Almost two years ago, I had a small bowel obstruction. It took forever for I could actually eat again because I projectile vomit anything I consumed via mouth. Why does it take the digestive system to start again after it is damaged or worked on? Why aren’t other bodily systems like this?
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Imagine if you were out playing and suddenly you tripped and got a really bad scrape on your knee. That would hurt, right? And it would take some time to heal. For a while, you wouldn’t be able to run or play as hard as you usually do, because your body is working hard to heal your knee. You might even feel a bit tired, because healing takes a lot of energy.
Well, when you have surgery, it’s kind of like getting a really, really big scrape, but on the inside of your body. Even though you can’t see it, your body has to work hard to heal. This can make you feel tired and sensitive.
Your digestive system is also sensitive after surgery for a couple of reasons.
First, many people have to fast, or not eat anything, before surgery. This means the digestive system isn’t working as much as usual. Then, after surgery, when you start eating again, it’s a bit like waking it up after a long nap – it takes a while to get going again.
Second, the medications used during surgery can affect your digestive system. For example, anesthesia (the medicine that makes you sleep during surgery) can slow down your digestive system. Pain medications can also make your digestive system work slower than usual.
That’s why doctors often recommend starting with easy-to-digest foods after surgery, like broth or gelatin. It’s kind of like warming up before you start playing again – it helps your digestive system get ready to work normally again.
So in short, your digestive system is sensitive after surgery because your body is working hard to heal, and because the medicines used during surgery can make your digestive system slower.
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