Asking you experienced post ops for help

Hi, and Happy new year everyone, Since most of you on here ? had surgery last Jan 2006, I figure you could all contribute some good information to me. ...since I am going to have surgery (RNY) on the 15th, of this month. Anything you can share with me pre op or post op info that might make things a little easier for me? I know to bring chap stick, robe slippers,toothpaste & brush, and hairbrush, scrunchie, and not much else to the hospital. ..oh, and a pillow for support on my abdomen. I should get my post op protien drinks, jello, sf popsicles in the house, ...eggs, cottage cheese, etc. I've been taking a ton of notes over the past few months. But anything you could say that maybe isnt something you all thought of ahead of time, and later said to yourself, " Oh I wish I would have known___________"? And for anyone who was petrified , is there anything that helped calm your fears other than alcohol or drugs? LOL I don't take neither, although I do have a script for xanax which I should probably take one every day between now and surgery. I am on my pre op fast now, and that is going ok. (medi-fast) one lean and green meal and 5 protiens shakes a day. At this point any hints, tips and encouraging words would be a tremendous help to me. And please say a prayer for me, I am scared to death!! Thank you in advance, and God bless Cissy from NJ Jan 15 , 2007 RNY

Hi Cissy, Welcome to the board it is very helpful & full of love and support. You've already emailed me and I encourage to do again if any questions pop up. Congrats on your upcoming surgery. Carly

Hi Cissy, The only thing I will suggest is that you wait to buy your protein drinks till after your surgery. What tasted good to me before surgery..did not taste good after surgery. I can't help you with calming your nerves.. I was not nervous at all about the surgery I was just so ready to have it done. Good luck and keep us posted! Anna

Take a wooden spoon or tongs to help you wipe. I didn't have any trouble reaching before surgery and didn't think of it. Once the doc got done "rearranging my chitlins" (to quote a friend) it was too painful to try and do it myself. You will be sore and swollen and it's just a lot harder to reach. I was sitting on the toilet (after the catheter was removed) and crying. My hubby thought something was wrong. All I could do was blubber like a baby as I told him "I can't wipe my butt." We laugh about it now but at the time it was not funny. Congrats on your date. Try to focus on why you have chosen to have this surgery. I can tell you, it is going to be worth everything you have gone through to get here. Susan