Immediately after the surgery, you may feel sleepy and nauseous, with pain at the site of the incisions – you will be given pain-relieving medication for this. You may also experience a sensation of bloating in the abdomen or pain in the shoulder tips from the carbon dioxide gas used during a laparoscopy.

For the first 24 hours after you return home, have a responsible adult stay with you, rest quietly and don’t do any heavy lifting, housework, cooking or drink alcohol. Don’t drive, operate machinery or sign any important or legal documents.