Patient Education 
Providing the finest professional
medical services
medical services
Breast Surgery
Colon Surgery
Ventral Hernia Repair
Minimal Invasive Inguinal Hernia Surgery
Thyroid- Parathyroid Surgery
Hemorrhoids,Fissure Fistula Surgery
Post-Operative Guidelines for Anti-Reflux Surgery
Appendectomy
Gallbladder Surgery
Breast Surgery
Wound Care: You may remove the Dressing and shower after 48 hr from your surgery day dry the wound carefully and Leave the white ‘steri-strips’ on the skin for the first week to improve the cosmetic result. There is no need to cover the incisions or put antibiotic lotions on them. It is not unusual for the area around each incision to feel bruised. However if the incisions get red or begin to drain fluid more than 2 days after surgery please call us. You may have a drain put buy your surgeon please stick to the drain care instructions given to you at the hospital before discharge.
Return to Work: There is no mandatory length of time that one must stay out of work after surgery. Persons who have more physically demanding jobs should give them selves more time to heal prior to returning to work, (usually 10-14 days). Patients with more sedentary or light-duty type of work can return to work after their first post-operative evaluation if they desire. We are happy to sign “work-excuse” notices for patients at the first post-operative appointment. We do not determine ‘disability’ status for our patients. We advice our patients to ambulate as soon as possible even during there first post operative day
Pain Control: Some pain and bruising is not unusual. The pain should steadily improve. Most of the pain is from swelling and bruising. As a result, anti-inflammatory medications like Advil/Motrin and Ibuprophen, Tylenol work very well. We encourage patients to take 1-2 of these tablets every 8 hrs with some food during the first 5 days after surgery. You will also be given a prescription for a mild narcotic that will help reduce any additional pain.
Activity: In most cases, common sense applies to daily activities. Please stay active but avoid straining yourself. It takes up to 2-4 weeks for the healing process to be complete partially. Daily walks are encouraged. It is OK to ride in a car, walk up stairs and go outside. The faster people return to being active the less complications they have after surgery.
Please call our office for any concerns and for your post-operative appointment 7-14 days after surgery.
Wound Care: You may remove the Dressing and shower after 48 hr from your surgery day dry the wound carefully and Leave the white ‘steri-strips’ on the skin for the first week to improve the cosmetic result. There is no need to cover the incisions or put antibiotic lotions on them. It is not unusual for the area around each incision to feel bruised. However if the incisions get red or begin to drain fluid more than 2 days after surgery please call us. You may have a drain put buy your surgeon please stick to the drain care instructions given to you at the hospital before discharge.
Return to Work: There is no mandatory length of time that one must stay out of work after surgery. Persons who have more physically demanding jobs should give them selves more time to heal prior to returning to work, (usually 10-14 days). Patients with more sedentary or light-duty type of work can return to work after their first post-operative evaluation if they desire. We are happy to sign “work-excuse” notices for patients at the first post-operative appointment. We do not determine ‘disability’ status for our patients. We advice our patients to ambulate as soon as possible even during there first post operative day
Pain Control: Some pain and bruising is not unusual. The pain should steadily improve. Most of the pain is from swelling and bruising. As a result, anti-inflammatory medications like Advil/Motrin and Ibuprophen, Tylenol work very well. We encourage patients to take 1-2 of these tablets every 8 hrs with some food during the first 5 days after surgery. You will also be given a prescription for a mild narcotic that will help reduce any additional pain.
Activity: In most cases, common sense applies to daily activities. Please stay active but avoid straining yourself. It takes up to 2-4 weeks for the healing process to be complete partially. Daily walks are encouraged. It is OK to ride in a car, walk up stairs and go outside. The faster people return to being active the less complications they have after surgery.
Please call our office for any concerns and for your post-operative appointment 7-14 days after surgery.
Colon Surgery
Prior to your surgery you will be asked to “prep your bowel” with a combination of cathartics and oral antibiotics. Most people tolerate the process quite well. If you are having trouble keeping to the prescribed schedule simply slow down. Drink the Fleet Phosphate Soda slower (Or the Golyte), chill it with ice, or mix it with a flavored beverage (ginger ale, sprite, etc.). There is no reason to swallow everything at once.
When do I go home?
Most people will usually be able to go home after 2-4 days after surgery. Plan accordingly. Someone must drive you home.
Pain Control
You will be given pain medications at the time of surgery and a prescription to fill at the time of discharge. Most of the pain is from bruising and swelling. Medications like Motrin, Advil and Ibuprophen are very helpful after these operations. If you are allowed to take these medications you should do so. Two or three tablets every 8hrs during the first 5 days after surgery is recommended. Resume all the medications you were taking before surgery unless instructed otherwise.
