Preparing for Surgery

Questions to Ask During Surgery Consultation

Your Endometriosis surgery consultation is your chance to figure out whether this doctor is the right fit. If you are considering surgery, the number one most important factor is the surgeon. The right hands can change everything, while the wrong approach can make symptoms worse or lead to repeat surgeries.

Use your consultation to learn how they operate, how much experience they have, and whether they truly specialize in endometriosis. These questions can help guide the conversation.

The main goal is to make sure your surgeon is a true endometriosis specialist. Many doctors will say they are, but are not truly qualified to treat the disease.

1. Cut or burn?
Ask directly whether they use excision or ablation. Excision means cutting the disease out from the root. Ablation means burning the surface, which often leaves disease behind. Research shows excision has the best long-term outcomes for pain relief and lower recurrence rates.

2. What percentage of surgeries you perform are for endometriosis?
If they only do a few each month, that’s a red flag. A true specialist performs endometriosis or pelvic pain surgeries regularly (like 80% of the time or more) and focuses their practice on complex cases, not general gynecology or deliveries.

3. What do you do if there is disease on the bowel, bladder, or diaphragm?
Endometriosis often spreads to these areas, and a real specialist should be ready for it. They should either have the skill and experience to treat those organs themselves or have a multidisciplinary team that includes colorectal, urology, and thoracic surgeons when needed. If they say they will close you up and schedule another surgery later with a specialist, that’s a red flag.

4. Do you screen for adenomyosis?
Ask how they evaluate for adenomyosis before surgery. It often occurs alongside endometriosis and requires a different treatment approach.

5. What will you do after surgery?
Ask what their plan is for recovery and follow-up care. Do they recommend pelvic floor physical therapy? It’s one of the most important parts of long-term healing. A good doctor will encourage it.

6. What does your pain management plan look like?
Pain management should fit your comfort level and values. Ask what medications they typically use, how they handle nerve-related pain, and whether they support integrative or non-opioid options if that’s important to you.

A good doctor will take time to answer every question, explain their reasoning, and never make you feel rushed or dismissed. If you sense hesitation, avoidance, or vague answers, keep looking. The right specialist will value your preparation and respect that you’ve done your research.

Questions to Ask During Pre-Op Appointment

Your pre-op appointment is your last opportunity to get crystal clear on what your surgeon is going to do during your procedure and what you’re comfortable with. Go in prepared, take notes, and don’t rush this conversation.

If you and your surgeon haven’t yet talked about what organs may or may not be removed, this is the time to do it. For example, I had my uterus, cervix, and appendix removed during my surgery, but I told my doctor ahead of time that under no circumstances should he take my ovaries. That was my personal choice, and I made sure it was clearly understood before surgery day.

Use this appointment to set boundaries and ask specific, detailed questions.

Questions to ask:

  • If you find adenomyosis, what will you do about it?

  • If you find endometriosis on my bladder, diaphragm, or bowels, what is the plan?

  • Do you have other specialists on hand to help if disease has spread to those areas?

  • Will I go home with a catheter?

  • How long do you expect the surgery to take, and will I need to stay overnight?

  • Will you come talk to me after the surgery?

  • Am I allowed to record that conversation so I can review it later?

  • Will I receive copies of the operative report and photos from surgery?

  • Will I have an ostomy bag after surgery?

  • How long is recovery expected to be?

  • Can you complete any paperwork for FMLA or medical leave before the procedure?

This appointment is your final chance to discuss your boundaries and expectations before surgery. Be very clear about what you’re comfortable with, and make sure your surgeon truly understands those limits.

Preparing for Surgery

Preparing for surgery is about more than the procedure itself. It is about setting yourself up to rest, recover, and avoid unnecessary stress. These are practical things you can do ahead of time to make the process smoother and help you feel more in control.

1. Organize your home and daily life

  • Make a list of things to do around your house before surgery.

  • Stock up on essentials like groceries, toiletries, pet food, and household items. You can click my storefront from the menu on this website to get to the amazon page with everything I used during recovery!

  • Do laundry, change your sheets, and set up a comfortable recovery space with everything you will need within reach.

  • Make a list of movies or shows to watch and add them to your streaming queue for downtime.

2. Prepare for time off work

  • Notify your employer about your surgery and recovery timeline.

  • Make a list of work tasks or responsibilities that need to be handled while you are out.

  • Look into the Paid Family and Medical Leave Act (PFMLA) or any other medical leave options available to you.

  • Print or download any PFMLA paperwork.

  • Email yourself clear instructions on what to do once your doctor submits your paperwork or your claim is approved- your head will be foggy after surgery, save yourself the energy later and do it now!

