softeners, like docusate sodium, and gentle laxatives such as senna, in addition to increasing fluid intake and gentle movement, all under a doctor's guidance. These strategies help counteract the effects of anesthesia, pain medication, and inactivity that commonly slow bowel function.

Key Points

Start Proactively: Don't wait for constipation to happen; begin with preventative measures like high fluids and fiber before and after surgery, as recommended by your doctor.
Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate: Drink plenty of water and clear fluids, as dehydration is a major contributor to hard, difficult-to-pass stool.
Use Stool Softeners: Often prescribed alongside opioid pain medication, stool softeners like docusate sodium prevent hard stools and reduce straining.
Mobilize Gently: Light, gentle movement like short walks can help stimulate your bowels, but always follow your surgeon's activity guidelines.
Know Your Laxatives: Understand the difference between osmotic laxatives (draws water into the bowels) and stimulant laxatives (forces contractions), using them only as directed by a healthcare professional.
Consult Your Doctor: If constipation persists for more than a few days, or if you experience severe pain, bloating, or nausea, contact your surgeon for guidance.

Understanding Post-Surgery Constipation

Constipation is a frequently reported issue following surgery, and it's not a coincidence. Several factors contribute to this temporary slowdown of your digestive system. First, the anesthesia used during your procedure can paralyze the gut muscles, causing them to work less effectively for a period of time. Additionally, post-operative pain medications, especially opioids, are notorious for slowing down the bowels. Finally, reduced mobility and a change in diet can disrupt your body's normal digestive patterns. For a comfortable recovery, it’s vital to be proactive in managing this side effect.

The Importance of Proactive Management

Instead of waiting until you are severely uncomfortable, a proactive approach is highly recommended. For elective surgeries, it's beneficial to begin preparing your gut in the days leading up to your procedure. After surgery, following your doctor's instructions for hydration, diet, and medication can prevent constipation from becoming a major issue. Straining to have a bowel movement can be painful and may put stress on your incision sites, which can slow the healing process.

First-Line Solutions: Gentle and Natural Approaches

Your first line of defense should focus on natural and gentle methods to encourage bowel motility. These techniques are often recommended before moving on to stronger medications.

Hydration is Key

Drinking plenty of fluids is one of the most effective ways to combat constipation. Water is essential for softening stool and aiding its passage. Dehydration causes the body to absorb water from the colon, making stool harder and more difficult to pass. Aim for plenty of water, and consider incorporating certain fruit juices, like prune juice, which has natural laxative properties. Avoid excessive caffeine and alcohol, as these can be dehydrating.

Incorporate High-Fiber Foods

Once your doctor gives you the green light to resume a regular diet, gradually reintroduce high-fiber foods. Fiber adds bulk to your stool and promotes regular bowel movements. Be cautious with fiber supplements right away, as they can sometimes worsen the issue without adequate fluid intake.

Fruits: Raspberries, blackberries, prunes, pears, and apples are excellent choices.
Vegetables: Leafy greens, carrots, and peas can boost your fiber intake.
Whole Grains: Oats, whole-wheat pasta, and brown rice are good sources.
Legumes: Lentils, black beans, and chickpeas are packed with fiber.

Get Moving (As Permitted)

Even light physical activity can stimulate your gut and encourage a bowel movement. Your surgeon will provide specific guidelines on when and how much you can move. A short walk down the hospital hallway or around your house is often a recommended starting point. Movement helps restart the natural muscle contractions of your digestive system.

Medical Options: Stool Softeners and Laxatives

When natural remedies aren't enough, your doctor may recommend over-the-counter or prescription medications. Always consult your surgeon or a healthcare professional before taking any medication after surgery.

Stool Softeners (e.g., Docusate Sodium)

Stool softeners, such as docusate sodium (often branded as Colace), are typically the first medical option suggested. These medications work by allowing more water to be absorbed into the stool, making it softer and easier to pass without straining. They are not fast-acting and may take 12-72 hours to produce an effect, so starting them early is beneficial.

Gentle Laxatives (e.g., Senna, Miralax)

If you haven't had a bowel movement within a couple of days and your stool is soft but not moving, a gentle laxative may be used.

Senna (Senokot): A plant-based stimulant laxative that causes the intestinal muscles to contract.
Polyethylene Glycol (MiraLAX): An osmotic laxative that works by drawing water into the bowels.

These are often available over the counter, but should only be used as directed by your healthcare provider, especially in the sensitive post-operative period.

Comparing Constipation Relief Options


Option	Mechanism	Speed of Action	Best For	Considerations
Dietary Fiber	Adds bulk to stool	Gradual (24-72 hrs)	Prevention; mild constipation	Requires sufficient fluid; avoid supplements if dehydrated.
Hydration	Keeps stool soft	Ongoing (within 24 hrs)	All stages of recovery	Essential foundation for all other methods.
Stool Softeners	Softens hard stool	12-72 hours	Preventing constipation, especially with opioid use	Proactive use is most effective; not a stimulant.
Osmotic Laxatives	Draws water into colon	1-3 days	When stool is not moving; mild-to-moderate constipation	Safe for longer-term use under medical supervision.
Stimulant Laxatives	Stimulates bowel muscles	6-12 hours	Occasional use for stubborn constipation	Can be harsh; short-term use only as directed.

Avoiding Complications and When to Call the Doctor

Proper management can prevent common complications like hemorrhoids or fecal impaction, which is when stool becomes so hard it cannot be passed. However, it is crucial to know when your symptoms require professional attention. If you experience severe abdominal pain, bloating, nausea, or have not had a bowel movement after 4-5 days despite trying recommended methods, you should contact your surgeon or doctor. They can assess the situation and recommend more intensive interventions like suppositories or enemas if necessary.

Conclusion: A Multi-Pronged Approach

Recovering from surgery is a complex process, and managing your bowel function is an important part of it. A combination of good hydration, an appropriate diet, and gentle movement is the ideal starting point. For those on pain medications, starting a stool softener as recommended by your doctor can be a game-changer. By taking a proactive and informed approach, you can navigate this common post-operative issue more comfortably and focus on a swift recovery.

For more detailed information on constipation, refer to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases at https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/constipation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Constipation can start as soon as the first day after surgery and can last for several days. Factors like anesthesia, pain medication, and reduced mobility all contribute to slowed bowel function, making it a common side effect of recovery.

For mild constipation after surgery, a stool softener like docusate sodium is often the first-line recommendation. If needed, a gentle osmotic laxative like MiraLAX might be suggested, but always check with your doctor before starting any new medication.

Yes, prunes are an excellent, natural way to help with constipation due to their high fiber content. As long as your doctor has cleared you for solid foods, prunes or prune juice can be a helpful addition to your diet. Just be sure to drink plenty of water with them.

Many pain medications, especially opioids, slow down the muscle contractions in your intestines. This causes waste to move through your digestive system more slowly, leading to more water being absorbed and a harder, drier stool.

A stool softener (like Colace) makes stool softer and easier to pass without causing an urge to go. A laxative (like Dulcolax or MiraLAX) stimulates or speeds up the movement of the bowels to force a bowel movement.

For elective surgery, you can prepare your gut by increasing your intake of water and high-fiber foods in the days leading up to your procedure. This ensures your bowels are functioning smoothly and can help minimize post-operative issues.

You should call your doctor if you experience severe abdominal pain, excessive bloating, nausea, vomiting, or if you have not had a bowel movement for more than 4-5 days. Don't wait for the problem to become severe.