First time posting

Hello all, This is my first visit to this board. I am going in for my pre-opt appointment tomorrow, and surgery is scheduled for Monday 29, 04. Any suggestions to make this easier, or info I should know about post surgery (insider secrets)? I'm getting a little nervouse. Thanks.

Hi Leslie!!!! WELCOME and CONGRATULATIONS!!!! Be sure that being nervous is totally normal and means you're doing just fine!!!! You've found the best place on the web for answers and support!!! We're all a little but completely lovable!!! Log on and tell us how your appt is and anything else ya wanna talk about!!! Glad to see ya!! Something to think about.... a new name for your new pouch... after surgery. You'll see lots of pouch names here.. we love having fun!! Kathy

Welcome Leslie! You could do what I did when I first found this board...just keep hitting the "view older posts" at the bottom and browse through the titles of the posts and read the ones that catch your eyes....we have probably had a post on just about every fear and question there is! But fire away with any specific question and you will be heard. To get to know each other better, we play a questions game too and that is entirely optional.... Good luck with your surgery, I am going back to work on your surgery day as I had my open RNY on 3/16 and doing well. My personal experiences were that I bought all the soft foods like yougurts and skim milk for my protein powders and then found out I am lactose intolerant after surgery and couldn't use some of it...but one never knows...I am now using soy milk with my powders, and drinking clear liquids and eating pureed foods. Go to the doctor today for my first post op checkup.

Welcome Leslie I am sure your are a little nervous we all were at first. I just know you will be fine and may God be with you through this time. Sarah T.

Hi Leslie, And welcome! Below is a previous post from this site that I cut and pasted. I found it very helpful when packing for the hospital and even afterwards. -Eve Packing for WLS Clothes -roomy bathrobe -slip-on slippers (so you won't need to bend over) (or) -slipper socks with gripper bottoms -loose-fitting clothes or a dress to wear home (can be the same thing you wear to the hospital) Toiletries -hairbrush, toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, shampoo, conditioner, soap (bar or liquid), soap poof or sponge (on a long handle for accessibility) -comb, brush -flushable baby wipes for bathroom use and for cooling off/washing up (You'll want some of these after surgery too.) -antibacterial hand gel and/or hand/body lotion -chapstick/lip balm -menstrual pads -tweezers -a long wooden spoon for wrapping toilet paper around and wiping in the bathroom Food/Drink -protein shakes, broth packets, individually wrapped tea bags, sweet-n-low, Splenda Phones -phone card (if your hospital is out-of-area from those you'll need to call) -cell phones and most wireless modems are forbidden in some places in hospitals - also, you may not be able to get a signal. You may want to bring a recharger, although you probably won't need it. -List of phone numbers of everyone that you'll want to call. Don't rely on the numbers you have stored in your cell phone. Your phone may not work. Miscellaneous -pillows (for ride home and possibly to make yourself more comfy while in the hospital) -TV Guide -small fan (especially if you're hot-natured) -CD player for relaxation and to block out noise -magazines or books -backscratcher -camera to document "Before" pictures -plastic bag to collect the plastic pill cups. They're great for measuring your fluids you'll be sipping every 15 minutes immediately post-op, if you are required to do that. A nutritionist said that the hospital does not mind if you keep them. Post-op -working thermometer (digital ones are around $5) -pill crusher (standard issue at any drugstore for under $5) (Be sure and ask your doctor if you take time-release pills. Some of these may not be suitable for crushing.) -a chair for use in the bathtub/shower to safeguard against fatigue. Resin/plastic patio chairs work well. -Desitin

Thanks Eve. I think I'll pass on the menstrual pads though.

Welcome Leslie! Ditto to what everyone said about this being an excellent resource. There's nothing like those that have "been there done that" to help you through. I have one addition to the list of "things to buy" that has helped me tremendously. I recommend a baby spoon. This helped me to get the right bite size and to eat slower. I use it religously and even plan to take it to work with me when I go back. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this exciting time! cheryl

I have no wisdom to pass on that is beyond what has already been posted, but I did want to pop over and say "welcome" and "hi!" Dina -15

Seems like most everything has been covered. There IS one "post-op insider secret" for ya: don't waste your time worrying...it's so much easier than you THINK it is! Welcome to the Marchers!! Kimmer Queen of the Niners, Instigator to All Marchers, High Priestess of Giggles