Resources to Help You
Feel Prepared
Surgery is a major event. Knowing exactly what to expect — before, during, and after — is one of the most powerful things you can do to set yourself up for a smooth recovery.
Pre-Operative Instructions
Please read these instructions carefully before your surgery date. Questions? Call our office at 512-504-0877. Following these guidelines closely helps ensure your safety and the best possible outcome.
🌙 The Night Before Surgery
- ◆No food or drink after midnight — this includes water, coffee, gum, and mints. An empty stomach is required for safe anesthesia.
- ◆Do not shave your abdomen. Shaving at home increases infection risk. If hair removal is needed, it will be done safely by the surgical team.
- ◆Shower or bathe the night before using regular soap. Do not apply lotions, perfumes, deodorant, or nail polish on the day of surgery.
- ◆Review your medications with Dr. Rios beforehand. You may be instructed to hold blood thinners, diabetes medications, or certain supplements. Take only approved medications with a small sip of water.
- ◆Get a good night's rest. Arrange for a responsible adult to drive you home and stay with you the first night after surgery.
☀️ Day of Surgery
- ◆Wear loose, comfortable clothing. Leave jewelry, valuables, and contact lenses at home.
- ◆Do not wear makeup or nail polish — the surgical team monitors your circulation through your fingernails and skin during the procedure.
- ◆Bring a valid photo ID, your insurance card, and any paperwork provided by our office.
🏥 Arriving at the Hospital
- ◆Upon arrival, proceed to the registration desk located to the right of the main entrance. Check in at your scheduled arrival time — typically 1–2 hours before your surgery start time.
- ◆After registration, a nurse will escort you to the pre-operative area where you will be prepped for surgery. You will change into a hospital gown and an IV will be placed.
- ◆Dr. Rios will meet you in pre-op before your procedure to answer any last-minute questions, review the plan, and ensure you feel confident and comfortable.
- ◆Your loved one is welcome to accompany you to pre-op for a brief visit. During surgery, they will wait comfortably in the designated waiting room. A staff member will keep them informed of your progress.
Post-Operative Care by Procedure
A brief recovery summary for each procedure Dr. Rios performs. These are general guidelines — your personal discharge instructions are the authoritative source for your specific case. Questions? Call 512-504-0877.
Applies to all procedures: No driving for 24 hours after anesthesia or while taking narcotic pain medication. Stay hydrated and walk short distances frequently to prevent blood clots. Keep incisions clean and dry; showering is generally permitted after 48 hours unless instructed otherwise. No baths, pools, or hot tubs until cleared. A follow-up appointment will be scheduled within 1–2 weeks.
Robotic Cholecystectomy — Recovery: ~1 week
Activity: Walk the day of surgery. Resume light activity in 2–3 days. No lifting over 10 lbs for 1 week. Return to exercise at 2 weeks.
Diet: Start with clear liquids and advance as tolerated. A low-fat diet for the first 1–2 weeks helps minimize bloating.
Call if: Fever over 101°F, yellowing of skin or eyes, persistent vomiting, severe abdominal pain, or dark urine.
Robotic Hernia Repair — Recovery: 1–2 weeks
Activity: Walk daily. No lifting over 10–15 lbs for 2–4 weeks to protect the mesh repair. Desk work in 3–7 days; physical work in 2–4 weeks. Exercise at 3–4 weeks.
Diet: Resume a normal diet right away. Stay hydrated and use a stool softener if needed — straining can stress the repair.
Call if: Fever over 101°F, increasing redness or drainage at incisions, inability to urinate, or a new bulge at the repair site.
Robotic Appendectomy — Recovery: 3–7 days
Activity: Light walking the day of surgery. Most patients return to school or desk work in 3–5 days. No lifting over 10 lbs for 1 week. Full activity at 2 weeks. Perforated cases take longer.
Diet: Clear liquids to regular diet over 24–48 hours as tolerated.
Antibiotics: If your appendix was perforated, complete the full course even if you feel better.
Call if: Fever over 101°F, worsening pain, persistent vomiting, or redness/drainage at incisions.
Robotic Colectomy — Recovery: 2–4 weeks
Hospital stay: Typically 2–3 days under our ERAS (Enhanced Recovery After Surgery) protocol. You will walk the same day as surgery.
Activity: Walk several times daily — this helps bowel function return. No lifting over 10 lbs for 4–6 weeks. Exercise at 4–6 weeks per guidance.
Diet: Clear liquids advancing to soft, low-fiber foods over 1–2 weeks. Gradually reintroduce fiber. Bowel habits may take 4–8 weeks to normalize.
Call if: Fever over 101°F, inability to pass gas or stool for 24+ hours, severe abdominal pain or distension, persistent vomiting, or bloody stools.
Soft Tissue & Skin Excision — Recovery: 1–2 weeks
Activity: Most patients resume normal activity immediately, with restrictions only on heavy lifting or stretching near the surgical site. Sutures typically removed at 1–2 weeks.
Wound care: Keep dressing clean and dry. Follow individual wound-care instructions.
Call if: Increasing redness, drainage, bleeding, or fever over 101°F.
Chemotherapy Port Placement — Recovery: a few days
Activity: Light activity right away. Avoid heavy lifting or vigorous arm motion on the side of the port for 1 week to allow it to settle.
Port use: Port can be accessed for chemotherapy within 24–48 hours.
Call if: Fever, increasing redness or drainage, or swelling/pain disproportionate to the incision.
Colonoscopy — Recovery: same day
Activity: Rest at home the day of the procedure. No driving for 24 hours due to sedation. Most patients return to normal activity the next day.
Diet: Resume normal diet that evening unless instructed otherwise. Bloating and mild gas pains are normal for a few hours.
Call if: Severe abdominal pain, persistent rectal bleeding, fever, or vomiting.
Frequently Asked Questions
No food or drink after midnight the night before surgery. This includes water, coffee, gum, and mints. An empty stomach is required for safe anesthesia.
Review your medications with Dr. Rios in advance. You may be instructed to hold blood thinners, certain diabetes medications, and some supplements. Approved medications may be taken with a small sip of water on the morning of surgery.
No. You will not be permitted to drive after anesthesia. You must arrange for a responsible adult to drive you home and to stay with you for the first night.
Most patients can shower 48 hours after surgery unless otherwise instructed. Keep incisions clean and dry. No baths, pools, or hot tubs until cleared by Dr. Rios.
Call our office at 512-504-0877 if you experience a fever over 101°F, persistent vomiting, increasing pain not controlled by your medications, increasing redness or drainage at incisions, or any concerning symptom specific to your procedure.
A follow-up appointment will be scheduled within 1–2 weeks of your surgery. Your discharge instructions will include the date, time, and location.
For urgent post-operative concerns outside office hours, follow the instructions provided at discharge or call 911. For non-urgent questions, call our office at 512-504-0877, Mon–Fri 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM.