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A female asked:

How long after an appendectomy should i expect to have a bowel movement? its been around two days. im eating normal and taking a stool softener.

1 doctor answer6 doctors weighed in
Dr. David Lipkin
Internal Medicine 54 years experience
See answer: Most people move their bowel by day 3 or 4. If no BM by then check with your Dr. Increase fiber in your diet and liquids. Increase your ambulation and amount of time up and about which will help you move your bowels.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
Dr. Robert WorthingtonKirsch
Phlebology 37 years experience
Other tips on speeding things up include chewing gum or drinking a cup of black coffee. Both have been shown to decrease time to first flatus and first BM after surgery
Dec 9, 2015
Last updated Nov 14, 2021

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