Patient Guide

Preparing for Endometriosis 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.

Practical Preparation

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
  • 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
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 now
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
Plan Your Self-Care
  • Get your nails trimmed before surgery, especially toenails since you will not want to bend or twist for a while
  • Consider getting your hair done or eyebrows tinted before recovery - you may want to hold off on bleaching 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
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.

  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.

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 and heating pads can help
  • Walking a little each day can relieve that pressure
  • Stay ahead of your pain with the medications or methods your doctor recommends and focus on short, gentle movements
Managing Pain
  • Pain after excision is usually different from endo pain and 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
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
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
  • Scar tape can help keep your scars from getting irritated once the incisions are healed
Digestive and Bladder Changes
  • It is common to experience bloating, constipation, or bladder irritation after surgery
  • Stay hydrated, eat soft foods, and take stool softeners if recommended
  • Magnesium Citrate and probiotics can help with constipation - check with your doctor first
  • Pelvic floor therapy can also help ease tension and restore function once you are cleared
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
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
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

You have worked hard to get here. Give yourself permission to rest, heal, and take this one day at a time.