7 Days Before Surgery
Eating and Drinking
Pick Up Your Medications
Go to the pharmacy and pick up the prescriptions and medications prescribed.
Normal prescription medications include:
Normal non-prescription medications include:
How much pain is expected after surgery?
Moderate pain is normal the first 1-2 weeks after surgery, but should improve with time. During a laparoscopic procedure, gas is used to inflate your belly. Some of this gas remains in your belly after surgery, which can irritate the diaphragm and its nerve causing pain that travels to your shoulder. This is temporary and will improve quickly with activity. With certain procedures, you may experience buttock pain but this is also temporary. You should alternate Tylenol and Ibuprofen and if pain is still not controlled, you can take the narcotic medication that was prescribed. Gas pain is also common and Mylicon can be taken for this.
Should I take a stool softener?
Constipation is a common complaint after surgery, especially if taking narcotic pain medication. Take Miralax daily AFTER surgery to avoid constipation – 1 capful in 8 oz of water. If you do not have a bowel movement in 2 days after surgery, you can take 2 tablespoons of Milk of Magnesia 1-2 times per day until you have a bowel movement. If still no results, you can drink magnesium citrate.
How tired will I be?
Fatigue is a normal response after surgery and will improve with time. Plan frequent rest periods.
Will I go home with a catheter?
If you go home with a catheter, it will be removed 1-2 days after surgery. If home health has been set up, they will contact you to set up removal. If your insurance does not cover home health, the catheter will be removed in the office and an appointment will be set up for this.
Will I have vaginal bleeding?
With vaginal incisions, it is normal to have vaginal bleeding for 1-2 weeks following surgery. The bleeding should be light, so you should call if you pass large clots or have to change a pad every hour. If vaginal packing is used at the time of surgery, you may have a watery/bloody discharge. The packing is removed 1-2 days after surgery. Several weeks after the procedure you may experience increased discharge or odor as the vaginal sutures dissolve.
Can I lift?
You may not lift anything more than 5-10 lbs for 2 weeks after surgery.
Can I climb steps?
Yes, but do this with caution.
Can I have sex?
You cannot have sex until you are cleared by your provider at your post-op appointment. Generally though, you can have sex 2-4 weeks after surgery, depending on the procedure. You should also avoid putting anything in the vagina (tampons, douches, suppositories) for 2 weeks.
Can I take a bath or shower?
You can shower as soon as you get home, even if you have a catheter. Allow soapy water to run over your abdominal incisions. Vaginal incisions do not need special attention. Avoid baths for 2 weeks.
Can I swim?
You can swim in a pool 2 weeks after the surgery. Swimming in open waters can resume after 4-6 weeks.
Can I drive?
Do not drive until you can do so without discomfort and you are not using pain medication.
Do I need to change my diet?
You may eat and drink as tolerated. If nauseated, start with clear liquids, soup or crackers.
When can I go back to work?
This will depend on the type of surgery you are having. You may return to work when you feel ready. For most patients, however, you may return to work after 1-2 weeks.
Call the office at 239-449-7979 if:
If you believe you are having an emergency, go to the emergency department right away.
Ultrasound: not required unless bladder‑specific.
CMG/urodynamic testing: arrive with a full bladder.
Hysteroscopy/Essure/endometrial ablation: no bladder preparation.
Pelvic health issues are common, but they don’t have to be
your new normal. You deserve to feel confident,
comfortable, and in control. We’re here to listen, find the
root cause, and help you get back to living a life you love.
