Sensitive bowel after surgery: how to avoid bloating, diarrhoea, and constipation
Surgical intervention on the intestines is a serious challenge for the body. Even after a successful operation, digestive issues such as bloating, diarrhoea, or constipation may occur. This is due to changes in bowel function, temporary disruption of the gut microbiota, and the body’s adaptation to its new state. How can you support your digestive system and prevent unpleasant symptoms? Below, we explore key recommendations.
Causes of bowel sensitivity after surgery
Postoperative bowel sensitivity can be explained by several factors:
- Surgical intervention – even a minor operation can affect bowel motility, slowing it down or, conversely, speeding it up.
- Anaesthesia and medications – general anaesthesia, antibiotics, and painkillers can cause dysbiosis and temporary digestive problems.
- Changes in diet – after surgery, eating habits change, and the body adapts to new conditions.
- Reduced physical activity – limited mobility affects bowel peristalsis, which can lead to constipation.
To minimise these consequences, it is important to monitor your diet, hydration, and lifestyle.
Main symptoms
🔹 Bloating
Excessive gas formation after surgery can result from impaired digestion, reduced enzyme activity, or microbiota imbalance. It is often accompanied by discomfort, abdominal pain, and rumbling.
🔹 Diarrhoea
Loose stools may be due to dietary changes, antibiotic use, or surgery on the large intestine. If diarrhoea lasts more than a few days, it may indicate a lack of beneficial bacteria or food intolerance.
🔹 Constipation
Postoperative constipation often occurs due to insufficient fibre intake, inadequate fluid consumption, or the use of painkillers.
All these symptoms can be avoided by properly adjusting your diet and lifestyle.
Eating habits to prevent digestive issues
✅ Eat frequently but in small portions. This reduces the burden on the intestines and helps prevent bloating.
✅ Chew food thoroughly. This improves digestion and reduces the risk of bloating.
✅ Avoid overeating. Excessive strain on the digestive system can trigger discomfort.
✅ Do not consume food that is too hot or too cold. The optimal temperature is room temperature or slightly warmer.
✅ Introduce new foods gradually. If your bowel is sensitive, sudden dietary changes may cause undesirable reactions.
Beneficial foods for restoring digestion
The following foods can help normalise digestion:
- Fermented dairy products (kefir, sugar-free yoghurt, ryazhenka) – contain probiotics that support gut microbiota.
- Vegetables and fruits (pumpkin, courgettes, beetroot, bananas, apples) – provide fibre essential for peristalsis.
- Porridges (buckwheat, oats, millet) – are easily digestible and help regulate bowel movements.
- Lean meats (chicken, turkey, rabbit) – a source of protein necessary for body recovery.
- Plant-based oils (olive, flaxseed) – improve digestion and prevent constipation.
Foods to avoid
🚫 Fatty, fried foods – difficult to digest and may cause bloating.
🚫 High-sugar foods – promote fermentation in the intestines.
🚫 Milk – may cause bloating in individuals with lactose intolerance.
🚫 Legumes (peas, beans, lentils), cabbage, carbonated drinks – contribute to gas formation.
🚫 Alcohol and caffeine – may irritate the intestinal lining.
The role of probiotics and prebiotics in microbiota restoration
🔹 Probiotics (yoghurt, kefir, fermented foods) contain beneficial bacteria that help restore microbiota balance.
🔹 Prebiotics (fibre, onions, garlic, bananas) – act as “food” for beneficial bacteria, stimulating their growth.
If antibiotics were prescribed after surgery, probiotics and prebiotics are especially important for restoring gut flora.
Importance of hydration
💧 Drink enough water – this helps prevent constipation and improves digestion.
💧 Avoid carbonated drinks – they can cause bloating.
💧 Start your morning with a glass of warm water – this activates bowel function.
The optimal daily water intake is 1.5–2 litres, provided there are no contraindications.
Physical activity and its effect on digestion
🚶♂️ Light physical activity enhances bowel peristalsis. Even short walks can help prevent constipation.
🧘♀️ Breathing exercises and yoga have a positive impact on bowel function.
⚠️ Avoid excessive physical exertion in the first few weeks after surgery.
When to seek medical advice
🔔 If symptoms persist for more than two weeks or worsen.
🔔 If severe pain, nausea, vomiting, or blood in the stool occurs.
🔔 If persistent constipation or diarrhoea does not improve with dietary adjustments.
Do not self-medicate – if you experience serious symptoms, consult a doctor!
By following proper nutrition, hydration, and light physical activity, you can significantly ease the recovery process after surgery and avoid digestive problems. However, if discomfort persists, do not delay seeking professional medical advice.