Pre-Op Prep Advice

I am currently 19 days out, and while my event is still fresh in my head, I would like to make some reccomendations to those who are pre-op! First, wean yourself off of caffeine at least a week beforehand. You are going to have a major headache if you don't. Second, What to eat in the days before? Two days before, eat something light, not greasey. Get in lots of fluid. Do not eat aything that makes you have "bathroom issues". Eat your last pizza or steak at least 3 days before. The day before, eat a normal breakfast and lunch, (still nothing greasey) and go as light as you can on dinner. Do liquids if you can. (I personally was too nervous and busy to eat alot). Remember: What goes in, must come out. When you first come out of surgery, you will have a catheriter, but the first day, they will probably make you use a bedpan if you have to do anything else. If you are hurting, you don't want to be dealing with that. My diet was light, and I went the morning of, and not again for 4 days. What to pack for the hospital: 1. CHAPSTICK!!!! I am almost three weeks out and still have chapped lips. 2. A pillow from home. Have a family member go to the car and get it while you are being moved to your room. Those hospital pillows are as flat as a board. 3. At least one or two family members Hospitalization is not time for a family reunion. Tell your annoying relatives and kids to stay away. The main reason you need a family member or two with you is to provide assistance getting up and down when there is no nurse available. My family was more help than the nursing staff. 4. Your own PJ's or nightgown The next morning when your pain pump, heart monitor and catheriter are gone, you are definitely going to want to be more comfortable. 5. Personal Hygeine Items Yes, the hospital does have the basics in case you forget something. But its all nasty, cheap stuff. If you have remotely sensitive skin, Bring your own. 6. If you use a mask or blindfold to sleep, bring it. My room was never completely dark. Nurses left the door wide open at 4am, or they would leave the bathroom light on, waking me up. 7. A large towel. If you have a beach towel, or one of those "bath sheets" bring it. The towels the hospital gave me to use for a shower were no bigger than 3 washcloths sewn together. And I was on the WLS wing! My goodness, what do they give their "skinny" patients? Also, you may not have a shower in your room, you may have to walk across the hall and use the community shower. If you want to get dressed in your room, you need a towel or robe to cover you. I had enough room to shower, have my mom help, and get dressed in the community shower. You may not have that much room. What not to bring: 1. Jewlery, Watches, Cash, Keys, Credit Cards, Cell Phone, Checks. If you need your insurance card, Drivers License or payment when you check in, give all of that to your family member that is with you. Don't leave it in your room or bag. 2. Cross-Stich, Puzzles, Journals, Paper for letters, other "keepin busy" items. You will be BUSY. The hospital is supposed to get you up to walk every 2-4 hrs. When you can actually be in your room, with no company, no nurse, or doctor. You are not going to feel like cross-stich, you are going to want to freaking SLEEP! Sleep every chance you get. Because the medical staff will bug you senseless all night long and you won't get a wink at night. Maybe bring a book if you like to read as you are falling asleep. 3. Personal momentos (photos, cards etc) You are not going to be in the hospital long enough to personalize your room. Trust me, you will not forget your spouse, kids or dog while you are in the hospital. 4. Under-Age Children Find out what the rules are for children visiting at your hospital. Follow the rules! If you have a child, who is under the age rules, and they desperately need to see you, find out from the nurses how far you can go. There may be a waiting area on your floor you can use. Don't torture yourself or other patients by bringing your hyper toddler to your room. This about covers the basics. I'm speaking from experience on this one. If you have any further questions on the whole hospital experience, please let me know! Leland Lap RNY 08/04/04 283/253/150

Wow thanks alot that was very useful... Thanks again Lisa

LELAND - Thank you sooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo much. I love that you included this entry. I've been wondering this and I'm just a week away from surgery! You definitely are a huge angel to us post ops best of luck with everything. norma g

thank you soooooooooooo much that was an awesome post i wish there were more like that im 8 days pre op and lost ....................chrissy