Dressing changes/Wound care
Often we will place a band aids over the wound. It is OK to remove them after 24hr (please keep the steri strips in place), Ok to shower after 48 hr, Bruising and tenderness in these areas is not uncommon. A small amount of drainage may occur from these incisions in the first 24-48hrs. Increasing tenderness with continued drainage is not typical and should be reported to our office. Antibiotic ointments and “skin lotions” are not required for care of the incisions. Daily washing with mild soap and water is all that is necessary.
Diet/Bowel function after surgery
Bowel activity after abdominal surgery can be very variable. we advice our patients to stay on liquid food and advance slowly as tolerated once they get a good bowel , During this time good oral intake of non-caffeinated liquids is more important than solid food.
Post surgery care
You will be asked to return to the office for your postoperative evaluation 10 to 14 days following your surgery. Please call the office where you were last seen. Do not go to your primary care physician with postoperative problems. Notify our office first. The instructions above are meant to be a guide. Feel free to call the office with any other issues.
Prior to your surgery you will be asked to “prep your bowel” with a combination of cathartics and oral antibiotics. Most people tolerate the process quite well. If you are having trouble keeping to the prescribed schedule simply slow down. Drink the Fleet Phosphate Soda slower (Or the Golyte), chill it with ice, or mix it with a flavored beverage (ginger ale, sprite, etc.). There is no reason to swallow everything at once.
When do I go home?
Most people will usually be able to go home after 2-4 days after surgery. Plan accordingly. Someone must drive you home.
Pain Control
You will be given pain medications at the time of surgery and a prescription to fill at the time of discharge. Most of the pain is from bruising and swelling. Medications like Motrin, Advil and Ibuprophen are very helpful after these operations. If you are allowed to take these medications you should do so. Two or three tablets every 8hrs during the first 5 days after surgery is recommended. Resume all the medications you were taking before surgery unless instructed otherwise.
Dressing changes/Wound care
Often we will place a band aids over the wound. It is OK to remove them after 24hr (please keep the steri strips in place), Ok to shower after 48 hr, Bruising and tenderness in these areas is not uncommon. A small amount of drainage may occur from these incisions in the first 24-48hrs. Increasing tenderness with continued drainage is not typical and should be reported to our office. Antibiotic ointments and “skin lotions” are not required for care of the incisions. Daily washing with mild soap and water is all that is necessary.
Diet/Bowel function after surgery
Bowel activity after abdominal surgery can be very variable. we advice our patients to stay on liquid food and advance slowly as tolerated once they get a good bowel , During this time good oral intake of non-caffeinated liquids is more important than solid food.
Post surgery care
You will be asked to return to the office for your postoperative evaluation 10 to 14 days following your surgery. Please call the office where you were last seen. Do not go to your primary care physician with postoperative problems. Notify our office first. The instructions above are meant to be a guide. Feel free to call the office with any other issues.
Ventral Hernia Repair
Prior to your surgery you may be asked to “prep your bowel” with a combination of cathartics and oral antibiotics. This is done to make your operation safer. Most people tolerate the process quite well. If you are having trouble keeping to the prescribed schedule simply slow down. Drink the Fleet Phosphate Soda slower, chill it with ice, or mix it with a flavored beverage (ginger ale, sprite, etc.). There is no reason to swallow everything at once. Remember achieving partial bowel prep is better than no bowel prep.
When do I go home?
Most people will be able to go home after surgery. However, a brief overnight stay may be ordered. Plan accordingly. Someone must drive you home.
Pain Control
You will be given pain medications at the time of surgery and a prescription to fill at the time of discharge. Most of the pain is from bruising and swelling. Medications like Motrin, Advil and Ibuprophen are very helpful after these operations. If you are allowed to take these medications you should do so. Two or three tablets every 8hrs during the first 5 days after surgery is recommended. Resume all the medications you were taking before surgery unless instructed otherwise.
Dressing changes/Wound care
Often we will place a band aids over the wound. It is OK to remove them after 24hr (please keep the steri strips in place), Ok to shower after 48 hr
You will generally have 1 small incision. Bruising and tenderness in these areas is not uncommon. A small amount of drainage may occur from these incisions in the first 24hrs. Increasing tenderness with continued drainage is not typical and should be reported to our office. Antibiotic ointments and “skin lotions” are not required for care of the incisions. Daily washing with mild soap and water is all that is necessary.
Diet/Bowel function after surgery
Bowel activity after abdominal surgery can be very variable. Constipation, diarrhea, mild nausea and occasional vomiting can occur. They result from variable responses to antibiotics, pain medicines and manipulation of the bowel. Most problems are mild and resolve in 24 to 48 hrs if they occur. During this time good oral intake of non-caffeinated liquids is more important than solid food.
