Hi confused,This surgery is challenging because everyone responds a little differently to it. While certain recovery experiences seem to be universal, it's amazing how everyone responds in their own unique way.
When I asked my surgeon about a side effect I was experiencing, he said he always thought he'd heard it all when someone reports a brand new symptom to him. When I'd called to ask about reflux symptoms I felt I was experiencing, he said that "pretty much anything is possible in the early stages of recovery."
Not having a bowel movement is totally normal. Think about how much you're eating. It will take quite a while to get things built up to their typical volume, and it takes your bowels some time to get accustomed to your new eating routine. Whenever I cut down on eating it always slows things up until my body gets used to the reduction of bulk.
That said, when in doubt, call your surgeon's office and ask if this is normal. If they feel it's important to get things moving, they'll likely prescribe or suggest a laxative. If you're uncomfortable, I would suggest making a call.
I would suspect that your swallowing will begin to get more difficult in the next week or so, since your wrap is likely becoming more and more swollen. My surgeon warned me of this, and said once the swelling peaks on or about 14 days then it will begin to subside and swallowing will improve again.
For some reason some people don't notice fullness the way others do. I don't understand why. I filled up with very little food. Others have to be careful how much they put into their stomach or they are very uncomfortable or in pain afterward.
Some people go back to work after one week, so I don't think it's out of the ordinary not to feel a lot of pain. As I said, everyone is different. Some here describe how they experience extreme pain. I did not.
If you're worried or have questions, I suggest you call your surgeon's office and see what they have to say. They get paid lots of money to do the surgery and follow your recovery.
Most of all, don't worry. It's normal to worry...we all worried when we were at your stage of recovery. Hang in there. The first few weeks are the roughest.
Happy healing!
Denise