How Long After Gallbladder Surgery Can You Drink Alcohol?

What to Know About Diet After Gallbladder Surgery Medically Reviewed by on June 09, 2021 Your is a small organ located under your, It stores bile from the liver to help you digest fats. If you need to have your gallbladder removed, you will likely have to make changes to your diet after surgery.

You’ll want to avoid problems such as gas, bloating, and as much as possible. There is no set diet you should follow after having your gallbladder removed, but there are some guidelines that may help avoid issues. For the first few days after your surgery, your diet should be made up of clear liquids, broth, and gelatin.

And while some alcoholic beverages may be clear, you should avoid alcohol for at least two days after your surgery. After the first few days, you can start gradually adding solid food back into your diet. You should stick with small meals at first. Avoid these types of foods when you start adding foods back into your diet:

Foods with strong odors

You may develop diarrhea after having your gallbladder removed. The reason is that without your gallbladder, bile flows directly into your intestines and acts as a laxative. The diarrhea caused by that process usually goes away in a few weeks to a few months.

• For quickest results, try avoiding the following:‌ High-fat foods.
• Because high-fat foods are harder to digest, you should avoid them if you’re having gas, bloating, or diarrhea after your surgery.
• In general, fat should make up no more than 30% of your daily calories.
• Should make up no more than 10% of your daily calories.

Try to stick with foods that contain less than 3 grams of fat per serving. Foods that are high in fat include:

ButterLardBacon fatBeefPorkLambVealPoultry skinHot dogsBolognaSalamiCreamWhole milkIce creamFull-fat cheeseTropical oils such as palm and coconutProcessed baked goods such as cookies, pastries, and cakes

Spicy foods. Foods that contain capsaicin, the active ingredient in, can irritate your stomach lining. This can cause stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Foods that generally make diarrhea worse. You may get some relief by avoiding, dairy products, and very sweet foods.

Fluids. Diarrhea can drain your body of vitamins, minerals, and fluids, so it’s crucial to stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water, broth, and sports drinks. But again, avoid alcohol for at least 2 days after your surgery, especially if you’re feeling the effects of anesthesia or pain meds. Low-fat foods. foods will be easier for you to digest and are less likely to cause gas, bloating, or diarrhea.

After your surgery, you shouldn’t eat more than 30% of your calories from fat, even if it’s from low-fat foods. Low-fat options include:

Low-fat, 1%, or fat-free dairy productsFat-free cheesesEgg whites or egg substitutesVeggie burgersBeans, peas, lentilsOatmealWhole grainsBrown riceLow-fat crackers and breadFruitsVegetablesSoups with a vegetable baseMustardSalsaSauces made with skim milkLight margarineLight mayonnaise Light salad dressings

High-fiber foods. Foods high in can help normalize your bowel movements. However, you should gradually increase your fiber intake over several weeks, since increasing it too rapidly can make gas and cramping worse. There are two types of fiber, soluble and insoluble.

Black beansLima beansNavy beansPinto beansTofuChickpeasSoy burgersOatmealOat branApplesOkraBeetsPearsPrunes

Insoluble fiber doesn’t dissolve in water. It absorbs fluid and sticks to other materials. This forms softer, bulkier, and more regular stools. Insoluble fiber helps your body process waste better. Good sources of insoluble fiber include:

Wheat branWheat germOat branBeansLentilsLegumesBerries such as blackberries, blueberries, strawberriesGreen peasSpinachCauliflowerGreen beansCarrotsPotatoesNutsWhole wheat flour

Writing down what you eat, how much, and when can help you see how foods affect you after you have your gallbladder removed. Keeping a log of any negative reactions to food can help you avoid foods that cause problems. Most people will be able to return to a regular diet within a month after surgery.

Severe nausea or vomitingAbdominal pain that doesn’t go away or gets worseInability to pass gas for more than three days after surgeryInability to have a bowel movement for more than three days after surgery

© 2020 WebMD, LLC. All rights reserved. : What to Know About Diet After Gallbladder Surgery

How soon can you drink alcohol after laparoscopic surgery?

How do I recover at home from a laparoscopy? – While you’re recovering at home after your laparoscopy, it’s good to keep a few things in mind. These tips include:

Don’t drink alcohol or drive for at least 24 hours after surgery. You can bathe any time after surgery. You can remove the bandage the morning after the surgery. Steri-strips — which look like tape — can be removed two to three days after surgery. You can typically return to work three days after surgery. If you need a doctor’s letter excusing you from work, please request one at your pre-operative appointment. Do not be concerned if your urine is green. A blue dye might have been used to check if your fallopian tubes are open.

