Recovery time varies, depending upon the individual patient and the type of surgery performed. In many instances, patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery can return to work in as little as a few days or possibly within one week.

You can save time by filling out your new patient paperwork in advance of your first appointment. You can request that the paperwork be sent to you via U.S. mail or you can download it from your computer. Please bring the following items to your first visit:

• Your completed paperwork
• Films or discs from any radiological studies you had performed prior to your visit
• Copies of laboratory studies
• Current medication list

Your surgeon will provide specific instructions on how to prepare for your surgery. Generally speaking, for surgeries performed outside of our office, patients should not eat or drink anything after midnight on the day of your procedure. If you take regular medications, including vitamins and supplements, ask your doctor whether to take them (with a sip of water) the morning of your surgery. Please make arrangements to have a friend or family member drive you home after your procedure.

Your physician will give specific instructions regarding whether or not it is safe for you to plan to drive a vehicle after surgery. If you are taking pain medication, you should not drive or operate any machinery.

Our office will provide specific instructions on discontinuing aspirin and blood thinners on a case by case basis. It is recommended to avoid taking aspirin for 7 to 10 days prior to surgery, unless you take aspirin daily for carotid stenosis.

Taking pain medication is an individual choice, and it is important to recognize that pain meds can be addicting. In most instances, you will be given one prescription for pain medication in a quantity that should be adequate for the entire recovery period. Pain medications can cause constipation, so it is recommended that you begin taking a stool softener the day before surgery and continue taking it until you are done with your pain medication.

The best way to speed recovery is to limit bed rest and get back to your normal routine. After laparoscopic procedures, walking is encouraged as it assists in expelling the gas used during your procedure. Restrictions on lifting will be decided on an individual basis.

You will be given a pre-operative appointment prior to surgery where you may need to have blood drawn, a chest x-ray, pregnancy test and an EKG, depending upon your age. (NOTE: Patients who’ve had a chest x-ray or EKG within 12 months do not need another.) It is not necessary to fast for pre-operative blood work unless specified.

Eating a healthy diet is important for recovery. However, the only surgical procedure which requires a specific diet is cholecystectomy (removal of the gallbladder). Patients with gallbladder disease should avoid all fatty foods and should also follow a low-fat or no-fat diet prior to surgery.

Pain and bruising at the site of your surgery are normal and should be expected. Contact the office as soon as possible if any of the following symptoms are experienced:

• Fever above 101 degrees
• An incision that becomes red, hot or tender to the touch
• Pus-like drainage from your incision(s)
• Increasing constant pain
• Nausea/vomiting
• Constipation
• Difficulty urinating.

Your surgeon will provide specific instructions regarding bandage remove, when to shower, etc. DO NOT USE antibiotic ointment, hydrogen peroxide, cocoa butter, etc., on your incisions unless specifically instructed. Once the incision is healed, you can use whatever product you desire.

Please contact our office directly if you require a refill for a prescription written by one of our surgeons. Your doctor will need to speak with you about how you are feeling in order to determine if a refill is needed.

To ensure you get the appropriate date for your follow-up care, please call the office when you are discharged from the hospital or as quickly as possible after outpatient surgery.