You must perform pre-operative tests that include blood samples, urine samples, X-rays, and electrocardiogram depending on your age. Remember that the preoperative laboratories must not be more than 7 days old.
If you smoke, you should stop smoking 2 weeks before surgery to avoid lung risks.
If you use any recreational substances or drugs, you must leave them 1 week before the day of your surgery, otherwise, your surgery may be canceled.
One day before your surgery, the last solid meal should be until noon. After noon to midnight, you should only drink liquids. After midnight you should not eat anything nor drink water.
Patients taking medications for diabetes and high blood pressure should check with their doctor whether they should take the medication before surgery.
The night before surgery, the patient must bathe with soap disinfecting all areas and surfaces of their body.
Arrive early on the day of your surgery for your registration. Remember that the process will take a while.
You must be accompanied by a family member or friend and we recommend that you keep this company at home, especially the first 24 hours after surgery.
We recommend that you have fiber-based laxatives on hand and begin taking them a week before surgery to avoid constipation.
It is important to keep the phone number for the surgeon’s office in case you need to call them for any reason.
After surgery:
Patients who have medication for diabetes, high blood pressure or other medications, should consult with the doctor when they should resume taking their medication after surgery.
After surgery, walk every two hours for 10 minutes during the day. At night rest.
The first two days after surgery, the diet should be light and easily digestible, stay well hydrated (water, tea, juices, coffee)
After surgery you should not smoke or use recreational drugs for at least 10 days.
Do not carry heavy items greater than (10 lb.) ex. a 5-year-old child weighs approximately 50 lbs.
You should not do intense or heavy exercises for 8 to 12 weeks depending on the type of surgery you had. Talk to the specialist to see when you can start.
After 48 hours of your surgery you can take a shower, remove the bandages without worrying about getting the wound wet. When drying, remember that you should not use the same body towel to dry your wound, you must do it with a clean towel or an air dryer.
After bathing, the wound may run out of bandages, meaning you do not need to put on gauze again. Keep your clothes clean.
Remember to call the medical office the third day after your surgery and make your appointment with the specialist for an examination after 7 days of your surgery.
Remember that it is not possible to be pain free, however what is sought with medications is to calm the pain to the point that you can walk.
If you are breastfeeding, you should refrain from doing so if you are taking medications such as narcotics and/or antibiotics. Ask and follow the advice of your doctor.
Refrain from intimate relationships for at least 7 to 10 days and depending on the type of surgery. Always ask and follow the advice of your doctor.