Can you drink and smoke after gallbladder surgery?

Talk to your surgeon about when you’re likely to get back to your normal routine, and the long-term effects of gallbladder removal. Don’t do too much at once. It’s important to build up gradually and stick to a routine if you can. Eat healthily, rest when you need to, and don’t smoke as this will help you recover well.

Can I drink coffee 2 days after gallbladder surgery?

Foods to Eat According to Different Periods After Gallbladder Surgery – The first 2-3 days For the first 2 to 3 days, keep your diet extremely light. Consume lots of fluids including water and clear broths. You should drink fruit juices without pulp like apple, grape and cranberry juice. It’s important to avoid caffeine in the first few days as it can worsen your diarrhea.

1. You can also drink tea and clear soda.
2. Apart from fluids, you can eat Jell-O and fruit popsicles without the fruit bits.
3. Basically it is important for you to have a very light diet and concentrate on drinking lots of fluids.1-2 weeks What to eat after gallbladder surgery in this period, you should include soups, mashed potatoes, fruits, toast, rice, applesauce, oatmeal, crackers and chicken.

Avoid having creamy soups as they might cause discomfort in digestion. Go for chicken and noodle soups. Use broth as an alternate to butter in your mashed potatoes. Eat fruits in moderation. Try bananas if you are experiencing constipation problems. Use very minimal amounts of butter on toast if needed.

It’s better to avoid butter altogether. Avoid rice and applesauce in case you are experiencing problems with constipation. Avoid fried chicken. Alternatively, you can go for baked or grilled chicken.3 weeks and beyond At 3 weeks and beyond, you should gradually start introducing high fiber foods in your diet, such as fruits, vegetables and whole grains in your diet.

You can start having non-fat yogurt and cottage cheese at this point. You can get protein from fish and chicken but avoid having beef and pork. You should include flax seed oil and hemp seed oil as it contains Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids. You can also have these in the supplement form.

Why can’t I drink coffee after gallbladder surgery?

4. Limit the caffeine intake – Tea,, cola drinks etc. increase the production of stomach acids and increase gas formation. Since the normal amount of bile is now missing from the stomach this can lead to problems like abdominal pain and bloating.

Can I drink alcohol 2 weeks after laparoscopic surgery?

How soon after surgery is it safe to drink alcohol? – Following surgery it is generally advisable to avoid drinking alcohol for at least two weeks, and even then only after you have finished taking pain medication and any antibiotics you were prescribed by your consultant.

1. This is because mixing alcohol with painkillers can be a dangerous combination, putting you at risk of damaging your wounds and over-exerting yourself.
2. In addition, alcohol can make your post-operative swelling last longer.
3. When it comes to drinking alcohol after undergoing cosmetic surgery, you should adhere to your surgeon’s advice, and when you do resume consumption, don’t overdo it.

While two weeks is an appropriate time frame for many patients, you should always discuss with your surgeon to determine when it is safe for you to drink alcohol again after your specific surgery and based on your personal recovery.

Is beer bad for gallbladder?

Article at a Glance: – Moderate alcohol consumption is not linked to the development of gallstones. It may actually reduce the risk of the condition. Liver problems that result from heavy drinking, such as cirrhosis, are linked to gallstones. Heavy drinking is linked to cancer of the gallbladder.

What not to do after gallbladder surgery?

You may want to avoid fatty foods like fried foods or cheese for a while. They can cause symptoms, such as diarrhea or bloating.

Can I shower 3 days after gallbladder surgery?

If you have a plastic dressing, you may start showering 24 hours after surgery. If you have a fabric dressing, you may shower after you remove the dressing (4 days after surgery). You may shower with your steri-strips and staples or stiches in place. Do not scrub across your steri-strips or staples.

Can I drive 3 days after gallbladder surgery?

Laparoscopic gallbladder removal is surgery to remove the gallbladder using a medical device called a laparoscope. You had a procedure called a laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Your doctor made 1 to 4 small cuts in your belly and used a special instrument called a laparoscope to take out your gallbladder.

