Yes, with surgery they are always required to wear the e collars. Too bad you can't just tell them, hey don't lick your stitches LOL. I got a softee cone from YT member Mom to Hot Rod, her name is Bo. She custom makes them. They are fabric and a bit shorter than a plastic one so it's easier for them to eat, drink, and see!
Here is her thread:
http://www.yorkietalk.com/forums/yor...ne-collar.html
You can reply directly in the thread or PM her. It's nice to have around even if you don't need surgery. Sometimes if they get an itch and obsessively bite at it, this solves the problem.