Getting ready for first laparoscopy

[Dani6290]

Hi all! I’m due to have a diagnostic laparoscopy on Monday to look for endometriosis. This’ll be my 4th operation under general anaesthetic, but my first not on my left knee 😅

Does anyone have any tips on what sort of food to have in the house for after the operation? I’ve got peppermint tea and peppermint oil capsules ready, but am not really sure what I’ll fancy when feeling all bloated with the gas / what’s easy to digest etc.!

Any tips on good food to have in or other tips about post-laparoscopy stuff would all be super appreciated! 🙏

[Hambletron]

I had one in May. The peppermint stuff is great. I just needed painkillers and dresses/dungarees (anything with no waistband). Tried to wear shorts a week after op and it was not comfortable at all! Good luck!

[Dee_EndoUK Moderator Endometriosis UK]

Hi Dani

Best of luck with your forthcoming laparoscopy - in case you haven't seen it we have loads of information about what to expect before, during and after the procedure on our website at endometriosis-uk.org/your-l...

After surgery make sure you're well hydrated as constipation can be an issue, so sip water through the day and eat foods with high water content - cucumber, celery, watermelon etc. Also eat lots of fresh fruits and vegetables for their high fibre content.

Protein is very important for the healing process - lean chicken, turkey, fish or pork along with eggs.

To avoid discomfort, take your time over eating and chew all food well. If you have time this week or over the weekend it would be well worth batch cooking a few dishes, including soup which you may prefer for the first day or two after surgery, and portioning them up. That way, you'll nourish yourself with healthy food without needing to spend time preparing and cooking food post-surgery.

Wishing you all the best with your surgery and recovery x

[Dani6290 in reply to Dee_EndoUK]

Thanks so much for this Dee_EndoUK - this has been incredibly useful as I’ve got ready for tomorrow! X

[Laurakirsty]

Hi . I had one a while ago and yes the tea is a great idea. To be honest, the only thing I found was just making sure I was as comfortable in bed as possible and I had a y shaped cushion behind me for support. The gas pain was very real but it will just go in time if you do get it. Make sure you get some painkillers in and nice loose bottoms to wear. It was the best thingI had done. Good luck 😃

[A5555]

I had a particular problem with constipation following my surgery to the point where I was vomiting because I couldn’t go toilet. This is an unlikely scenario but the only thing I could intake was salt and pepper crackers to take with painkillers and a smoothie to give me some vitamins and sugar (smoothie was recommended by doctors after calling them about the issue i was having). They’re good to have just in case haha but I doubt that will happen to you and they’re nice to have even when you’re doing well x