Question:
I have date! July 15. Just want some ideas/tips to prepare.
What should I take to the hospital? What should I have at home? I am so excited and nervous. I want everything in place for sucess. — chemo_mom (posted on June 12, 2010)
June 12, 2010
I am scheduled to have RNY.
— chemo_mom
June 12, 2010
Congratulations on your day!! This is a life changing experience my weight
loss sister. Some things you will need for the hospital are pillow,
slippers, cell phone charger, books, bathrobe, I didn't use one but you may
want one, and a brush. The Cleveland Clinic supplied me with toothpaste
and a brush but you may want to bring them with you.
When you come home you need to find a protein powder you like, I had a time
with that, but I like Chike and the NOW protein shakes. Sugar free
popsicles, SF Jello, Crystal Light and Greek yogurt. I do not know when
you are allowed to start eating yogurt and the such, I was allowed to eat
that after 2 weeks, I didn't though, I had a tough time eating so I just
had shakes. You may need some kind of stool softener too, you may get
constipated like the majority of us do.
Hang in there it maybe rough, I am now starting to feel better and I had my
surgery 1o months ago. Make sure you go to support groups and blog on
here, it is essential.
— FSUMom
June 12, 2010
Congratulations on your surgery date! I had my surgery in December and
couldn't feel better! Important things to have on hand... liquid adult
tylenol, a cough pillow ( a small firm pillow to hold on your abdomen when
you cough, laugh, get up from a sitting or lying position), loose fitting
sweat pants and underpants... slip on shoes (you won't feel like bending to
tie), Protein... try tasting now although your taste buds change some after
surgery if you find one distusting now it will probably taste discusting
after... chicken broth. Water!!!! Crystal light (helps getting all the
water in), 4x4 gause pads for any drainage you may have from any of the
surgical sites, a friend to help you out at home... one you can cry with
laugh with or just sit with. The first 2 weeks can be tough but the
outcome is worth it :)
— fortywhat2
June 12, 2010
A lot of hospitals require you pre-register for surgery and if yours does,
they usually give you a list of what essentials to bring. They provide you
with everything you really need and hopefully yours will be a short stay. I
didn't use a robe because of the IV's. My nurse brought me an extra gown
to wear backwards as a robe and I was grateful as I didn't want to mess up
my own PJ's with potential blood seepage (and it would have). Now is the
time to send off for protein samples! Lots of ads right here on this site.
You will likely find that your tastebuds will change after surgery and what
you like now, maybe not after surgery and vice versa. Don't stock up on
anything with short expiration dates (like dairy products). Trust me, you
won't be eating but a spoonful or two and you'll be full. Plus the first 2
wks are usually liquids only anyway. I found that making my own broth and
freezing it in ice cube trays beforehand was very helpful. And then I put
them in a ziploc bag so I could take one out as needed to heat up in a
coffee mug in the microwave. Fast, easy, and no waste or mess. Plus, your
own broths taste much better than canned. DO get yourself some sugar free
popsicles. They were lifesavers for me as getting in fluids post op is
difficult for most folks. For some reason here too those popsicles went
down a lot easier for me and soothed my pouch...and they counted toward my
daily fluid intake at 2 oz. each. Good luck on everything!
— Arkin10
June 13, 2010
You will need a pill spliter,because the pills need to go down a little at
a time! You can buy one at any pharmacy.This was a life saver,after my
surgery.Congrads on your special day!!
— rebecca W.
June 15, 2010
I am also scheduled for July 15th! We can be surgery buddies! This list is
helpful everyone...keep the ideas coming please!
— TammaiTX
June 17, 2010
Thanks for the tips! I am so nervous and excited!
— chemo_mom
June 18, 2010
I just had RNY on Tuesday and one of the biggest things that I didn't think
of what bringing something to entertain yourself. You're nurses will have
you up and walking, but you'll still spend a good part of your day in a
chair or in bed.
Also, if you take any medications, make sure you speak with a nurse before
your operation so you can make sure that your hospital carries your
medications. I had an anti-depressant that my hospital did not have in
their pharmacy, so my husband had to run home and bring me my own
medication so I didn't get sick from missing a dose.
If you're able to strengthen your abdominal muscles any, it will be a HUGE
help getting in and out of bed and chairs. I also asked family members to
donate walkers or canes that they weren't using so I had some support
getting out of bed, off of a chair or off of the toilet. You're whole core
will be sore, so anything you can do to make it easier to get around,
you'll be thanking yourself after surgery :)
Good luck and best wishes for the beginning of your new journey on July
15th!
— moore.kats
June 19, 2010
Keep the tips coming! I am so nervous.
— chemo_mom
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