Post Op Recovery Guide
This guidebook is a general abdominal surgery recovery roadmap created by Dr. Tabatha Barber, drawing on 15 years of surgical patient care. It opens with a disclaimer that it does not replace a surgeon’s specific orders. The guide is organized into practical sections: pain control (scheduled ibuprofen, staggered narcotics, ice packs, daily walking), sleep (14‑16 hrs/night, optional teas, melatonin, avoidance of Benadryl due to acetaminophen), supplements (Gut Lift protein powder for anti‑inflammatory support), nutrition (cooked vegetables, protein, smoothies, ginger tea, 80 oz water daily, no alcohol), gut health (fiber‑rich foods, probiotic‑supporting protein powder), bowel care (magnesium dosage, magnesium citrate protocol, when to call), incision care (showering, keeping dry, peri‑pad use, glue handling, tape removal with alcohol), warning signs (fever >100.4 °F, persistent vomiting, foul‑smelling diarrhea, lack of bowel movement, uncontrolled pain, incision redness/drainage), spiritual encouragement (prayer), and a resources list (Fast to Faith gut‑healing program, various health guides, supplement shop, lab ordering). The document also provides optimal laboratory ranges for thyroid, hormone, and general health markers. Throughout, the tone is instructional and supportive, with an emphasis on proactive self‑care, clear red‑flag criteria, and holistic healing.
Topics
Pain Management Protocol: Ibuprofen Scheduling, Narcotic Use, Ice, Walking
Details a three‑day ibuprofen schedule (600 mg every 6 hrs or 800 mg every 8 hrs), staggered narcotic dosing, ice‑pack usage, and a daily walking regimen to control pain and reduce inflammation.
Sleep Optimization for Healing: Duration, Aids, Medication Interactions
Recommends 14‑16 hours of sleep per night, optional Sleepy Time Tea, melatonin, or Unisom, and warns against Benadryl due to overlapping acetaminophen.
Nutrition Guidance: Cooked Foods, Hydration, Alcohol Avoidance
Emphasizes easy‑to‑digest cooked vegetables and proteins, smoothies, soups, ginger tea for nausea, at least 80 oz water daily, and complete abstinence from alcohol during recovery.
Gut Microbiome Restoration: Fiber, Probiotic Support, Gut Lift Protein
Explains how antibiotics and meds disrupt gut flora, recommends fiber‑rich whole foods, limiting simple sugars, and using Gut Lift protein powder to provide both fiber and protein.
Bowel Health Management: Magnesium Supplementation, Citrate Protocol, Red Flags
Advises 400‑600 mg magnesium daily, a stepwise magnesium citrate regimen if bowel movements cease for three days, and criteria for contacting a doctor.
Incision Care Instructions: Showering, Drying, Peri‑Pad, Glue, Tape Removal
Guides patients on early showering, keeping incisions dry, using peri‑pads, allowing surgical glue to fall off naturally, and removing adhesive residue with alcohol.
Warning Signs & When to Contact Surgeon: Fever, Vomiting, Diarrhea, Pain, Incision Issues
Lists specific red‑flag symptoms (fever >100.4 °F, repeated vomiting, foul‑smelling diarrhea, uncontrolled pain, incision drainage) that require immediate medical attention.
Resource Hub: Fast to Faith Programs, Guides, Supplement Shop, Lab Ordering
Offers links to the Fast to Faith gut‑healing program, various health guides (liver detox, intermittent fasting, hormone, weight loss), supplement shop with discount code, and lab ordering portal.