This topic is about understanding how long it might take to have a bowel movement after undergoing hernia repair surgery when you already have a colostomy. The person is looking for timelines or what to expect regarding post-surgery bowel activity.

Here are some helpful insights and advice:

1. After surgery, patients are often not allowed to eat or drink initially. With no food intake, it's normal not to have any bowel output for several days.

2. The first diet after surgery is usually liquid and low in volume. This might cause some gas but not much stool. Everyone's body is different, so the time it takes for bowel movements to resume can vary.

3. If there is still no bowel output after a few more days, it's important to let the medical staff know. They can check for or address any potential blockages.

4. To help get your bowels moving again once you start eating:
- Have regular meals that are rich in fiber, like oatmeal.
- Stay well-hydrated by drinking plenty of water, about 2.5 liters a day.
- Engage in gentle exercise, such as walking.

5. Try to limit the use of opioid pain medications if possible, as they can slow down the movement of your gut.