You will be able to drink clear liquids, such as gelatin, tea, broth, or protein drinks. Do not use a straw or drink carbonated liquids, such as soda until you are passing gas.
Some patients can have a general low-fiber diet in the afternoon. The low-fiber diet does not allow raw fruits, raw vegetables, or whole grains.
Activity
The nursing staff will have you get up and walking four times and sitting in a chair four times, so you are out of bed for a total of three hours. This is one way you can really speed up your recovery!
The nursing staff will give you special wipes for bathing. The wipes help lower your risk of infection.
Comfort
You will get less IV fluids and IV pain medicine. You will start on pain pills. Ask your nurse for the pain pills when you are having pain. Pain pills last much longer than IV medicine and often work better.
Sleep
Keep taking naps. You may be able to get longer periods of sleep the second night after surgery.
Catheters and drains
Most patients have their urinary catheter taken out.
Discharge planning
You may meet with the ostomy nurses, the dietitian, and/or the social worker to talk about the care and resources you will need when you leave the hospital. If you plan on going to a skilled nursing facility at discharge, let us know.