What I Wish I Knew Before My First Laparoscopy for Endometriosis

When my doctor first said the word "laparoscopy," I panicked. Surgery? On my insides? Through my BELLY BUTTON? I had so many questions and not nearly enough answers. And honestly? I was terrified.

Now, after more than 8 surgeries, I can tell you — the fear of the unknown is the worst part. If someone had sat me down before my first laparoscopy for endometriosis and told me what I'm about to tell you, it would have changed everything. So consider this your big-sister talk from someone who's been through it more times than she can count.

What to Know Before Your First Laparoscopy for Endometriosis

First things first: a laparoscopy is a minimally invasive surgery where the doctor makes small incisions (usually near your belly button and lower abdomen) and uses a tiny camera to look inside your pelvis. They can diagnose endometriosis AND remove it during the same procedure. When I had my first one, I didn't fully understand that — I thought they were just "looking." No! They can actually treat what they find.

Here's what I wish someone had told me:

• The gas pain is REAL. They inflate your abdomen with gas to see better, and afterward that gas travels up to your shoulders. It's bizarre and painful. A heating pad on your shoulders helps more than any painkiller.
• You'll be bloated for days. I looked 6 months pregnant after my first surgery. Loose clothing is your best friend — don't even think about jeans for at least a week.
• Take more time off work than you think you need. I went back after 3 days the first time. BIG MISTAKE. Give yourself at least a week, more if you can.
• Stock your recovery station BEFORE surgery. Pillows, heating pads, water bottles, snacks you can reach without bending, your phone charger, the remote — everything within arm's reach.
• You WILL need help. I'm stubborn. I'm independent. I'm from St. Croix — we don't ask for help easily! But you cannot do this alone. Let someone take care of you.

Surviving Your First Laparoscopy for Endometriosis: Recovery Tips

Walk. I know it sounds crazy when you can barely sit up, but gentle walking helps move that gas out of your body and prevents blood clots. Even if it's just shuffling to the bathroom and back — move.

Don't be a hero with pain medication. Take it on schedule, not when the pain gets unbearable. I learned this the hard way — once you fall behind the pain, it's so much harder to get ahead of it.

Your emotions will be ALL over the place. Between the anesthesia, the hormonal disruption, and the reality of what they found inside you — expect to cry. A lot. That's normal. That's okay. Let it out.

And here's something nobody warned me about: the emotional impact of seeing your surgical photos. Most surgeons will show you pictures of what they found. Seeing endometriosis growing on your organs is... a lot. It's validating — because FINALLY you have proof that your pain was real — but it's also scary. Give yourself grace.

The Other Side of Surgery

I won't lie to you. Surgery is not a cure. Endometriosis can and often does come back. I'm living proof of that with my 8+ surgeries. But that first laparoscopy? It gave me something priceless: answers. After years of being told my pain was normal, of being dismissed and doubted, I finally had a diagnosis. I finally had someone say, "This is what's wrong, and this is real."

If you're facing your first laparoscopy, take a deep breath. You are stronger than you think. This surgery could be the beginning of finally understanding your body and taking control of your treatment.

You've got this, warrior. And if you need someone in your corner, I'm right here. Don't let Endometriosis win!!!