Pre-Operative

Hospital Preoperative Instructions for Dr. Abanulo

* Two weeks before surgery, STOP taking ALL weight loss medications, this includes Ozempic and Wegovy which can cause build-up of gastric contents in the abdomen, raising the risk of aspiration during surgery. Your surgery WILL BE CANCELED if taken two weeks before surgery.

*Five days before surgery, STOP taking all aspirin and other non- steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as Aleve, Motrin, Ibuprofen, Advil, and Naproxen. Also STOP taking supplements such as vitamin E, gingko biloba, ginseng, glucosamine, and fish oil. These substances can increase the amount of blood loss during surgery.

* If you have cold, Gl, or other symptoms right before surgery, please call us promptly as this could result in postponing your surgery.

* Shower the night before and the morning of your surgery. Any soap is fine. Wash your belly button really well if you are having a robotic or laparoscopic surgery.

* Pick up all prescriptions and non-prescription medication prior to the day of your surgery.

* Diet:

  • Day before surgery: full liquid diet and take a stool softener. Liquids include clear liquids as well as smoothies, ice cream, chicken soup, etc.
  • 8 hours prior to surgery: clear liquids only. This includes coffee with sugar but not cream, for example.
  • 2 hours prior to surgery: nothing else by mouth

* Arrive at the hospital TWO HOURS PRIOR to your scheduled surgery time.

Your surgery time may be changed on the day of surgery, so please be available in the event the hospital needs to contact you.

* In the preop area, you’ll see me and your anesthesiologist. You will receive antibiotics through your IV to protect against infection.

* After your surgery, you cannot drive. Please make arrangements for someone to drive you home.

* Once you are able to walk, your recovery nurse will do a voiding trial. 25% of patients cannot void. If this happens, you will go home with a catheter. You will need to call the clinic to schedule a voiding trial in clinic, 3-4 days after your surgery.

* Most patients go home a few hours after surgery. Occasionally an overnight stay is necessary.

Please contact our office if you have any questions.

Like a flower, you’ll bloom even brighter after this—stronger, braver, and more beautiful than ever.

Post Operative Instructions

Diet/ Activity

  • Resume your usual diet once your nausea has stopped. Eat a balanced diet. Drink plenty of water.
  • Do not drive while taking narcotics (e.q. Codeine, Percocet, Oxycodone, Vicodin, etc.)
  • A slight spotting and/or discharge is normal
  • For six weeks:
    • Rest daily in a reclined or lying down position with feet up and pressure off your pelvic floor
    • You should walk three times daily for no more than 15 minutes each time.
    • Nothing in the vagina. This includes no sexual intercourse or other penetration, douching, or tampon use.
    • No swimming or bathing. It is okay to shower.
    • No lifting greater than 10 pounds, no excessive bending.
    • Limit stairs to 2-3 times daily.
  • Incision Care
    • Remove the top dressing(s) the day after surgery.
    • Remove the steri-strips in 7 days if they have not already fallen off by then.
    • Keep the incisions dry. Do not apply alcohol, peroxide, ointments, etc.
  • Medications
    • Place a cool pack on the perineum 3 times a day for 15 minutes each time.
    • Acetaminophen 1000mg every 8 hours for 2 days, then as needed.
    • Ibuprofen 600mg every 8 hours for 2 days, around the clock with food, then as needed.
    • Oxycodone 1-2 tablets every 6 hours, as needed. Do not drive or drink alcoholic beverages while taking narcotic pain medication.
    • Continue stool softener after surgery as needed.
  • PLEASE CALL THE OFFICE IF YOU HAVE ANY OF THE FOLLOWING:
    • Severe/unusual pain not relieved by your pain medication.
    • Persistent nausea and vomiting
    • Chills and fever greater than 100 degrees
    • Excessive vaginal bleeding (soaking a pad every hour)
    • Difficulty/inability to urinate or have a bowel movement.
    • Increased swelling or redness around the incision(s).
    • Shortness of breath or chest pain.
    • Severe pain in your legs.
  • Follow-up Appointments
    • Our office will contact you the day after surgery to check on your progress and schedule your catheter removal (if necessary)
    • Please keep your scheduled post-op appointments 2 and 6 weeks after surgery.