Preparing for Laparoscopy: Tips for Recovery and Healing
Getting ready for laparoscopy for endometriosis?
Whether you're prepping for surgery or recovering after, read through for essential Pre-Op and Post-Op tips crowdsourced from fellow endowarriors!
2 weeks before:
Do not shave or wax anywhere on your body 2 weeks before surgery date, this is to prevent infection
Complete any required testing you need to do (e.g., blood, urine, imaging, etc.)
1 week before:
Take extra care of yourself by staying hydrated, moving your body, nourishing yourself, doing grounding and soothing activities, and quarantining to prevent getting sick
Increase your fiber intake, your doctor might recommend a fiber supplement
Floss 2-3 times per day to prevent infection
Remove any nail polish / fake nails
Take medications as directed by your doctor (you might have to stop some and others you can continue taking)
Few days before pack hospital bag:
Comfy clothes, underwear, and socks
Phone charger with long cord
Headphones
Glasses and glasses case
Toiletries like lip balm, toothbrush, toothpaste, baby wipes, moisturizer, eye mask, hairbrush, medications, alcohol wipes, face masks, disposable adult underwear / pads
Cough drops / jolly ranchers / mints / gum to prevent coughing / to soothe throat irritation and stimulate bowels
Easy snacks / drinks: peppermint tea, gatorade, water, apple sauce
Pillow for the ride home to place over your stomach
Books, crossword puzzles, sudoku
Journal with questions and place for your buddy/loved one to take notes after surgery
Night before:
Shower and shampoo your hair
Apply cleansing wipes provided by doctor, this is to prevent infection
Do not use any lotions, moisturizers, or cosmetics
Day of surgery:
Do not eat anything 8 hours prior to surgery, you can drink clear liquids up to 2-4 hours prior to arrival time
Do not use or wear lotions, moisturizers, cosmetics, jewelry, or nail polish
Start drinking the prescribed carbohydrate beverage 2 hours before your schedule hospital arrival time
Wear loose, comfortable clothes, and slip on shoes with socks
Don’t forget your hospital bag and pillow for the ride home
Immediately after surgery:
You will be discharged from the hospital when you meet these criteria:
Feel alert and oriented
No longer require IV fluids
Able to eat and drink
No fever and stable vital signs
Adequate pain control with oral medication
Able to walk at least short distances
Able to urinate
Recovery at home:
Stay on top of your meds, continue to take them even if you feel “fine”
Constipation and gas (which may manifest as shoulder pain and significant bloating) are common post surgery: eat as soon as you are able and as regularly as possible, stick to easy to digest foods for the first couple days, stay hydrated, peppermint tea can help with trapped gas, and take medication supports like GasX, Miralax, Fiber supplements, anti-nausea meds as recommended by your doctor
Walk as much as you can. Aim for 5-10 minutes every 1-2 hours. This is to prevent blood clots, get your GI system moving, and pass gas
Use a wedge pillow to sleep
Use heat and ice as needed to manage pain
Lifting and bending over can be painful / not possible so ask for assistance
Keep bandages on as prescribed
The recovery period is like being a wounded bird in a nest—it takes time to heal. After surgery, it can take weeks and months to fully recover. You'll feel progress day by day, but healing happens over weeks and months, is not linear, and everyone’s body takes the time it needs. Be patient and gentle with yourself and your body throughout the process. If you have any questions or concerns, contact your doctor, don’t worry about bothering them, you need to get the support you need and deserve.