Surgery Instructions
Before Your Surgery
7 Days Before Surgery
- Stop taking aspirin and NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications: Motrin, Advil, Aleve, Excedrin and Ibuprofen) 7 days before surgery. Tylenol is OK to take up until the date of surgery.
- Stop taking Fish Oil and Vitamin E 7 days before surgery.
- If you are taking medications that interfere with blood clotting such as Warfarin, Eliquis, Pradaxa, Xarelto, Coumadin or other anticoagulants, management will be done both pre and post op by your Internist or Cardiologist.
Eating and Drinking
- Avoid solid foods 8 hours before surgery and fluids 2 hours before surgery.
Pick Up Your Medications
Go to the pharmacy and pick up the prescriptions and medications prescribed.
Normal prescription medications include:
- Pain medication
- Anti-nausea medication
Normal non-prescription medications include:
- Miralax
- Pads
- Fleet Enema – this should be done the night before and morning of the procedure ONLY if you are having a Laparoscopic Sacral Colpopexy
Day of Surgery
- Do not shave or mark your skin anywhere near the surgical site.
- Do not wear makeup.
- All jewelry, including body piercings, must be removed.
- Wear loose, comfortable clothing.
- Remove your pessary if you can.
- Please arrive on time.
- You must be accompanied by a responsible adult when you leave the surgery center or hospital, and should have someone stay with you for 12-24 hours after the surgery. You MAY NOT drive yourself home.
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After Surgery
- You should start moving as soon as possible. This helps to prevent blood clots.
- Use good common sense when planning activities – if something you are doing hurts, don’t do it.
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.
Recovery Questions
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.
When to Call the Office
Call the office at 239-449-7979 if:
- You have a temperature of 100.4° or higher over a 6 hour period
- You have chills
- You have abdominal bloating accompanied by nausea, vomiting or inability to pass gas
- You have symptoms of a urinary tract infection (urgency, frequency, burning)
- You have pain unrelieved by pain medication
- You have vaginal bleeding heavier than a period
- You experience chest pain, shortness of breath, pain in the calves or redness/drainage from incisions
If you believe you are having an emergency, go to the emergency department right away.
Questions About Your Surgery?
Call 239-449-7979 or book a visit online and our team will help.
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Testimonials
Meet Our Providers
What Our Patients Are Saying
We are honored to be a part of our patients’ journeys back to health and happiness. Read what they have to say about their experience at the Florida Bladder Institute.
"Dr. Gauta and his staff are wonderful! They are all so friendly and welcoming. I was very nervous about my appointment, but they made me feel so comfortable and at ease. Dr. Gauta is a great doctor who is very knowledgeable and caring. I would highly recommend him to anyone."
— Patient Review
"I am so grateful to have found Dr. Gauta. He is a wonderful doctor who has helped me so much. He is very kind and compassionate and takes the time to listen to your concerns. His staff is also amazing! They are all so friendly and helpful. I would highly recommend Dr. Gauta to anyone."
— Patient Review
"Dr. Gauta is an amazing doctor! He is so knowledgeable and caring. He takes the time to explain everything to you and makes you feel very comfortable. His staff is also wonderful! They are all so friendly and helpful. I would highly recommend Dr. Gauta to anyone who is looking for a great urogynecologist."
— Patient Review
"Dr. Gauta is the best! He is a very caring and compassionate doctor. He takes his time to explain everything to you and makes you feel very comfortable. His staff is also amazing! They are all very friendly and helpful. I would highly recommend Dr. Gauta to anyone who is looking for a great urogynecologist."
— Patient Review
"I have been a patient of Dr. Gauta's for many years. He is an excellent doctor who is very knowledgeable and skilled in his field. He has helped me with a number of different issues over the years and I have always been very happy with the care I have received. I would highly recommend him to anyone."
— Patient Review
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