Post surgery care
You will be asked to return to the office for your postoperative evaluation 10 to 14 days following your surgery. Please call the office where you were last seen. Do not go to your primary care physician with postoperative problems. Notify our office first. The instructions above are meant to be a guide. Feel free to call the office with any other issues.
Prior to your surgery you may be asked to “prep your bowel” with a combination of cathartics and oral antibiotics. This is done to make your operation safer. Most people tolerate the process quite well. If you are having trouble keeping to the prescribed schedule simply slow down. Drink the Fleet Phosphate Soda slower, chill it with ice, or mix it with a flavored beverage (ginger ale, sprite, etc.). There is no reason to swallow everything at once. Remember achieving partial bowel prep is better than no bowel prep.
When do I go home?
Most people will be able to go home after surgery. However, a brief overnight stay may be ordered. Plan accordingly. Someone must drive you home.
Pain Control
You will be given pain medications at the time of surgery and a prescription to fill at the time of discharge. Most of the pain is from bruising and swelling. Medications like Motrin, Advil and Ibuprophen are very helpful after these operations. If you are allowed to take these medications you should do so. Two or three tablets every 8hrs during the first 5 days after surgery is recommended. Resume all the medications you were taking before surgery unless instructed otherwise.
Dressing changes/Wound care
Often we will place a band aids over the wound. It is OK to remove them after 24hr (please keep the steri strips in place), Ok to shower after 48 hr
You will generally have 1 small incision. Bruising and tenderness in these areas is not uncommon. A small amount of drainage may occur from these incisions in the first 24hrs. Increasing tenderness with continued drainage is not typical and should be reported to our office. Antibiotic ointments and “skin lotions” are not required for care of the incisions. Daily washing with mild soap and water is all that is necessary.
Diet/Bowel function after surgery
Bowel activity after abdominal surgery can be very variable. Constipation, diarrhea, mild nausea and occasional vomiting can occur. They result from variable responses to antibiotics, pain medicines and manipulation of the bowel. Most problems are mild and resolve in 24 to 48 hrs if they occur. During this time good oral intake of non-caffeinated liquids is more important than solid food.
Post surgery care
You will be asked to return to the office for your postoperative evaluation 10 to 14 days following your surgery. Please call the office where you were last seen. Do not go to your primary care physician with postoperative problems. Notify our office first. The instructions above are meant to be a guide. Feel free to call the office with any other issues.
Minimal Invasive Inguinal Hernia Surgery
Wound Care: In most cases you will have 3 small incisions. You may remove the Band-Aids and shower on the day of discharge. Leave the white ‘steri-strips’ on the skin for the first week to improve the cosmetic result. There is no need to cover the incisions or put antibiotic lotions on them. It is not unusual for the area around each incision to feel bruised. However if the incisions get red or begin to drain fluid more than 2 days after surgery please call us. Severe increase in abdominal pain, fever, shortness of breath or constant vomiting should be called to our attention.
Bowel Function: The general anesthetic you received to do your surgery, pain medications, and bowel manipulation during surgery can result in sluggish bowel activity in after surgery. Time and lots of fluid tend to help as well. It is not unusual for some patients to feel bloated or distended in the first few weeks after surgery. It is not unusual to vomit once or twice in the first 24 hrs.
Return to Work: There is no mandatory length of time that one must stay out of work after surgery. Persons who have more physically demanding jobs should give them selves more time to heal prior to returning to work, (usually 10-14 days). Patients with more sedentary or light-duty type of work can return to work prior to their first post-operative evaluation if they desire. We are happy to sign “work-excuse” notices for patients at the first post-operative appointment. We do not determine ‘disability’ status for our patients. We advice our patients to ambulate as soon as possible even during there first post operative day
Pain Control: Despite the small incisions, you have had a very complex surgery internally. Some pain and bruising in abdomen and groin is not unusual. The pain should steadily improve. Most of the pain is from swelling and bruising. As a result, anti-inflammatory medications like Advil/Motrin and Ibuprophen work very well. We encourage patients to take 2 or 3 of these tablets every 8 hrs with some food during the first 5 days after surgery. You will also be given a prescription for a mild narcotic that will help reduce any additional pain.
Activity: In most cases, common sense applies to daily activities. Please stay active but avoid straining yourself. It takes up to 4-8 weeks for the healing process to be complete partially. Daily walks and light aerobic exercises are encouraged. Remember, at the time of discharge you may be “sore” but you are not “sick”. It is OK to ride in a car, walk up stairs and go outside. The faster people return to being active the less complications they have after surgery. Avoid strenuous exercise for the first 3-4 moths from your surgery date.
