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 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 healthful 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.
Although you may need to contact your insurance carrier or primary medical doctor for a referral for your first visit to our office, we will take care of all authorizations after that time. If our physicians recommend surgery and/or additional testing, the Referral Coordinator will contact your insurance company to insure that authorization is obtained.
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:
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.
Dr.Steinbaum and his staff were extremely nice to work with. Dr.Steinbaum saved my legs more than once from amputation. In the end I requested that he not do the amputation as I didnt want him to see all his work be for nothing. I think of his entire office often and hope they all are well. I should have done this a long time ago. You all were the best!
“I would just like to say thank you to Dr.Diaz for his services to me. He is a very fine Doctor, very understanding and the care he gave me at the ER in the Hospital was great !!!!! He took the the time out to go over things with me.”
“Dear Jeremy, Just wanted to thank you for being so kind and respectful. Thats what set you aside from the others.”
“I wanted to write you to let you know how very pleased we both were with the wonderful treatment you provided Bill on the occasion of his hernia repair surgery! The staff at the hospital was very efficient, helpful, and pleasant, as was everyone in your office upon our visit there.”
“Thank you for your exceptional care for our Mom. Thanks for the extra TLC.”
“I want to express my appreciation for all that you have done for my husband and me. We have had many doctors over the years, but no one has been as concerned and caring as you.”
“Thank you for Saving My Daddy.”
“To All. We are more grateful than you will ever know! Our entire family thanks you for your kindness and help with our father and husband. In such a hard time you all have made us feel so comfortable. Many thanks!”
“There comes a time in our journey through life that we need family and friends. You will never know the peace you gave to me and my family – the words of comfort and your decisions were led truly, from the heart of a man with compassion, and for that we so sincerely thank you.”
“My husband’s courageous battle with cancer ended on May 27th, when God called him home. Thank you for your caring, compassion, for your excellent surgical skill – saving my husband’s life, giving us more time together, and to enjoy our family for a while longer.”
“Thank you so much for the quality of care you provided through surgery. We are amazed at your surgical skills as well as the way you took time to explain things in such a comforting manner.”
“My husband and I want to thank all of you for the wonderful kindness and support you gave to me during my challenge through cancer. You’re all angels and very caring peole in our eyes. God Bless You.”