Back surgery 5 days ago, no appetite eating very little. no bowel movement yet. passing gas though. when should i be worried?? on 200 mg colace (docusate sodium) qd.

Constipation: This is always a tough problem after back surgery and your surgeon knows this. Please keep him or her informed. I think passing gas suggests you don't have an "ileus" problem where the bowels "go to sleep" after some types of surgery. If you have no pain or nausea, you can eat, and are still passing gas, I would not be surprised if you needed another 4-5 days. See your surgeon if you are unsure.