Please Call our office for any concerns and for your post-operative appointment 10-14 days after surgery.
Wound Care: In most cases you will have 3 small incisions. You may remove the Band-Aids and shower on the day of discharge. Leave the white ‘steri-strips’ on the skin for the first week to improve the cosmetic result. There is no need to cover the incisions or put antibiotic lotions on them. It is not unusual for the area around each incision to feel bruised. However if the incisions get red or begin to drain fluid more than 2 days after surgery please call us. Severe increase in abdominal pain, fever, shortness of breath or constant vomiting should be called to our attention.
Bowel Function: The general anesthetic you received to do your surgery, pain medications, and bowel manipulation during surgery can result in sluggish bowel activity in after surgery. Time and lots of fluid tend to help as well. It is not unusual for some patients to feel bloated or distended in the first few weeks after surgery. It is not unusual to vomit once or twice in the first 24 hrs.
Return to Work: There is no mandatory length of time that one must stay out of work after surgery. Persons who have more physically demanding jobs should give them selves more time to heal prior to returning to work, (usually 10-14 days). Patients with more sedentary or light-duty type of work can return to work prior to their first post-operative evaluation if they desire. We are happy to sign “work-excuse” notices for patients at the first post-operative appointment. We do not determine ‘disability’ status for our patients. We advice our patients to ambulate as soon as possible even during there first post operative day
Pain Control: Despite the small incisions, you have had a very complex surgery internally. Some pain and bruising in abdomen and groin is not unusual. The pain should steadily improve. Most of the pain is from swelling and bruising. As a result, anti-inflammatory medications like Advil/Motrin and Ibuprophen work very well. We encourage patients to take 2 or 3 of these tablets every 8 hrs with some food during the first 5 days after surgery. You will also be given a prescription for a mild narcotic that will help reduce any additional pain.
Activity: In most cases, common sense applies to daily activities. Please stay active but avoid straining yourself. It takes up to 4-8 weeks for the healing process to be complete partially. Daily walks and light aerobic exercises are encouraged. Remember, at the time of discharge you may be “sore” but you are not “sick”. It is OK to ride in a car, walk up stairs and go outside. The faster people return to being active the less complications they have after surgery. Avoid strenuous exercise for the first 3-4 moths from your surgery date.
Please Call our office for any concerns and for your post-operative appointment 10-14 days after surgery.
Thyroid- Parathyroid Surgery
Wound Care: You may remove the dressing and shower 24hr from your surgery day (if you have a drain in place flow the guide lines for drain care which were given to you at the time of discharge home). Leave the white ‘steri-strips’ on the skin for the first week to improve the cosmetic result. There is no need to cover the incisions or put antibiotic lotions on them. It is not unusual for the area around each incision to feel bruised. However if the incisions get red or begin to drain fluid more than 2 days after surgery please call us. Fever, shortness of breath should be called to our attention.
Diet:
Start with liquid food and then advance as tolerated
Return to Work: There is no mandatory length of time that one must stay out of work after surgery. Persons who have more physically demanding jobs should give them selves more time to heal prior to returning to work, (usually 10-14 days). Patients with more sedentary or light-duty type of work can return to work prior to their first post-operative evaluation if they desire. We are happy to sign “work-excuse” notices for patients at the first post-operative appointment. We advice our patients to ambulate as soon as possible even during there first post operative day
Pain Control: pain and some bruising is not unusual. The pain should steadily improve. Most of the pain is from swelling and bruising. As a result, anti-inflammatory medications like Advil/Motrin and Ibuprophen work very well. We encourage patients to take 1-2 of these tablets every 8 hrs with some food during the first 5 days after surgery. You will also be given a prescription for a mild narcotic that will help reduce any additional pain.
Symptoms To Look for after surgery
Would like to report any shortness of breath, difficulty in breathing, bleeding from the wound, numbness in your figures or around you lips, any spasm in your hands to our office. Some wound swelling or bruising is expected.
If you had parathyroid removal surgery please communicates with your endocrinologist’s office continuously in order to adjust your medication dosage.
Wound Care: You may remove the dressing and shower 24hr from your surgery day (if you have a drain in place flow the guide lines for drain care which were given to you at the time of discharge home). Leave the white ‘steri-strips’ on the skin for the first week to improve the cosmetic result. There is no need to cover the incisions or put antibiotic lotions on them. It is not unusual for the area around each incision to feel bruised. However if the incisions get red or begin to drain fluid more than 2 days after surgery please call us. Fever, shortness of breath should be called to our attention.