Pain in your belly. You may also feel pain in one or both shoulders. This pain comes from the gas still left in your belly after the surgery. The pain should ease over several days to a week.A sore throat from the breathing tube. Throat lozenges may be soothing.Nausea and maybe throwing up (vomiting). Your surgeon can provide you with nausea medicine if needed.Loose stools after eating. This may last 4 to 8 weeks. However, in some cases it can last longer.Bruising around your wounds. This will go away on its own.Skin redness around your wounds. This is normal if it is just around the incision.

Start walking after surgery. Begin your everyday activities as soon as you feel up to it. Move around the house and shower, and use the stairs during your first week home. If it hurts when you do something, stop doing that activity. You may be able to drive after a week or so if you are not taking strong pain medicines (narcotics) and if you can move quickly without being hampered by pain if you need to react in an emergency.

Don’t do any strenuous activity or lift anything heavy for at least a couple of weeks. At any time, if any activity causes pain or pulls on the incisions, just don’t do it. You may be able to go back to a desk job after a week depending upon how much pain you are having and how energetic you feel. Talk to your health care provider if your work is physical.

If sutures, staples, or glue were used to close your skin, you may take off the wound dressings and take a shower the day after surgery. If tape strips (Steri-strips) were used to close your skin, cover the wounds with plastic wrap before showering for the first week after surgery.

• Do not try to wash the Steri-strips off.
• Let them fall off on their own.
• Do not soak in a bathtub or hot tub, or go swimming, until your doctor tells you it is OK.
• Eat a high-fiber diet.
• Drink 8 to 10 glasses of water every day to help ease bowel movements.
• You may want to avoid greasy or spicy foods for a while.

Go for a follow-up visit with your provider 1 to 2 weeks after your surgery. Contact your provider if:

Your temperature is above 101°F (38.3°C).Your surgical wounds are bleeding, red or warm to the touch or you have a thick, yellow or green drainage.You have pain that is not helped with your pain medicines.It is hard to breathe.You have a cough that does not go away.You cannot drink or eat.Your skin or the white part of your eyes turns yellow.Your stools are a gray color.

Cholecystectomy laparoscopic – discharge; Cholelithiasis – laparoscopic discharge; Biliary calculus – laparoscopic discharge; Gallstones – laparoscopic discharge; Cholecystitis – laparoscopic discharge American College of Surgeons. Cholecystectomy: surgical removal of the gallbladder.

American College of Surgeons Operation Brochures for Patients. www.facs.org/media/sskdidat/cholecys.pdf, Updated 2022. Accessed November 30, 2022. Brenner P, Kautz DD. Postoperative care of patients undergoing same-day laparoscopic cholecystectomy. AORN J,2015;102(1):16-29. PMID: 26119606 pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26119606/,

Quick CRG, Biers SM, Arulampalam THA. Gallstone diseases and related disorders. In: Quick CRG, Biers SM, Arulampalam THA, eds. Essential Surgery Problems, Diagnosis and Management,6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 20. Radkani P, Hawksworth J, Fishbein T.

1. Biliary system.
2. In: Townsend CM Jr, Beauchamp RD, Evers BM, Mattox KL, eds.
3. Sabiston Textbook of Surgery,21st ed.
4. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 55.
5. Updated by: Debra G.
6. Wechter, MD, FACS, General Surgery Practice Specializing in Breast Cancer, Virginia Mason Medical Center, Seattle, WA.
7. Also reviewed by David C.

Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

How long does it take to heal internally after gallbladder surgery?

Common Side Effects After Gallbladder Surgery – All surgeries have side effects that normally resolve as patients heal and recover. However, minimally invasive gallbladder surgery side effects are better tolerated by patients and go away much quicker than those associated with open or conventional procedures. Below are the most common side effects of gallbladder surgery:

Pain and swelling at the surgical site/incisions Bloating, gas, bowel irregularities Fatigue Nausea Sharp pain or discomfort from trapped air/gas

Patients experience these effects differently. Fatigue, nausea, and surgical pain typically go away within a few days. Swelling and bloating can take several weeks to dissipate. Normal bowel function also takes a few weeks to regulate. In most cases, laparoscopic and robotic-assisted gallbladder surgery patients take up to three weeks to recover, whereas conventional patients can take up to 6 to 8 weeks.

What happens when you drink alcohol after gallbladder removal?

Adjusting Alcohol Consumption – If you’ve had your gallbladder removed, it’s important to understand how alcohol may affect your body differently. Since the gallbladder is responsible for storing and concentrating bile, which helps break down fats, the absence of this organ can make it more challenging for your body to digest fatty foods and alcohol.

