To eat or not pre-surgery day

Hi ,

I notice that you have had no reply from anyone with more recent experience so I checked out what I was told before my op 4 years ago.   I do remember my pre-op was purely the routine checks of BP, ecg  and weight etc.  No operation advice or info at all, other than being told to  drink the energy drink at the correct time.  Other than that all I had was a letter with the time of admission and an instruction to have nothing but sips of water after midnight.   I know that some people have been given antiseptic gel to use in the shower beforehand.but I didn't, neither did I have to do any bowel prep   . The only other thing was a anti-coagulation injection the evening before surgery. 

I think that trusts and individual surgeons do vary in their procedures.  Some things that used to be common practice have been found to be unnecessary  and may even be counter productive in that they increase the pressure on the patient and create anxiety.  Do contact your CNS who can reassure you about your preparation.  

So many people here have said how the operation and the period after was much easier than they expected  - I am sure you will be joining them shortly!

Good Luck

Hi  From what I remember (from 3 yrs ago) I was told nil by mouth from midnight. I wasn't given any bowel prep or any of the special drinks other ladies on here talk about. I think opinions vary between surgeons and hospitals. It can be very confusing when you get conflicting advice so I'd suggest you maybe ring your CNS and have a word with her - she should be able to confirm which approach your team prefers. 

I didn't have anything particular to do before the op (other than maintain my fitness by walking and eating well) but I was on an enhanced recovery programme after the op which involved getting up and walking the next day, a visit from a physio to talk about post op exercises and a visit from an enhanced recovery nurse who gave lots of helpful advice about post op care and who could be contacted with any queries/concerns in the first 2/3 weeks post surgery. She rang me at home a few days after the op for an in depth discussion about how I felt physically and emotionally and then again a week later. 

Hope that helps a little x

Hi Nina,

i was allowed to eat until the night before my op, I was fine apart from the post op constipation, if I'd been prepared for that I'd have been perfect, I waited too long to take something.

The same hospital gave me bowel prep for a mini colonoscopy, which was a special diet the day before the procedure and a couple of sachets which cleared me out, it wasn't too bad, but I wouldn't be keen to repeat it if I didn't need to (I like eating lol). 

Your CNS will keep you right as fairy cake says. 

xxx

My surgery was five weeks ago today. Nil by mouth after midnight and then clear fluids only before 7am the morning of surgery. I also had some pre op drinks to take, one at supper time the night before and one the morning of surgery before 7am. 

I was absolutely fine and would go with whatever the hospital tells you. 

Best wishes

Hi Old lady

Thank You I am just anxious to prepare as best I can.

Nina x

Good luck Nina

let us know how you get on . 

I was admitted to hospital before my surgery. I was not allowed to eat from 12 midnight. I was allowed water until morning. 

My surgery did not happen until afternoon. 

It was ok . My bladder was stuck to uterus and they had to reconstruct the bladder. I stayed in for 2 weeks after my operation. I was in lot of pain. My pain was not manage very well. 

Everyones case is different so I would not worry too much

you will be fine , try to relax and trust your doctors. They know best. 

Best wishes

Rahman x

Nina, my surgery was nine weeks ago( west london) . I was told not to eat after midnight and only a small glass of water to take medication before 6am on the day. No bowel prep although I was trying to eat prunes and fruit to clear myself out in the preceding two days. No special drinks. I was given anti coagulation injections after the operation and had to administer them myself for a couple of weeks after that. Hope everything goes well for you and try not to worry/overthink. It will be done before you know it. God bless.xlamb

Dear Fairycake

i read one of your posts that you have made changes to your life style. Specially around what you eat and the spiritual side. 

I am trying my best to do same but am finding it very difficult. I am a main career for my husband and that does make things very difficult. Would you and any other share, what has worked well. 

I feel I am gaining weight again which is really worrying me. 

I seem to get very little time to my self. 

I really need to bring some changes. 

I do not know if I am making any sense 

thanks 

Rahman xx

Hi Rahman,

When I was 57 the doctors picked up the fact that my cholesterol was high and told me to go on a diet to lose weight. I have never bothered with dieting, so read up a lot about it. I went onto a fat free diet, so cut out cheese altogether, went on to skimmed milk, don't like cream or butter anyway!! I limited the amount of red meat we eat, and increased fish. I began to look at fat content on labels and stuck to anything with fat content of 4%, or under. You will find that this cuts out an awful lot of food (which I like).  It did make a difference with my weight, but I still had to go on pills! The nurse told me that you could have a naughty weekend as long as you got back on track afterwards. By the way the cholesterol has been controlled since, and I am now 74. I'm sure my problem tied up with the menopause.

I still look at labels and feel very naughty sometimes! It does become a mind set, and you'll learn what to avoid. Its worth a try. I'm lucky in that my husband joins in with the fat free diet. He makes naughty puddings for himself!! xxx

Thank you Nanny Anny. 

I will try to look at labels. I am trying to cut down red meat and try to cook more vegetables. I cook every day and it is always fresh. 

My main problem is sugar. I need to stop taking it in tea and coffee. I am finding that very different. 

Thank you for the tips 

lots of  

Rahman