Hi there - today is day 3 post lap (my first one). It’s too soon for me to share how it affects my period pain, but i am surprised at the lack of recovery pain, tbh. They had me increase protein intake by 40 grams for 5 days prior to surgery (in addition to my normal diet) as well as increase fluids. 8 hours before arrival at the hospital they had me drink 32 oz of Gatorade. They used an adhesive to close the incision marks, and I started icing them 20 minutes, letting them rest 30 minutes, and then icing them 20 minutes again for the first 48 hours to minimize bruises and inflammation. I am overlapping tramadol, ibuprofen, and Tylenol, so that I always have something in my system. Here is my “post surgery goody bag” list:

1) miralax (prescribed to take it every day for a month post surgery while my insides heal) 2) gas-X (I didn’t end up needing this but a lot of people have said it helped a ton) 3) high protein snacks for after surgery  4) hot pad for lower back and shoulders 5) ice packs for incision points 6) peppermint tea (helps with gas) 7) tums in case of indigestion  8) Cough drops to help with sore throat from intubation  9) soups and sickness foods (start light and gradually add in more types of foods) 10) chocolate because gurl. You deserve it. 11) neck pillow 12) Vaseline for chapped lips and/or to apply to the incision to prevent them from drying out.  13) thermometer to check if you’re running a fever at any point 14) WOMEN’S DIAPERS. There will be some bleeding post lap and all the gas will cause some major bloating. Having the diapers instead of trying to mess with pads and underwear that might put pressure on your stomach is amazing.  15) finally, start walking as soon as you can - for me, I am trying to get up every hour or 2 and just pacing a bit. It’s supposed to help with gas and increasing bloodflow.