Diet:
Start with liquid food and then advance as tolerated
Return to Work: There is no mandatory length of time that one must stay out of work after surgery. Persons who have more physically demanding jobs should give them selves more time to heal prior to returning to work, (usually 10-14 days). Patients with more sedentary or light-duty type of work can return to work prior to their first post-operative evaluation if they desire. We are happy to sign “work-excuse” notices for patients at the first post-operative appointment. We advice our patients to ambulate as soon as possible even during there first post operative day
Pain Control: pain and some bruising is not unusual. The pain should steadily improve. Most of the pain is from swelling and bruising. As a result, anti-inflammatory medications like Advil/Motrin and Ibuprophen work very well. We encourage patients to take 1-2 of these tablets every 8 hrs with some food during the first 5 days after surgery. You will also be given a prescription for a mild narcotic that will help reduce any additional pain.
Symptoms To Look for after surgery
Would like to report any shortness of breath, difficulty in breathing, bleeding from the wound, numbness in your figures or around you lips, any spasm in your hands to our office. Some wound swelling or bruising is expected.
If you had parathyroid removal surgery please communicates with your endocrinologist’s office continuously in order to adjust your medication dosage.
Hemorrhoids,Fissure Fistula Surgery
When do I go home?
Most people will be able to go home after surgery. Arrange for some one to drive you home after surgery. This type of surgery will need some times at least 6-12 weeks for complete recovery.
Pain Control
You will be given pain medications at the time of surgery and a prescription to fill at the time of discharge. Most of the pain is from swelling. Medications like Motrin, Advil and Ibuprophen are very helpful after these operations. If you are allowed to take these medications you should do so two or three tablets every 8hrs during the first 5 days after surgery is recommended. In addition you will be given some mild narcotic medications to. Resume all the medications you were taking before surgery unless instructed otherwise.
Dressing changes/Wound care
There will be no dressing in this type of surgery, we advice warm sitiz baths once daily for 10-15 minutes every day after the procedure for 5-6 days
Diet/Bowel function after surgery
Bowel activity after abdominal surgery can be very variable. Avoid Constipation, pain medicines can cause constipation to. You can use any over the counter laxatives for the first 3-7 days to prevent constipation. During this time good oral intake of non-caffeinated liquids is advised. Some patients might experience some partial incontinence during the first 2-3 weeks after surgery speak to your surgeon about that during your office visit.
Post surgery care
You will be asked to return to the office for your postoperative evaluation 10 to 14 days following your surgery. Please call the office where you were last seen. Do not go to your primary care physician with postoperative problems. Notify our office first. The instructions above are meant to be a guide. Feel free to call the office with any other issues.
When do I go home?
Most people will be able to go home after surgery. Arrange for some one to drive you home after surgery. This type of surgery will need some times at least 6-12 weeks for complete recovery.
Pain Control
You will be given pain medications at the time of surgery and a prescription to fill at the time of discharge. Most of the pain is from swelling. Medications like Motrin, Advil and Ibuprophen are very helpful after these operations. If you are allowed to take these medications you should do so two or three tablets every 8hrs during the first 5 days after surgery is recommended. In addition you will be given some mild narcotic medications to. Resume all the medications you were taking before surgery unless instructed otherwise.
Dressing changes/Wound care
There will be no dressing in this type of surgery, we advice warm sitiz baths once daily for 10-15 minutes every day after the procedure for 5-6 days
Diet/Bowel function after surgery
Bowel activity after abdominal surgery can be very variable. Avoid Constipation, pain medicines can cause constipation to. You can use any over the counter laxatives for the first 3-7 days to prevent constipation. During this time good oral intake of non-caffeinated liquids is advised. Some patients might experience some partial incontinence during the first 2-3 weeks after surgery speak to your surgeon about that during your office visit.
Post surgery care
You will be asked to return to the office for your postoperative evaluation 10 to 14 days following your surgery. Please call the office where you were last seen. Do not go to your primary care physician with postoperative problems. Notify our office first. The instructions above are meant to be a guide. Feel free to call the office with any other issues.
Post-Operative Guidelines for Anti-Reflux Surgery
Activity: In most cases, common sense applies to daily activities. Please stay active but avoid straining yourself. It takes up to 4-6 weeks for the healing process to be complete. Daily walks and light aerobic exercises are encouraged. Remember, at the time of discharge you may be “sore” but you are not “sick”. It is OK to ride in a car, walk up stairs and go outside. In fact we encourage it. The faster people return to being active the less complications they have after surgery.
Return to Work: There is no mandatory length of time that one must stay out of work after surgery. Persons who have more physically demanding jobs should give them selves more time to heal prior to returning to work, (usually 10-14 days). Patients with more sedentary or light-duty type of work can return to work prior to their first post-operative evaluation if they desire. We are happy to sign “work-excuse” notices for patients at the first post-operative appointment.