Start slowly : If you’re planning to consume alcohol after gallbladder removal, it’s best to start with small quantities and observe how your body reacts. Pay attention to any discomfort or digestive issues that may arise. Choose your drinks wisely : Opt for drinks that are lower in fat content. Avoid cocktails high in sugary mixers or creamy liqueurs. Instead, consider lighter options such as clear spirits mixed with low-fat mixers or a glass of wine. Moderation is key : Practice moderation and avoid excessive alcohol consumption. Your body may have a reduced tolerance for alcohol after gallbladder removal, so it’s crucial to listen to your body’s signals and not overindulge. Stay hydrated : Alcohol can contribute to dehydration, so make sure to drink plenty of water alongside your alcoholic beverages. Hydration is essential for overall digestive health. Listen to your body : If you experience any discomfort or digestive issues after consuming alcohol, it’s essential to reassess your alcohol consumption and consult with your healthcare provider if needed.

Can I drink coffee 5 days after gallbladder surgery?

Before bariatric surgery we may not have thought twice about having a few cups of coffee or some tea. Caffeine was only a concern as we got closer to bed and worried about staying up all night. However, caffeine must be understood and moderated after bariatric surgery for several reasons.

First, caffeine itself can be an irritant to the new stomach pouch. While the irritation is often minor, it can be problematic, so caffeine should not be consumed within the first 4-6 weeks after surgery. If you must, a small cup of decaf (black, no sugar) is fine. Another concern is the composition of caffeine containing drinks. We often add sugar to coffee and tea. Of course, soda contains tons of sugar. While a little caffeine itself may not be an issue, the sugar contained in the caffeinated drink may well be. Many opt for artificial sweeteners thinking they are saving calories while still getting the sweetness they crave. Unfortunately, we now know the zero calorie sweeteners can encourage us to gain weight by tricking the brain into wanting sweeter things more often. Caffeine is a diuretic meaning it flushes water out of the system. This can be problematic for bariatric patients who require serious hydration every day. Caffeine also stimulates gut motility, which is one of the reasons why you may feel like having a bowel movement shortly after drinking coffee. These two properties can combine to cause a hydration deficit. Finally, many caffeinated drinks are also carbonated. These bubbles can cause the pouch to temporarily stretch, which can be very painful and cause gas bloat syndrome. While occasional soft drink consumption rarely causes long term damage to the stomach pouch, this irritation will be problematic longer-term.

Can you eat pizza without a gallbladder?

5. Avoid high-fat foods – It’s best to avoid high-fat foods like fried food, high-fat dairy, marbled and fatty meats, and pizza right after you have your gallbladder removed. You need bile to digest fat, and eating foods with too much fat will likely cause abdominal pain, gas, bloating, and diarrhea.

Your liver takes over the function of your gallbladder, but this adjustment takes time. Pay attention when eating foods high in fat and continue to limit your intake if they cause problems. Eating a balanced diet filled with fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean protein sources, and low-fat dairy products are your best dietary choices after gallbladder removal, and as luck would have it, they’re also the best dietary choices for your overall health.

If you have gallbladder disease and medical interventions aren’t helping, schedule a visit with Dr. Rochman by calling our office in Plainview, New York, today, or requesting an appointment online any time.

Can I have a beer 10 days after surgery?

May 25, 2023 Following your plastic surgeon’s post-operative instructions is important for ensuring a safe and smooth recovery. If you ever have any questions about your recovery, it’s best to reach out to your surgeon, so they can offer you advice on how to navigate the healing period.

• One question that some patients are hesitant to ask is when they can resume alcohol consumption after cosmetic surgery.
• This is perfectly normal to wonder, as alcoholic drinks can often feel like an important part of social events or a person’s lifestyle.
• Whether you undergo facelift surgery, breast augmentation, liposuction, or another procedure, Dr.

Zemmel generally advises patients to avoid alcohol for at least one to two weeks after surgery — and only after you have finished taking your pain medications, This is because mixing alcohol with painkillers can be a dangerous combination, putting you at risk of damaging your wounds and over-exerting yourself.

In addition, alcohol can make your post-operative swelling and bleeding last longer, as well as cause any discomfort you’re experiencing to be worse. Once you’re cleared to safely drink alcohol again, it’s best to do so in moderation. By limiting how much you’re drinking as your body recovers, you’re aiding the healing process and can potentially improve your results in the process.

