Things to know for surgery that you may not have been told

Hello All, I felt like I should share some of my 5 years of knowledge to all since we seem to be growing in loads.......some things I found from my journey and research that may help others...... Things for the Hospital: Chapstick comffy slippers your own pillow(specially great for the trip home to hold against tummy) sippy cup for your drinks(since we can only sip) Insurance Card Any last minute questions you have to ask before you go in write them down. Things for when you come home: Popsicles jello pudding protein,protein,protein vitamins crystal light water I bought the soup by the hand cream of chicken and creamy tomatoe if you cant sleep in a bed I heard in my support group meeting a recliner is great to have seems to be a bit more comffy. IF you are alone I also heard that it was nice to have a nurse drop in for the first couple of weeks (they come once a week) I hope that this helps you all that are new here and needed more info if I can help anymore please feel free to email me or post I always check the april board everyday. Hugs and love LIsa

This was a very helpful posting for me. You answered questions that are on my list for the next support group I attend. Thanks, so much Diane

Diane you are very welcome if I can help with anything else please feel free to email me I will try to answer if not then I will find the answer for you best of luck to you Hugs Lisa

THANK YOU!!! That was very informative!!! I will make sure to do a little bit of shopping before I go in for surgery in two weeks. I will also be meeting with a nutritionist on the 4th, a week before surgery. Blainey

Thank you! I am scheduled for the 4th and this is very helpful! I actually had a panic attack on Saturday. I took a big gulp of water and went, OH MY, I can't do that, how will I stop doing that. I just saw your post....A sippy cup! Whoo hooo! I never thought of that. I am half scared to death and half excited beyond belief! Thanks again!

Thank you, Lisa. The sippy cup is brilliant. I am used to chugging water to get all my water in now so I have been a little concerned about this. Habits like that can die hard. Is it hard to get in and out of the bed at first? Others have mentioned the recliner. If so, how long will I be that sore? I love lying on my couch, but I have trouble getting up from it now, so I imagine that will be an issue. Thanks for your help. My date is April 13th! Dotsie

Well the soreness depends on your pain tolerance and if you are having open vs. laparascopic. but I dont think you will be too sore with lap but open may take a bit longer........ Congrats on your date Dotsie, welcome to the board we are glad to have you hugs lisa

Hey Lisa I was just about to write a post asking what Aprilers were planning on taking to the hospital and here you have answered all my question in your post. LOL Thanks for sharing your experience with us!!!

Lisa What brand/type of chicken broth/soup and pudding would you recommend? The first week is clear liquids does this include Carnation Instant breakfast and any other protein shake? Are they in the clear liquid category? I know I should definately drink protein shakes in this phase, but which one/brand ? Also, I have heard a few ppl saying that they use special anti-bacterial soap the morning of, are we allowed to use body washes or lotion especially if you have dry skin, deodorant etc? I don't want to be laying on the table ashy, funky

Chuck Have you seen the dietician yet? they will tell you what you can and cant eat.......but for me I bought campbell's soups that you can drink....I dont have to do clear liquids the first week just pureed but from what I have learned from others you dont feel hungry anyway. but if I was you for clear liquids that is just what they mean clear.....LIke low fat-low sodium chicken/beef broths, jello,water,that is about all I can think of. For the protein the first week since you are on clear liquids I would see about getting some unflavored protein powder I bought mine online from bariatriceating.com it is called "AnyWhey"unflavored you can cook with it and add it to anything for protein it has 23 gm protein per spoonful..or if you dont have time to order online you can also go to Vitamin Shoppe or GNC and get any unflavor protein it really can make a difference then you can add it to juice, any food you eat anything you drink then you dont get board but also go to the website I just gave you and check things out see if there is anything you may like. As far as pudding I bought Sugar Free Jello pudding boxes then just make them up and for me I am adding my "anyWhey" unflavored protein powder to boost the protein and make sure I get enough. For the day of surgery if you did not get special instructions from your surgeon then I would bathe as normal and yes you may wear deoderant I would not wear lotion though and just remember to brush your teeth lol Just remember low-fat,sugar-free in anything you adventure into in the future we have to remember better choices for our new bodies. hope this has helped anymore questions please feel free to email or post I will get to them best wishes hugs lisa