Pain Control: Internally you have had a very complex surgery. Some pain in the mid chest, back, shoulders, throat and abdomen is not unusual. The pain should steadily improve. Most of the pain is from swelling and bruising. . We encourage patients to take 1-2 of pain medications every 8 hrs with some food during the first 5 days after surgery.
Bowel Function: The general anesthetic you received to do your surgery, pain medications, and bowel manipulation during surgery can result in sluggish bowel activity after surgery. There is nothing about your surgery that prevents you from taking standard over-the-counter remedies for constipation after surgery. Time and lots of fluid tend to help as well. It is not unusual for some patients to feel bloated or distended in the first few weeks after surgery. People with a history of chronic GERD or Reflux have a habit of unconsciously swallowing a lot of air and belching during the day. After surgery, they continue to swallow air out of habit. Since burping is very difficult they often get distended until the air is passed as gas. This is not a permanent problem. Time and over-the-counter anti-gas pills help.
Diet: While in the hospital your diet will be slowly advanced from liquids to soft foods. After leaving the hospital we want you to continue on soft diet. You should avoid eating hard food in the first 3-6 weeks after surgery. It is also very important to avoid carbonated beverages and straws early in your recovery. Remember to try new foods carefully. Eat small bites and have some fluid handy to wash it down with. It is not unusual to feel full faster than you did before surgery. Listen to your body. Eat slowly and you will be much more comfortable. Your progress will be evaluated in the post-operative office visits. If you are vomiting or unable to keep a liquid diet down please call our office immediately.
Wound Care: In most cases you will have 5 small incisions. You may remove the Band-Aids and shower on the day of discharge. Leave the white ‘steri-strips’ on the skin for the first week to improve the cosmetic result. There is no need to cover the incisions or put antibiotic lotions on them. It is not unusual for the area around each incision to feel bruised. However if the incisions get red or begin to drain fluid more than 2 days after surgery please call us.
Post Operative Care and Questions: Please call our office for any concerns and for your post-operative appointment 10 to 14 days after surgery.
Activity: In most cases, common sense applies to daily activities. Please stay active but avoid straining yourself. It takes up to 4-6 weeks for the healing process to be complete. Daily walks and light aerobic exercises are encouraged. Remember, at the time of discharge you may be “sore” but you are not “sick”. It is OK to ride in a car, walk up stairs and go outside. In fact we encourage it. The faster people return to being active the less complications they have after surgery.
Return to Work: There is no mandatory length of time that one must stay out of work after surgery. Persons who have more physically demanding jobs should give them selves more time to heal prior to returning to work, (usually 10-14 days). Patients with more sedentary or light-duty type of work can return to work prior to their first post-operative evaluation if they desire. We are happy to sign “work-excuse” notices for patients at the first post-operative appointment.
Pain Control: Internally you have had a very complex surgery. Some pain in the mid chest, back, shoulders, throat and abdomen is not unusual. The pain should steadily improve. Most of the pain is from swelling and bruising. . We encourage patients to take 1-2 of pain medications every 8 hrs with some food during the first 5 days after surgery.
Bowel Function: The general anesthetic you received to do your surgery, pain medications, and bowel manipulation during surgery can result in sluggish bowel activity after surgery. There is nothing about your surgery that prevents you from taking standard over-the-counter remedies for constipation after surgery. Time and lots of fluid tend to help as well. It is not unusual for some patients to feel bloated or distended in the first few weeks after surgery. People with a history of chronic GERD or Reflux have a habit of unconsciously swallowing a lot of air and belching during the day. After surgery, they continue to swallow air out of habit. Since burping is very difficult they often get distended until the air is passed as gas. This is not a permanent problem. Time and over-the-counter anti-gas pills help.
Diet: While in the hospital your diet will be slowly advanced from liquids to soft foods. After leaving the hospital we want you to continue on soft diet. You should avoid eating hard food in the first 3-6 weeks after surgery. It is also very important to avoid carbonated beverages and straws early in your recovery. Remember to try new foods carefully. Eat small bites and have some fluid handy to wash it down with. It is not unusual to feel full faster than you did before surgery. Listen to your body. Eat slowly and you will be much more comfortable. Your progress will be evaluated in the post-operative office visits. If you are vomiting or unable to keep a liquid diet down please call our office immediately.
Wound Care: In most cases you will have 5 small incisions. You may remove the Band-Aids and shower on the day of discharge. Leave the white ‘steri-strips’ on the skin for the first week to improve the cosmetic result. There is no need to cover the incisions or put antibiotic lotions on them. It is not unusual for the area around each incision to feel bruised. However if the incisions get red or begin to drain fluid more than 2 days after surgery please call us.
