What are YOU doing...?

Just curious... I see a couple, well a lot of people going on a low carb diet prior too the surgery. Why and how important is this? My doc has not put me on any special diet prior to. So how would this low carb lifestyle help me with surgery? Just curious. Also, what are you packing for the hospital stay? I have not gave it much thought. Unsure on what to pack other than a robe and some house shoes. One last question, (for now...lol) Has everyone already bought their liquid vitamins? What brand did you get and exactly how nasty are they? I was told to start taking Vitamin E supplements and something else (cant remember) now to reduce my hair form falling out. Again... congratulations to all! This year, we will be happy to be the biggest loser!

Hi, I am going in on 1/4 and am not on any low carb diet. I am told to drink fluids only for 1 week prior to shrink liver, but no diet. I was also told that the band did not stop you from taking pills and to get the chewable vitamins. I have not thought about the hospital bag either. How long do you have to stay. I am only in for overnight and I would think, be in the hospital gown for the night?! Protien and calcium are also what we were told to make sure to get in. They did not say anything about Vit-E. Something eventually about having to take B6. Good luck-Nicole

My doctor made me lose 30 lbs before surgery and I decided on low carbs. It has worked well. I am having Open RNY 1-21-05 and he requires vitamins: chewable multi that meets 100% RDA and Calcium Citrate plus stress B vitamins. The main thing to prevent hair loss will be protein like Nicole said. Since you will probably be in the hospital for at least 2-3 days, you will need some decent slippers because they will probably make you get up and walk. A good robe as you sill be walking and getting up in your chair. I would want my own antibacterial shower gel that is comforting to my skin because my surgeon makes us shower every day in the hospital. It is also suggested we bring gum or sugar free mints, hairbrush, mouthwash, hand cream. That is from the preop list that my surgeon gives us. Hope this helps. I also plan to take a book and some knitting although I probably wont feel like doing either.... Best wishes and prayers to you, Carolyn

That is very good advise. I have not received a preop list yet. Hopefully I will receive one closer to the surgery date. Those are some very useful items. I may put myself on a diet two weeks prior to the surgery. Hopefully, that will "kickstart" my body into weight loss. I will bring the exact items you listed above and a book. I am an avid reader. I just wish I knew how to knit!

Hi Nicole, You will be on the losing side soon. Good luck! You are almost there!

I was told to eat high protein low carb at least two weeks before surgery to shrink my liver for the lap surgery so I would not have to be opened up. It is also suppose to help prepare you for your new way of life. Angela

Sounds good. What are you packing in your hospital bag?

My surgeon puts his patients on Opti-fast for 4 weeks. I think part of the reason is to start a regimine to get you used to how you'll be eating (drinking ) after surgery. But, it's also to build up vitamins, protein, etc. in your body so that you're in the best possible health when you go in to surgery. It helps your immune system and your body strength. One of the "dont's" on my surgeons list is Vitamin E. They say it is one of several things that can thin your blood (like ibuprophen does) and that you shouldn't take it starting 10 days before surgery. I know all surgeons are different.....just thought I would let you know. Good luck with your surgery