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▪ If experiencing difficulty urinating, you may find it helpful to have the faucet running when you
try. For men, it may help to stand.
▪ Call your surgeon if unable to urinate in six hours, or if your bladder feels full but is unable to
empty.
Activity after the Surgery
You likely will feel tired and weak when you get home. It is important to increase your activity level
slowly as you gain strength and independence. It is important to walk 4 to 6 times a day.
For the next 6 weeks after your surgery:
▪ Weight restrictions – discuss with your surgeon.
Preventing Nausea and Constipation
▪ Eat smaller portions more often, rather than three large meals.
▪ If experiencing nausea or constipation, use narcotic pain medications only when necessary.
▪ Do not take your pain medications on an empty stomach.
▪ Drink plenty of fluids (about 8 glasses daily).
▪ If you are prone to constipation, consider taking a stool softener, like docusate, or drinking prune
juice.
▪ If constipation develops, begin taking over-the-counter laxatives unless otherwise instructed by
your surgeon. Some options include: Polyethylene Glycol, Bisacodyl, Milk of magnesia if no BM in
48 hrs.
▪ Eat plenty of fruits, vegetables and other sources of fiber (such as bran cereal).
▪ Stay physically active.