Post Operative Care and Questions: Please call our office for any concerns and for your post-operative appointment 10 to 14 days after surgery.
Appendectomy
Wound Care: In most cases you will have 3 small incisions. You may remove the Band-Aids and shower on the day of discharge. Leave the white ‘steri-strips’ on the skin for the first week to improve the cosmetic result. There is no need to cover the incisions or put antibiotic lotions on them. It is not unusual for the area around each incision to feel bruised. However if the incisions get red or begin to drain fluid more than 2 days after surgery please call us. Severe increase in abdominal pain, fever, shortness of breath or constant vomiting should be called to our attention.
Bowel Function: The general anesthetic you received to do your surgery, pain medications, and bowel manipulation during surgery can result in sluggish bowel activity in after surgery. There is nothing about your surgery that prevents you from taking standard over-the-counter remedies for constipation after surgery. Time and lots of fluid tend to help as well. It is not unusual for some patients to feel bloated or distended in the first few weeks after surgery. It is not unusual to vomit once or twice in the first 24 hrs.
Return to Work: There is no mandatory length of time that one must stay out of work after surgery. Persons who have more physically demanding jobs should give them selves more time to heal prior to returning to work, (usually 7-14 days). Patients with more sedentary or light-duty type of work can return to work prior to their first post-operative evaluation if they desire. We are happy to sign “work-excuse” notices for patients at the first post-operative appointment. We do not determine ‘disability’ status for our patients.
Pain Control: Despite the small incisions, you have had a very complex surgery internally. Some pain in abdomen and groin is not unusual. The pain should steadily improve. Most of the pain is from swelling and bruising. As a result, anti-inflammatory medications like Advil/Motrin and Ibuprophen work very well. We encourage patients to take 1 or 2 of these tablets every 8 hrs with some food during the first 3 days after surgery. You will also be given a prescription for a mild narcotic that will help reduce any additional pain.
Activity: In most cases, common sense applies to daily activities. Please stay active but avoid straining yourself. It takes up to 6 weeks for the healing process to be complete. Daily walks and light aerobic exercises are encouraged. Remember, at the time of discharge you may be “sore” but you are not “sick”. It is OK to ride in a car, walk up stairs and go outside. In fact we encourage it. The faster people return to being active the less complications they have after surgery.
Post Operative Care and Questions: Please call our office for any concerns and for your post-operative appointment 10 to 14 days after surgery.
Wound Care: In most cases you will have 3 small incisions. You may remove the Band-Aids and shower on the day of discharge. Leave the white ‘steri-strips’ on the skin for the first week to improve the cosmetic result. There is no need to cover the incisions or put antibiotic lotions on them. It is not unusual for the area around each incision to feel bruised. However if the incisions get red or begin to drain fluid more than 2 days after surgery please call us. Severe increase in abdominal pain, fever, shortness of breath or constant vomiting should be called to our attention.
Bowel Function: The general anesthetic you received to do your surgery, pain medications, and bowel manipulation during surgery can result in sluggish bowel activity in after surgery. There is nothing about your surgery that prevents you from taking standard over-the-counter remedies for constipation after surgery. Time and lots of fluid tend to help as well. It is not unusual for some patients to feel bloated or distended in the first few weeks after surgery. It is not unusual to vomit once or twice in the first 24 hrs.
Return to Work: There is no mandatory length of time that one must stay out of work after surgery. Persons who have more physically demanding jobs should give them selves more time to heal prior to returning to work, (usually 7-14 days). Patients with more sedentary or light-duty type of work can return to work prior to their first post-operative evaluation if they desire. We are happy to sign “work-excuse” notices for patients at the first post-operative appointment. We do not determine ‘disability’ status for our patients.
Pain Control: Despite the small incisions, you have had a very complex surgery internally. Some pain in abdomen and groin is not unusual. The pain should steadily improve. Most of the pain is from swelling and bruising. As a result, anti-inflammatory medications like Advil/Motrin and Ibuprophen work very well. We encourage patients to take 1 or 2 of these tablets every 8 hrs with some food during the first 3 days after surgery. You will also be given a prescription for a mild narcotic that will help reduce any additional pain.
Activity: In most cases, common sense applies to daily activities. Please stay active but avoid straining yourself. It takes up to 6 weeks for the healing process to be complete. Daily walks and light aerobic exercises are encouraged. Remember, at the time of discharge you may be “sore” but you are not “sick”. It is OK to ride in a car, walk up stairs and go outside. In fact we encourage it. The faster people return to being active the less complications they have after surgery.
