what to expect at tubal litigation surgery

[surprisebaby]

I am 33 years old, I have 2 boys and 1 daughter, ages are 8, 7 and SURPRISE BABY is 5 months old.  I had a very difficult pregnancy with my dd (youngest) and I am absolutely certain that I do not want to chance pregnancy again.  My dh feels the same way, and although he has said that he would get the surgery, I prefer to do it.  My surgery is booked for Tuesday morning.  My question is, what can I expect?  Do they need to "Shave" me.   My cycle is still messed up, and I have started my period and I am not certain that it will be gone by Tuesday.  I understand they are going through my belly button, and there will be a small incision lower as well.  How much time will it take for me to recover.  I was told I cannot lift my "DEMANDING" 5 month old for 48 hours because of the after effects of the anestetic(sp?).  Thank you in advance for any info.

[MomOfTwoGrls]

I had my tubal in dec of 04 and it took 6 weeks to totally heal, but that is because it was done at the time of my c-section with my youngest.  I don't know how long it will take with the belly button option, but I believe its a lot better than the way I had it done.  Good Luck.  

[peekawho]

I had it done laparoscopically many years ago.

I also had 2 small incisions, one right in my belly button, and one right above my pubic hairline (almost in the hair).  They did not shave me if I recall correctly.

It was pretty simple.  I had an IV started in preop, walked to the operating room and was put to sleep.  Woke up a short while later in the RR.  Tummy was mildly sore, went home a couple hours later.  I had some nausea (but I'm prone to it, you might not), so keep some ginger ale, soup, crackers on hand for after.  

I took that night off from work, but went back the night after that. (but I'm crazy)

Your tummy will be sore enough that you won't want to lift a 5 month old baby for a few days.  Sore tummy and pain between the shoulder blades.  That's the worst of it, but only last for a couple of days.  It will not matter if you are still on your period, unless your doctor said otherwise.  

Good luck!  

[surprisebaby]

thank you so much...my 5 month old is going to grandmas....my dh is home from work for a couple days and we'll see how it goes...if need be, my mom or my dh will stay with me for another day or 2 after that...sounds like fun to me!!!