Why it is important to fart after surgery

After surgery, one awkward question your caregivers or doctors may ask you is whether you have passed gas. This is because passing gas is a sign that your bowels are returning to normal. You may not have a bowel movement for four to five days following surgery.

Although, during my research, I was a bit confused because that was the first time hearing such. So, I had to dig deep and this is what I found out. During surgery, spinal anesthesia is given to numb the body waist below. This then makes all the internal organs along with the bowels go into a sleep state.

Sometimes air gets trapped in your stomach under the influence of analgesic medicines. And when doctors sew up the incision after taking the baby out a little bit of air gets trapped inside the abdomen. This is why the doctors or healthcare staff needs to know if you have passed gas after the surgery while you are recovering from the effects of anesthesia.

However, here are some do’s and don’t that can help you to return to normal bowel function.

1. Drink warm liquids, eat slowly, eat a small amount and chew your food very well.

2. Avoid staying in bed for long especially during the day.

3. Please make sure you walk outside your room three to four times daily.

4. Avoid the temptation of lying down after eating. That is why after each meal walk a little and sit up in a chair for at least 30 to 60 minutes.

5. Please, lie on your left side rather than on your back to help move gas through your bowels.

6. Avoid foods that contain gas like cabbage, melon, carbonated drinks, broccoli. Also, avoid drinking from a straw.

Finally, as your bowel function returns to normal, your diet will change from only liquids to soft foods. To help with any nausea you may experience due to sluggish bowels. Always wash your hands before and after you touch your incision, and anytime you use the bathroom. Clean your genital area after you go to the bathroom by wiping it from front to back.

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