Post Operative Care and Questions: Please call our office for any concerns and for your post-operative appointment 10 to 14 days after surgery.
Gallbladder Surgery
Wound Care: In most cases you will have 4 small incisions .You may remove the Band-Aids and shower on the day of discharge. Leave the white ‘steri-strips’ on the skin for the first week to improve the cosmetic result. There is no need to cover the incisions or put antibiotic lotions on them. It is not unusual for the area around each incision to feel bruised. However if the incisions get red or begin to drain fluid more than 2 days after surgery please call us. Severe increase in abdominal pain, fever, shortness of breath or constant vomiting should be called to our attention.
Bowel Function: The general anesthetic you received to do your surgery, pain medications, and bowel manipulation during surgery can result in sluggish bowel activity in after surgery. There is nothing about your surgery that prevents you from taking standard over-the-counter remedies for constipation after surgery. Time and lots of fluid tend to help as well. It is not unusual for some patients to feel bloated or distended in the first few weeks after surgery. It is not unusual to vomit once or twice in the first 24 hrs.
Return to Work: There is no mandatory length of time that one must stay out of work after surgery. Persons who have more physically demanding jobs should give them selves more time to heal prior to returning to work, (usually 10-14 days). Patients with more sedentary or light-duty type of work can return to work prior to their first post-operative evaluation if they desire. We are happy to sign “work-excuse” notices for patients at the first post-operative appointment. We do not determine ‘disability’ status for our patients.
Pain Control: Despite the small incisions, you have had a very complex surgery internally. Some pain in abdomen and groin is not unusual. The pain should steadily improve. Most of the pain is from swelling and bruising. As a result, anti-inflammatory medications like Advil/Motrin and Ibuprophen work very well. We encourage patients to take 2 or 3 of these tablets every 8 hrs with some food during the first 5 days after surgery. You will also be given a prescription for a mild narcotic that will help reduce any additional pain.
Activity: In most cases, common sense applies to daily activities. Please stay active but avoid straining yourself. It takes up to 4-6 weeks for the healing process. Daily walks and light aerobic exercises are encouraged. Remember, at the time of discharge you may be “sore” but you are not “sick”. It is OK to ride in a car, walk up stairs and go outside. In fact we encourage it. The faster people return to being active the less complications they have after surgery.
Post Operative Care and Questions: Please call our office for any concerns and for your post-operative appointment 10 to 14 days after surgery.
Wound Care: In most cases you will have 4 small incisions .You may remove the Band-Aids and shower on the day of discharge. Leave the white ‘steri-strips’ on the skin for the first week to improve the cosmetic result. There is no need to cover the incisions or put antibiotic lotions on them. It is not unusual for the area around each incision to feel bruised. However if the incisions get red or begin to drain fluid more than 2 days after surgery please call us. Severe increase in abdominal pain, fever, shortness of breath or constant vomiting should be called to our attention.
Bowel Function: The general anesthetic you received to do your surgery, pain medications, and bowel manipulation during surgery can result in sluggish bowel activity in after surgery. There is nothing about your surgery that prevents you from taking standard over-the-counter remedies for constipation after surgery. Time and lots of fluid tend to help as well. It is not unusual for some patients to feel bloated or distended in the first few weeks after surgery. It is not unusual to vomit once or twice in the first 24 hrs.
Return to Work: There is no mandatory length of time that one must stay out of work after surgery. Persons who have more physically demanding jobs should give them selves more time to heal prior to returning to work, (usually 10-14 days). Patients with more sedentary or light-duty type of work can return to work prior to their first post-operative evaluation if they desire. We are happy to sign “work-excuse” notices for patients at the first post-operative appointment. We do not determine ‘disability’ status for our patients.
Pain Control: Despite the small incisions, you have had a very complex surgery internally. Some pain in abdomen and groin is not unusual. The pain should steadily improve. Most of the pain is from swelling and bruising. As a result, anti-inflammatory medications like Advil/Motrin and Ibuprophen work very well. We encourage patients to take 2 or 3 of these tablets every 8 hrs with some food during the first 5 days after surgery. You will also be given a prescription for a mild narcotic that will help reduce any additional pain.
Activity: In most cases, common sense applies to daily activities. Please stay active but avoid straining yourself. It takes up to 4-6 weeks for the healing process. Daily walks and light aerobic exercises are encouraged. Remember, at the time of discharge you may be “sore” but you are not “sick”. It is OK to ride in a car, walk up stairs and go outside. In fact we encourage it. The faster people return to being active the less complications they have after surgery.
Post Operative Care and Questions: Please call our office for any concerns and for your post-operative appointment 10 to 14 days after surgery.
