First ever laparoscopy

[ell_t18]

Hello everyone! Just found out the date for my first lap and was wondering if anyone can give me an idea of what I should take? What I should expect? And what it's like after the op? As I feel quite anxious, this is my first ever operation so I'm hoping it's not too bad! Thank you, ella xx

[Everton9]

Hi I recently had the op done and had not had an operation before! I felt really bloated and sore afterwards and I was off work for two weeks. It does depend on what type of job you do and if it's very physical. Anyway good luck, you will be fine just very sore afterwards. Make sure you rest x

[ell_t18 in reply to Everton9]

Thank you, I hope yours went really well! Yeah I think I'll tell work two weeks and see how it goes I'll make sure I don't do too much x

[Footiemagpie1]

Hi Ella, I have had 4 or 5 laps over the last 4 years and I was really nervous. You will be fine. When you go to hospital, take a nightshirt or long Tshirt rather than pjs as you need something loose around your tummy. Take some nice toiletries with you - when I was a bit down after my ops I found that using my favourite shower gel in the hospital bathroom made me feel more like myself - and dry shampoo can work wonders too! Also I find having some lip balm helps after the anaesthetic - sounds silly but your lips get really dry. Also, you may find that you get pain in your shoulders from the gas that's pumped into you during the op & trapped wind which can be uncomfortable as your tummy is sore - I found that peppermint tea really helped ease this. You'll need someone with you when you get back from the hospital - I was surprised how hard it was to do simple things like pick up a full kettle after the op & a hot water bottle will really help ease any soreness. I found walking a little everyday helped me - just around the block not miles. Each time I was signed off work for 4 weeks even though my consultant said I would only need 2, but everyone is different and you will know when you're ready. Try & stay positive and you will get through this just fine. Hope this helps, Melissa xx

[ell_t18 in reply to Footiemagpie1]

Thank you so much Melissa for your reply, really is good knowing what to take from your perspective! as the pre-op only told basics! I'll definitely rest up afterwards and take it easy. I'm starting not to worry as much after hearing more about it, just want it done now! You've really helped ease my mind, thank you xx

[spammie85]

When u have the lap they inflate u with gas so that they have more room to work in. They remove what they can of it but some is left and this leaves you feeling bloated and can cause shoulder pain. I always take a bottle of gripe water into hosp with me for afterwards it really helps with the gas. also everyone is different I can manage to get away with pj's now I am used to it as am waitin for op number 8 in 2 yrs. onesies are a good thing as you still all covered and decent but have nothing on your waist. It also depends on what they do during the op aswell to how long recovery takes. don't push yourself I did as after first by 3 wks thought I'm healed etc as wounds were healed but learnt the hard way tried lifting too much and decorating and ended up pulling something inside that hadn't healed so listen to ur body and don't rush it . If they removed stuff etc it can take 6 wks for things to heal internally. If you are feeling brave there are video's of laps on YouTube . don't worry about it though as they do the procedure all the time and most people have it done as a day case (go home same evening) . laxatives are good aswell for after the op as it may feel really sore etc when u go so sometimes it less painful when u have a bit of help. good luck and hope that the op helps you get some relief if u want to talk or any questions answering feel free to inbox me . Good luck and don't worry as hard as it is not to. x

[ell_t18 in reply to spammie85]

Thank you so much for your reply, it really has eased my worries about what actually happens during the op and what to do when I'm there and after. It's so lovely having support from others in these scary times and I'll definitely take it easy afterwards, just good to know things that aren't told in the pre op! Thank you again x

[spammie85]

Ya welcome it's what this website is for helping each other and giving advice.

[K_ay]

Don't forget to take some sanitary towels as you will prob have some bleeding afterwards depending on if they remove anything. Try and get up and gently walking about as soon as you can after the op as it helps release the wind. If you have any other questions don't be afraid to ask we are all here to help each other. This forum has given me better answers than any of my doctors. Hope everything goes well. When is your op?