This goes along with eating a nutritious diet and staying well hydrated to set yourself up for a smooth recovery. When it comes to alcohol after cosmetic surgery, you should adhere to your surgeon’s advice, and when you do resume consumption, don’t overdo it.

Can you drink 2 weeks after gallbladder surgery?

What to Know About Diet After Gallbladder Surgery Medically Reviewed by on June 09, 2021 Your is a small organ located under your, It stores bile from the liver to help you digest fats. If you need to have your gallbladder removed, you will likely have to make changes to your diet after surgery.

1. You’ll want to avoid problems such as gas, bloating, and as much as possible.
2. There is no set diet you should follow after having your gallbladder removed, but there are some guidelines that may help avoid issues.
3. For the first few days after your surgery, your diet should be made up of clear liquids, broth, and gelatin.

And while some alcoholic beverages may be clear, you should avoid alcohol for at least two days after your surgery. After the first few days, you can start gradually adding solid food back into your diet. You should stick with small meals at first. Avoid these types of foods when you start adding foods back into your diet:

Foods with strong odors

You may develop diarrhea after having your gallbladder removed. The reason is that without your gallbladder, bile flows directly into your intestines and acts as a laxative. The diarrhea caused by that process usually goes away in a few weeks to a few months.

For quickest results, try avoiding the following:‌ High-fat foods. Because high-fat foods are harder to digest, you should avoid them if you’re having gas, bloating, or diarrhea after your surgery. In general, fat should make up no more than 30% of your daily calories. should make up no more than 10% of your daily calories.

Try to stick with foods that contain less than 3 grams of fat per serving. Foods that are high in fat include:

ButterLardBacon fatBeefPorkLambVealPoultry skinHot dogsBolognaSalamiCreamWhole milkIce creamFull-fat cheeseTropical oils such as palm and coconutProcessed baked goods such as cookies, pastries, and cakes

Spicy foods. Foods that contain capsaicin, the active ingredient in, can irritate your stomach lining. This can cause stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Foods that generally make diarrhea worse. You may get some relief by avoiding, dairy products, and very sweet foods.

1. Fluids. Diarrhea can drain your body of vitamins, minerals, and fluids, so it’s crucial to stay hydrated.
2. Drink plenty of water, broth, and sports drinks.
3. But again, avoid alcohol for at least 2 days after your surgery, especially if you’re feeling the effects of anesthesia or pain meds.
4. Low-fat foods.
5. Foods will be easier for you to digest and are less likely to cause gas, bloating, or diarrhea.

After your surgery, you shouldn’t eat more than 30% of your calories from fat, even if it’s from low-fat foods. Low-fat options include:

Low-fat, 1%, or fat-free dairy productsFat-free cheesesEgg whites or egg substitutesVeggie burgersBeans, peas, lentilsOatmealWhole grainsBrown riceLow-fat crackers and breadFruitsVegetablesSoups with a vegetable baseMustardSalsaSauces made with skim milkLight margarineLight mayonnaise Light salad dressings

High-fiber foods. Foods high in can help normalize your bowel movements. However, you should gradually increase your fiber intake over several weeks, since increasing it too rapidly can make gas and cramping worse. There are two types of fiber, soluble and insoluble.

Black beansLima beansNavy beansPinto beansTofuChickpeasSoy burgersOatmealOat branApplesOkraBeetsPearsPrunes

Insoluble fiber doesn’t dissolve in water. It absorbs fluid and sticks to other materials. This forms softer, bulkier, and more regular stools. Insoluble fiber helps your body process waste better. Good sources of insoluble fiber include:

Wheat branWheat germOat branBeansLentilsLegumesBerries such as blackberries, blueberries, strawberriesGreen peasSpinachCauliflowerGreen beansCarrotsPotatoesNutsWhole wheat flour

Writing down what you eat, how much, and when can help you see how foods affect you after you have your gallbladder removed. Keeping a log of any negative reactions to food can help you avoid foods that cause problems. Most people will be able to return to a regular diet within a month after surgery.

Severe nausea or vomitingAbdominal pain that doesn’t go away or gets worseInability to pass gas for more than three days after surgeryInability to have a bowel movement for more than three days after surgery

© 2020 WebMD, LLC. All rights reserved. : What to Know About Diet After Gallbladder Surgery

Can I have a beer 2 days after surgery?

