I need YOUR Help....

My surgery date is August 1st. I came to the July board to ask some help. What did you need in the Hospital? Did you buy food in advance & What did you buy? Any suggestions to help me.....PLEASE Thanks - I'm really nervous & want to be prepared. Kristi

I had Lap RNY on 7/13 and the only thing I used was my slippers, body wash, toothpaste, tooth brush, deodorant, lotion, lip balm, and my ipod (which I didn't use). My doctor reguires a 2 week liquid diet after surgery, so I just stocked up on bottle water, crystal light, skim milk, and Unjury protein powder. I hope this helps. Dee

Honestly, I was too out of it in the hospital to need much - i hardly watched tv or read - i just slept a lot. when you come home you will be on clear liquids (apple juice, broth etc) - i drank some apple juice but had NO interest in broth. you may want to do protein shakes - i found the Atkins no-sugar added chocolate delight sat well - but to each their own. the ready-made costs more but is really easy to deal with. make sure they're cold and add ice anyway (it thins it out and of course increases your fluids). I had trouble (still do) with plain water so i second the crystal light and i also add oj to my water. also cranberry juice. by day 7 i was eating cottage cheese and scambled egg - a 1/4 scoop of plain protein powder (i used designer protein whey as per my body building brother's suggestion) into your scrambled egg will double your protein - it makes the egg a bit more stiff but it tastes ok. and pudding - sugar free fat free pudding sits well for most people i've heard. some folks swear by the stallone puddings (20g of protein in 6.5 oz) but i found it hard to eat when i first got home. i may however try it again. hope this helps - and good luck. remember- you will feel awful at first. an hour later you will feel better. 12 hours later better still. every 12 to 24 hours you will feel better - i'm two weeks out and i have to tell you, you will have pain at first but just know you will feel better. Deb

Hi, I'm 8 days out from my Lap RNY. I was really greatful I had my own comfy robe in the hospital - it just made me feel better for some reason. But remember, you can only get your robe on and off while your IV is not attached, so if you put it on, you will be sleeping in it. I was also glad I had purchased Unjury ahead of time. They tried to give me Enlive (super gross!) and Ensure (mildly gross), but my mom would bring me in Unjury that she would make for me. She also made me homemade chicken broth which was nice since they serve unsalted extremely blah broth. Good luck! Amy S

i just had surgery 7/19. i used chapstick in the hospital and read a little of a magazine. At home I have s/f jello, water, crystal lite, gatorade (my doc allows it diluted) s/f popsicles, broth(which i do not want at all) and all my meds. Just bring comfy clothes for the way home. Good luck!

I had my surgery on 7/11. I would recommend you take as little as possible to the hospital. My hospital provided an oversized gown and robe. As far as toiletries...my doc didn't allow a shower until the jp drain was removed. And he wouldn't remove it until moments before going home. So, I just literally needed deodorant, chapstick (big time!!!), breath spray (OH...what a lifesaver that was!!!!!!), toothpaste and toothbrush. I also took my own slippers but they did have the no slip socks, if wanted. As far as buying food ahead of time..forget it! Just get like chicken broth and SF popsicles. My tastes after the surgery are wayyyy different than preop. So, with that said...get variety! Angie

I had my surgery on the July 10th.. My suggestions pack lightly. Chap stick, hair brush, bands / barettes for long hair, slip on slippers and deodrant, toothbrush and toothpaste are the necessaties you will want to pack. with the hassel of IVs - leave the night gowns and robe at home and use the nights gowns provided. Also bring a small pillow (for coughing) and for the trip home. For the trip home - bring very loose clothing. The extra IVs and gas from lap with make you very bloated (I gained 15 lbs in hospital) and you would not want any constrictions / rubbings on your incisions. My diet for 2 weeks post op is Protein shakes.....suggest try different brands to get use of taste before surgery. Fat free chicken or beef broth, Sugar free Jello, sugar free popcycles and any fluids that are non carbonated, decaf, no sugar added. Wishing you the best and see you on the losing side. Life is good on the losing side Marleen

Hi Kristi, I am 8-days post-op from LAP-RNY and the only things I really needed were my slippers, mp3 player, and lip chap. Everything else I just lugged back home. The hospital provides toiletries and such, and honestly I had NO desire to put on make up or fix my hair other than brushing it. I was able to go home the day after surgery though, so a book might be helpful once you come down off the wonderful pain meds?! Hope this helps.....

Ive heard that when you have the surgery . YOU MIGHT START YOUR MONTHLY. I m taking my own the ones in the hospital are huge