The topic at hand is about what to expect in terms of pain and recovery after undergoing robotic or laparoscopic surgery related to an ostomy. If you're preparing for such a procedure, here are some helpful insights and advice from others who have been through it:

1. Pain levels can vary widely, but many people find that robotic or laparoscopic surgeries are less painful than they feared. Some have been able to stop using narcotic pain medications like Dilaudid within a day or two, managing instead with over-the-counter options like Tylenol (acetaminophen) or high-strength Advil (ibuprofen).

2. A two-day hospital stay is typical for robotic procedures. Laparoscopic surgeries might require a stay of 2 to 4 days, while open surgeries often need 5 or more days in the hospital and tend to be more painful.

3. You might experience soreness at the small incision sites and some shoulder or back discomfort due to the carbon-dioxide gas used during the procedure. This "gas pain" can last up to about 10 days.

4. Start walking as soon as your nurses give the go-ahead. Begin with short trips from the bed to a chair or the bathroom, and gradually work up to walking loops in the hallway every hour. Walking helps relieve gas, reduces pain, promotes bowel function, and speeds up healing.

5. Around the third or fourth day after surgery, many people experience a "pain wall," often due to muscle stiffness from being immobile on the operating table. Be honest about your pain levels so the medical staff can adjust your medications accordingly.

6. Follow the lifting restrictions, usually around 10 to 15 pounds. Even if you feel up to it, avoid straining your abdominal wall and stoma area to prevent hernias and allow your incisions to heal properly.

7. Recovery times vary. Some people feel almost back to normal within a week, while others, especially older patients or those who had longer surgeries, may need several weeks of Tylenol or Advil and might feel easily fatigued for a month or more. Patience is key.

8. Stick to the bland or restricted diet recommended by your medical team initially. After two to three weeks, you can start introducing new foods gradually and monitor how well you tolerate them.

9. Use your surgeon’s patient portal or reach out to the nursing staff if you have questions or need reassurance. Regular communication can help manage any worries you might have.

10. Be aware that strong opioids can mask other issues, such as an unrelated problem like an abscessed tooth. Keep an eye on any unusual symptoms once you start tapering off narcotics.