How long after surgery can you drink alcohol? – A common question we are asked at Karidis Clinic is why can’t you drink alcohol after anaesthesia ? Drinking alcohol after general anaesthetic is not advisable as the effects can linger for a few days after and these will be exacerbated by alcohol.

How soon should you drink after surgery?

Can You Drink Alcohol Before Surgery? – Another common question when considering any type of plastic surgery is whether you can drink alcohol before surgery. It’s normal to want to calm your nerves before a big procedure, but it’s a good idea to avoid alcohol before surgery.

• Whether you undergo breast fat transfer, eyelid surgery, or facelift, you should avoid alcohol for at least 2 weeks following your procedure.
• By avoiding alcohol in the weeks running up to your procedure, you’re putting your body in the best shape possible for optimal healing.
• Alcohol can also affect anaesthesia and sedatives, which may cause serious problems.

Most doctors will advise that patients stop drinking alcohol at least 1 week before any surgery. This advice can change depending on your procedure, but this is a good guideline to follow. When you drink alcohol before surgery, it can make getting your anaesthesia at the optimum level a little difficult.

Does alcohol slow healing?

Alcohol and its affect on healing On average Australians drink 2.3 standard drinks per person per day according to the, This not only places one in five people at risk of an alcohol-related disease or injury, but it also impacts on how they are likely to recover from any health complication, particularly spine surgery.

A by the Loyola University in Chicago has looked at the link between alcohol use and wound healing. Researchers report that although health experts may have long suspected that alcohol inhibits healing, exactly why was not so clear. It has now been proven that repeated exposure to alcohol, particularly at binge levels, reduces the levels of certain components of the immune system essential to healing.

Drinking large amounts of alcohol reduces the amount of white blood cells called macrophages that chew up the bacteria and debris. Proteins that aid in closing a wound are also fewer in number with the more alcohol consumed. As a result, infections are more likely to occur through bacteria, such as Staphylococcus aureus.

• Apart from the detrimental effect on the healing process, alcohol and drugs can severely disrupt the proper functioning of medications and create a dangerous cocktail of substances in your body.
• You should definitely not drink alcohol when you are taking antibiotics or pain medication.
• For further information contact Dr Moloney and his staff.

: Alcohol and its affect on healing

How long does it take to heal internally after laparoscopy?

After laparoscopic surgery, you are likely to have pain for the next several days. You may have a low fever and feel tired and sick to your stomach. This is common. You should feel better after 1 to 2 weeks.

What drinks to avoid after laparoscopic surgery?

After Your Laparoscopy When will I need to see my doctor again? You’ll need to see your doctor about 2–6 weeks after your surgery to make sure you’re healing well. It’s important to keep this appointment even if you feel terrific. If you have endometriosis, a long term treatment plan will be made during this visit.

• If you won’t be returning for your Post–Op appointment within 2 weeks, please call the GYN nurse to find out about any special medication instructions.) Will I need to have my stitches removed? Your stitches don’t need to be removed.
• They will dissolve on their own in about 2–6 weeks.
• Be sure to keep your stitches covered for the first 48 hours after your surgery.

You may shower after that. Gently pat the stitches dry with a soft towel, and cover them with a small adhesive bandage. If you have any type of discharge, redness, swelling, or tenderness around the stitches, call the GYN nurse. Will I have a scar? Most incisions look red at first but fade over time so the scar is hardly noticeable.

• However, sometimes people develop a thicker type of scar that has extra fibrous tissue — this is called a “keloid scar”.
• What can I do to make sure my incision heals well? It takes up to a year for the incision to totally heal.
• It’s very important to keep your incision out of the sun, as this area will burn easily.

Direct sunlight can also cause the incision to become darker. If you can’t help being out in the sun, be sure to use a sunscreen with a high (30+) SPF (sun protection factor) on the healed incision to reduce sun exposure. Once you’re home recovering from your surgery, it’s important to rest, eat healthy foods, and keep your incision(s) clean.

DO NOT drive a car for 48 hours after your laparoscopy, because the anaesthesia causes drowsiness. You don’t need to stay in bed, but it’s best to rest and take it easy for the remainder of the day. After 24 hours, there is no limit on your physical activity as long as you’re not taking narcotic medication. DO NOT drive, participate in sports, or use heavy equipment while you’re taking narcotic pain medication. You may take a shower or bath 2 days after your surgery. You may return to school or work when you feel ready (usually about 2 days after your surgery). You may swim in the ocean or in a swimming pool 2 days after your laparoscopy. You may swim in a lake or pond 2 weeks after your laparoscopy. You should avoid getting into a hot tub or jacuzzi for 2 weeks after your laparoscopy.

