System and methods for acquiring and processing myoelectrical data from the gastrointestinal tract of a patient are provided. In various embodiments, the systems and methods monitor the motor activity of a patient recovering from surgery to detect a resumption in gastrointestinal motility. In some embodiments, the systems and methods enable proper post-operative ileus in the patient. In some embodiments, the systems and methods allow researchers or clinicians to determine the efficacy of one or more therapies intended to encourage gastrointestinal motility. In some embodiments, the systems and methods enable clinicians to predict and facilitate the proper timing of discharge from a healthcare facility following surgery.
