Procedure/Surgery FAQs 

I have my surgery date scheduled.  What else do I need to do? 

Typically, you will have an appointment at our office the week before your scheduled surgery date to discuss the procedure with your physician, ask any questions, sign consents with our surgical scheduler and arrange pre-operative labwork at the hospital.  

What medications should I plan on discontinuing before surgery?  

If you are taking any blood-thinning medications (Coumadin, Lovenox, aspirin), birth control pills or other hormonal contraceptives, or any medication that may affect bleeding/clotting, please ask your physician when/if you need to stop taking your medications before surgery.

What type of preparation is necessary the day before surgery?  

Depending on the complexity of the planned surgery, a bowel prep may be necessary.  Ask your physician if you should follow a clear liquid diet or light, non-greasy meals the day before surgery.  You will need to buy a bowel prep such as magnesium citrate.  Drink half the bottle of magnesium citrate around 3pm and the remaining half of the bottle around 7pm.  Stay well hydrated with clear liquids.  Do not eat or drink anything after midnight.  If you are taking prescription medications, please ask your physician specifically about which medications you should take the night before or morning of surgery.

What can I expect after laparoscopic surgery? 

You may feel sore for a few days after surgery.  Bloating or gas is a common cause of pain after laparoscopic surgery.  Early ambulation and medications such as Gas-X or simethicone are helpful in reducing bloating or gas pain.

How do I take care of my incision?  

If you have tape strips (Steri-strips) on your incision, they may peel off in the shower.  If the tape strips do not peel off within a week, remove them yourself.  If you have Dermabond in your incision, it should soften within a week, at which time you can peel off the Dermabond from the incision.  Keep all incisions clean and dry.  After leaving the hospital, the incisions do not need to be covered with a dressing.  If you notice any redness surrounding the incision or drainage from the incision, please call us.