Nutrition/Hydration

It’s important to drink as much fluid as you did before the surgery. On your first day at home, have light liquids and foods such as apple juice, ginger ale, ice pops, soup, crackers, and toast to help prevent stomach upset. Avoid citrus juices such as orange juice and tomato juice. You may gradually add foods. By the second day after surgery, you should be able to return to your regular diet. Since most prescription pain medications cause constipation, it’s important to drink plenty of water, eat foods that contain fiber such as fruits and vegetables, and stay active. You may also take 1 capful of MiraLAX® (over–the–counter) in 8 ounces of fluid twice a day.

Pain and Treatment

You may have soreness in your abdomen (belly) area. You may have shoulder pain. This is caused from trapped gas. The amount of discomfort can vary, but should go away within 48–72 hours. A heating pad should help. Your doctor will prescribe medicine to help relieve your abdominal (belly) pain. Take the prescription pain medicine for the first 48 hours as prescribed. After that, you may change to acetaminophen. This comes as a tablet, caplet, and liquid, and is used to relieve mild to moderate pain and fever. It’s very important to follow the directions on the package. Don’t take more of it, or take it more frequently than prescribed. Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist to explain anything you don’t understand. Some prescription medicine may cause nausea (feeling like you want to throw up) – if you experience this symptom, stop the medicine and switch to nonprescription acetaminophen. DO NOT use prescription pain medication (narcotics) for shoulder discomfort. Take acetaminophen and/or apply a heating pad. If you’re constipated, you may take 1 capful of MiraLAX® (over–the–counter) in 8 ounces of fluid twice a day. Call your primary care provider if you haven’t had a bowel movement within 3 days after surgery or if the MiraLAX® doesn’t work.

Bandage/Dressing care

You’ll have Band–Aids® over the small incisions. Remove the Band–Aids® 2 days after your surgery. Replace the Band–Aid® so that your jeans or other clothing won’t rub and irritate your stitches. Navel piercings: Jewelry may be replaced 24–48 hours after surgery. You may have black and blue areas around the incisions. Your stitches don’t need to be removed. They will dissolve within 2–6 weeks. You may have a slight discharge or spotting from your vagina that may last for 2 to 5 days.

Emotional Recovery

After your laparoscopy you may be tired and irritable. Use this time for rest and quiet activities. It will take time to heal, but you should feel better each day.

Follow–up If you don’t have a scheduled Post–Op appointment with your doctor, be sure to call the GYN office at 617–355–7648 as soon as possible. You need to >be checked in 2–6 weeks to make sure that you’re healing well, and to discuss your treatment plan. If you have endometriosis you will need medical treatment after the surgey since there is no surgical cure for the disease. When to call your doctor or nurse: If you follow the instructions in this booklet about your: activity, nutrition, hydration, pain treatment and bandage/dressing care, you should heal fast and not have any complications after your surgery. However, once in a while, mild complications happen. Call the gyn office if you have:

Heavy bleeding from your vagina or incision sites Redness, swelling or pus at the incision sites An upset stomach or vomiting after the first day A fever higher than 101°F (taken by mouth) Severe pain that doesn’t get better with pain medicine

Numbers to call if you HAVE any of the symptoms above: Division of Gynecology: 617–355–7648

Weekdays before 4 p.m.: Ask to speak with the GYN nurse. Weekdays after 4 p.m. and weekends and holidays: Call the Boston Children’s Hospital page operator, and ask for the gynecologist on call. The phone number for the page operator is 617–355–6369.

Updated: 6/11/2013 : After Your Laparoscopy

How long does laparoscopic surgery take to heal?

Taking care of yourself at home – Be guided by your doctor but general suggestions include:

Most patients are able to resume normal activities within a few days to one week. Don’t engage in any strenuous physical activity for about a week or so. Remove your bandages the following day. Keep wounds dry. Following a pelvic laparoscopy, use sanitary napkins instead of tampons to cope with any vaginal bleeding or discharge. If you experience high fever, chills, vomiting, difficulties urinating, increasing redness at the incision site or a worsening of pain, contact your doctor immediately.