GENERAL PERI-OPERATIVE CARE

ENHANCED RECOVERY AFTER SURGERY
[ERAS]

A majority of our patients will receive pain and nausea medications starting in the PREOP area. This is part of the effort to keep you comfortable and help you recover as smoothly as possible.

POST-OP FOLLOW-UP

You should be scheduled to see Dr. Isolina within 1-2 weeks post-op. If issues arise before then - call her office or message the clinic on this website!

PAIN MANAGEMENT

Any pain management begins with "mulit-modal" therapy - this includes medicines that target different pain receptors. These medications work together to keep you comfortable. The key to recovery isn't NO pain meds, it's knowing how to use pain meds to get you back on your feet quickly after surgery.

RETURN TO WORK/SCHOOL

We feel that limitation to return to work/driving/school is different for everyone. You need to be off of narcotics, able to slam on breaks if needed, and able to get in and out of car. For most people this is 3-7d. Energy level does take a while to come back 100% - up to a few months after surgery.

POST-OP DIET

The most important aspect of your diet after surgery is HYDRATION. Your appetite will naturally lag behind. Focus on 60-100g of protein per day and at least 60oz of water per day to stay hydrated regardless of the surgery.

BOWEL REGIMEN

A daily soft toothpaste consistency stool should be the goal. If you have not had a stool by POD3 you should call the office for additional recommendations. Typically doubling the Miralax dose and taking a glycerin suppository will be enough to help!

ACTIVITY RESTRICTIONS

For any incisional surgery - no heavy lifting over 20lb for 4 weeks. Your risk of hernia will always be higher, thus you should avoid maximum weight lifting as much as you can for the rest of your life. 1 out of 4 patients who have surgery will get a hernia, which is why we use small incisions to minimize this risk.