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.
ACTIVITY RESTRICTIONS
No heavy lifting over 20lb for 4 weeks. Your risk of hernia is always higher - avoid maximum weight lifting as much as you can for the rest of your life. 1 out of 4 patients will get a hernia after surgery - we use small incisions to minimize this risk.
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.
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 at the bottom of this page!
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.
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.
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!