What to Expect the First Few Days After Endometriosis Surgery

Author: Joanna Morris - Pelvic Health Physiotherapist and Co-founder of Matilda

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You’ll Likely Feel Pretty Wiped

Fatigue is one of the most common symptoms after laparoscopic surgery. Even though the incisions are small, your body has gone through a lot—anesthesia, internal healing, and in some cases, excision of endometriosis from different (sometimes multiple) organs.

You might feel like you’ve been hit by a truck, or a tiny bus. It’s okay. Rest is your priority.

Tips for the early days:

• Create a little area where you can rest, snack, and hydrate.
• Have pain relief on hand (your surgeon may prescribe medications or recommend over-the-counter options).
• Don’t feel guilty for sleeping a lot. It’s part of healing.

Shoulder Tip Pain & Bloating Is Weird… But Normal

After laparoscopic surgery, many people experience shoulder tip pain or a bloated belly that can last a few days. This happens because gas (usually carbon dioxide) is used during surgery to inflate your abdomen and give the surgeons more visibility. That gas can irritate the diaphragm and cause pain in unexpected places.

It’s uncomfortable—but temporary.

What can help:

• Gentle walking (even a few laps around the house) helps the gas reabsorb or pass faster.
• Peppermint tea or peppermint oil capsules may ease bloating.
• Use heat packs with caution on your shoulders or back (avoid incisions!).

Incisions Can Be Sore, But Shouldn't Be Angry

You’ll have small incision sites on your lower abdomen—usually around your belly button and near your lower belly. These may feel sore, itchy, or tender. This is normal.

What’s not normal:

• Redness that spreads
• Oozing
• A fever
• Increasing pain day after day

Always follow your surgeon’s wound care instructions, and don’t hesitate to contact them if something feels off. Trust your gut (even if it's bloated!).

Bleeding and Discharge May Surprise You

Vaginal bleeding after surgery is common—particularly if your uterus, cervix, or vaginal wall were involved. It often feels like a light period and should taper off over a few days.

You may also notice:

• Brownish or pink discharge
• Mild cramping (especially if the uterus was moved around during surgery)

If you feel your bleeding is significant or you are unsure, always remember you can call your doctor.

Eating May Feel… Off

Some people feel constipated, others nauseated. Your appetite may dip, or you might crave comfort food. Surgery (especially under general anaesthetic) can slow down your digestive system for a few days.

Support your gut by:

• Drinking plenty of water
• Walking gently to get things moving
• Eating small, simple meals (think: brothy soups, toast, stewed fruit)
• Avoiding foods that cause bloating (carbonated drinks, greasy foods, etc.)

If you haven’t had a bowel movement in 3+ days or feel uncomfortable, talk to your GP or pharmacist about gentle options to help get things moving.

The Emotional Come-Down Is Real

The days after surgery are often emotionally intense. You’ve built up to this moment, hoped for answers, and now you’re faced with healing, uncertainty, and possibly still waiting on pathology results.

Some people feel a rush of relief. Others feel grief, sadness, or even a sense of let down—especially if their symptoms don’t vanish overnight.

Know this:

• It’s okay to feel a mix of things.
• The emotional rollercoaster is normal (blame hormones, too).
• Reach out—whether to a friend, a support group, or a mental health professional.

At Matilda, we’ve co-designed our support program with people who’ve been there. You don’t have to navigate this alone.

Healing Is Not Linear

Some days you’ll feel great, other days not so much. That doesn’t mean something is wrong—it means you’re human. Recovery takes time.

Your first period after surgery might be heavier or more painful. Bloating might still hang around. You might still be unsure whether surgery has “worked.”

Give your body and your mind space to heal. You’re not behind. You’re not doing it wrong.

Final Word

The first few days after endometriosis surgery can be a mixed bag—sore, swollen, hopeful, exhausted, relieved. All of that is valid.

Be gentle with yourself. Celebrate the little wins. Let your body rest.