Upcoming hysterectomy 5/2: Pre-op Complete

Well I did my pre-op today and I have a nice new bracelet to show. It was much less scarier than I thought it would be. However I am still terrified about surgery and Monday is going to be here before I know it. I am having a full hysterectomy with the davinci machine. Is it normal to be on a full liquid diet the day before? I can't eat anything solid after 7am Sunday. I still have to do the stool softener and the enema later in the day. After not eating all day maybe I'll be mentally more ready to get the surgery over with.

The time will go quickly, don't you worry! Each doctor is different, I had surgery at 7A and was on liquids after 9P the night before. I did not have to do a bowel prep but again, it depends on the doctor and type of procedure (I had a TAH). Keep in mind a liquid diet includes plain broth like chicken or beef and even jello (they don't recommend red) or popsicles. Broth may help fool you into feeling like you are eating something. YOU GOT THIS!

Hi! I agree with Sarrie about the broth, good stuff!

I am actually going to liquid diet 2 days early, to make the bowel movements easier after surgery, also starting stool softener 4 days before. I had become impacted after the birth of one of my children ( long story, child had to be air- lifted to different hospital, so Dr let me of hospital before bowel movement) anyway, I will never, never let that happen again. I also choke down lots of prune juice after surgery. Having clear liquids for a day previous to surgery, will give digestion and colon time to breakdown more solids. Good luck!

Hi Sammysam21 -

You should have a list from your doctor about what you can have on your liquid diet. Typical items are water, clear chicken broth, black tea, black coffee, jello and soda crackers. BUT, you do need to check with your doctor if you do not have a list. If you can have chicken broth that is good - there is enough substance to it that you can fool your system into thinking that is actually getting food. Whatever your list, and whatever your bowel prep instructions, follow those to the letter including the exact timing of what they want and when to start what. It is very important that you do that - your health depends on it.

I had a TAH BSO. I had to do a bowel prep starting at 4 PM, and I was on a clear liquid diet after noon the day before my surgery after a light breakfast and lunch.