ERAS (Enhanced Recovery After Surgery) Patient Information

What is ERAS? ERAS is a plan made to speed up your recovery after a big surgery, so you can go home and get back to normal faster. ERAS is a joint effort between you and your care team. We want you to be actively involved in your care!

Our main goals before surgery are PLANNING and PREPARATION.

• We strongly recommend that you increase your activity around 2 to 4 weeks before surgery. A goal would be to increase your daily activity to 30 minutes a day, before your surgery.

• If you smoke, we ask you to stop smoking 4 to 8 weeks before surgery. This will help you have better results after surgery.
  

    

Pre-Admission Visit:

• The Care Team will discuss the upcoming procedure and what to expect before and after the surgery

• Discuss how to manage your pain.

Before Surgery:

• Bowel prep (if told by your surgeon).

• No solid foods after midnight (unless told different by your surgeon).

• Clear liquids up to 2 hours before surgery.

• Drink your carb drink up to 2 hours before surgery (if told by your surgeon). Carb drinks could be:

• Gatorade®

• Gatorade Zero®

• Ensure pre-surgery drink

What to Expect After Surgery:

• Start drinking liquids and eating according to your surgeon’s advice, you will often start with clear liquids or soft, bland foods.

• Early movement, getting out of bed, and walking with a nurse or care partner.

• Pain care, controlling your pain using other types of meds. The goal is to limit opioid use so you can get well faster.

• Meds may be available that will help you avoid feeling sick or throwing up.

• Your bladder drains and surgery drains will be taken out as early as possible.

• Help your bowels move better by chewing gum, walking, and moving.

• Patient and family education will be given. Please ask if you have any questions!