3. Build your support system

  • Make a list of people you can ask for help, like family, friends, or coworkers.

  • Tell them about your surgery and what to expect during your recovery.

  • Create a calendar of the days you might need help with things like meals, errands, or pet care, and have people sign up for shifts.

4. Plan your self-care

  • Get your nails trimmed before surgery, especially toenails since you will not want to bend or twist for a while.

  • If it feels good, consider getting your hair done or eyebrows tinted before recovery. Your hair will be weak as you're recovering, so you won't want to bleach it for at least 6 months post op! 

  • Prepare easy self-care items like cozy clothes, heating pads, skincare, or anything that helps you feel comforted.

  • Meal prep or plan simple, nourishing foods you can easily reheat.

5. Medical and recovery prep

  • Make a list of questions to ask at your post-op appointment.

  • Schedule pelvic floor physical therapy ahead of time so you are ready to start when cleared.

  • Prepare your medications, supplements, and a small kit for wound care or comfort like pads, wipes, and loose clothing.

Emotional Preparation

Preparing for surgery is not just physical. It can bring up a lot of emotions, including relief, fear, hope, and sometimes grief for everything you have been through to get here. All of it is normal. Taking care of your emotional well-being before surgery can make recovery smoother and help you feel more centered going in.

1. Acknowledge what you are feeling
It is okay to be nervous, angry, or even excited. Surgery is a big deal. Give yourself permission to feel whatever comes up without judgment.

2. Focus on trust
You chose your surgeon for a reason. Trust the research, the preparation, and your instincts that got you here. Let that trust carry you when anxiety tries to take over.

3. Set boundaries and expectations
Let people around you know what you need and what you do not. This might mean asking for quiet time, saying no to visitors, or letting someone else handle updates for you. Protecting your energy will help you heal.

4. Create moments of calm
Take time to breathe, journal, or meditate in the days leading up to surgery. Some people like to make a calming playlist or listen to guided meditations to relax before bed.

5. Visualize recovery
Picture yourself healing, resting, and slowly getting stronger. Focus on the moment when you will feel relief, even if it takes time. You have worked hard for this step, and your body deserves the chance to heal.

6. Remember why you are doing this
This surgery is not the end of your story. It is a step toward relief, answers, and taking your life back. You are not weak for needing help, you are brave for fighting for it.

What to Expect After Surgery

Recovery looks different for everyone, but knowing what to expect can make the process feel less overwhelming. Healing from excision surgery takes time, patience, and self-compassion. Give yourself permission to rest and let your body recover at its own pace. And listen to your body! 

1. The first few days
You will likely feel tired, sore, and bloated. Your abdomen may look or feel puffy from the gas used during surgery (GasEx + heating pads work wonders!). Walking a little each day can help relieve that pressure. Stay ahead of your pain with the medications or methods your doctor recommends, and focus on short, gentle movements.

2. Managing pain
Pain after excision is usually different from endo pain. It should steadily improve as your body heals. Keep your care team updated if pain becomes sharp, constant, or feels off. Use heating pads, deep breathing, or gentle stretching when cleared by your doctor.

3. Rest and movement
Rest is essential, but so is light movement. Take slow walks, change positions often, and listen to your body. Overdoing it can set you back, but total inactivity can make healing harder.

4. Incisions and care
Your surgeon will give you specific instructions about showering, changing bandages, and watching for infection. Keep your incisions clean and dry. Reach out to your doctor if you notice redness, drainage, or unusual pain. Highly recommend scar tape for when the incisions are healed to keep your scars from getting irritated from rubbing on your clothes!

5. Digestive and bladder changes
It is common to experience bloating, constipation, or bladder irritation after surgery. Stay hydrated (seriously!), eat soft foods, and take stool softeners if recommended. I also recommend Magnesium Citrate and Probiotics/Prebiotics to help with constipation, check with your doctor!) Pelvic floor therapy can also help ease tension and restore function once your doctor clears you.

6. Emotions during recovery
It is normal to feel emotional after surgery. Relief, sadness, or frustration can all appear as your body adjusts and your hormones rebalance. Try not to judge your healing process. Focus on small wins and remember that recovery is not linear.

7. Follow-up care
You should have a post-op appointment to review your pathology, photos, and operative report. Bring your list of questions and ask about next steps, including pelvic floor therapy or hormone support if needed.

8. Support
Accept help when it is offered. Let people cook for you, check in, or keep you company. You do not have to do everything yourself. Surrounding yourself with support can make recovery feel less isolating.

Good luck with your surgery, and congratulations on taking the next step toward getting your health back.

P.S. Make sure you circle back and get all of the operative notes and photos from the surgery and add them to your records! This is SO IMPORTANT!