10 Foods to Get Your Bowels Moving after Hysterectomy

Following your hysterectomy, you may find you deal with some uncomfortable and painful bowel issues. You may have slow or sluggish bowels from anesthesia, and medications and dietary changes could contribute to some constipation after hysterectomy, too. You may begin to wonder how long before you will have a bowel movement after your hysterectomy. To help combat these issues and encourage bowel function, there are some foods and drinks which can help get your bowel working again and ease the constipation and pressure.

In general, most fruits and vegetables will help get things moving. You can eat them fresh, dried, cooked, or in juices and smoothies. Beans, whole grains, nuts, and seeds can also stimulate your bowel. On the other hand, too many dairy products, foods high in fat, and being dehydrated can worsen your bowel issues.

The Hyster Sisters Cookbook has several Post Op Prunes and Moving Dishes you can try to help get things going after your hysterectomy. You can also try adding the following 10 foods and drinks to your diet.

1. Prunes

Prunes and prune juice can help promote bowel movements and softer stools. You can plums fresh or have a handful of prunes, or you can try them in muffins, cake, stews, smoothies, and more.

2. Coffee

Coffee and other warm liquids can help get your bowels moving, but too much caffeine can contribute to dehydration so drink it in moderation.

3. Bran

Bran flakes alone, in muffins, or added to a cup of yogurt or your smoothie can help keep your bowel functioning smoothly.

4. Oatmeal

Eating a bowl of oatmeal or mixing it in yogurt or a smoothie can get your bowels moving and keep your stools soft.

5. Popcorn

If you choose a healthy version (air-popped, minimal butter), popcorn can give you fiber to help with bowel issues.

6. Broccoli

Raw broccoli is a great source of fiber. Though cooking it decreases its fiber content, steaming, broiling, or baking it can still be beneficial–but limit the butter or oil and salt.

7. Berries

Most berries are a good source of fiber and antioxidants, plus they are easy to eat alone or add to smoothies, yogurt, or cereal.

8. Apples

An apple a day can keep constipation away! You can eat fresh apples, applesauce, apple juice, and more to help keep your digestive system working well.

9. Flaxseed

Adding flaxseed to your smoothies, yogurt, cereal, muffins, and recipes is an easy way to increase your fiber and get your bowels going.

10. Water

Fluids are essential for getting your bowels moving and helping with constipation, so be sure are drinking water all day, every day. The rule of thumb is 8 glasses of water per day. While other fluids are okay, too, many, like alcohol or too much caffeine for example, can be dehydrating. Fiber without plenty of fluids could also worsen your bowel issues.

This content was written by staff of HysterSisters.com by non-medical professionals based on discussions, resources and input from other patients for the purpose of patient-to-patient support.  Reprinted with permission: 10 Foods to Get Your Bowels Moving after Hysterectomy