*~What are you doing to prepare yourself for surgery?~*

Just asking so I can see what others are doing. I picked up this book "Weight Loss Surgery for Dummies" and it is packed with info on just about anything you would want to know about WLS, even what to pack for the hospital. So far, I have purchased a maternity postpartum belt for to hold my stomach post surgery (I had a c-section and remember what it was like to have to "walk" after surgery with a big belly that is sore--this helped alot) from maternitysupport.com, I have also purchased a comfortable pair of walking shoes since I will be doing alot of walking. Im going to go to Sam's Club to load up on Water, and other sugar free items like Jell-o and Pudding. I am going to put a plastic chair from home depot in my shower for postop showering too. Anything else you can all think of??

I've been told that your best friend post-op with be chapstick... you won't care about the plastic chair, or anything else, but have chapstick at the hospital because your lips are going to feel like the sahara. Also, packing loose fitting clothes (kinda like you did for post partum) etc so you won't feel so restricted when you leave the hospital. Other than that I've been told that you should ignore the little things, like toothbrush, toothpaste, and other toiletries because the hospitals provide those things and you won't have to worry about losing them. Also, to keep all personal items in the car until you are moved into a room and have your support person bring them to you after you're settled in. Leave behind anything you possibly can, purse, wallet, etc... That's all I've been advised of so far... oh, get your protein powder now... you don't want to have to shop as soon as you leave the hospital for your protein needs... make a menu that helps you get all your protein in and then get what you need to follow that menu... it's going to be hard at first, but do your best. I'm looking forward to 2 oz feeling like it's too much. Hugs Rachel

Just looked at your profile... you shouldn't go on the birth control pill right after surgery or within a month of surgery... my surgeon actually took me off of it. Hormones are stored in your fat cells and as you lose the weight your hormones are going to go nutsy all by themselves. One of the reasons they tell you to stay off it is to see if you will resume normal periods as a result of the weight loss, another is so you don't totally flip out from the hormonal changes... I don't remember how long it is supposed to be before you can resume taking them, but make sure your OB/GYN knows about this surgery!!! Also make sure you talk with your surgeon about when you can safely take the pill post-op. Hugs Rachel

Hi Devon... From reading other OHers posts, I am bringing two comfy pillows and a fan to the hospital with me along with my chapstick and a pair of long tongs. Alot of people have said that they use their own pillows to sleep on and the hospital pillows to rest their arms on. The hospital rooms are supposedly hot, therefore the fan. The tongs are to hold toilet paper after surgery since I've read that some people have problems reaching due to the pain. I'm also bringing some wet towelettes and a little purse spray of a lemon fragrance to refresh myself as needed. Also a comfy loose dress to wear home because I doubt I will want to wear a constricting pair of pants!! I'd love to hear any other suggestions. Kim K.

these are GREAT tips!!!! i'm wondering though if i'll feel stupid walking into the hospital with a bunch of pillows just for one night. what do people think about that? probably that i shouldn't care, and just do what I need to do! I've heard that a sippy cup is a must. to keep you drinking, but tiny little amounts at a time. luckily, i have a toddler so we have a million of them at home. also a baby spoon to start you on tiny little portions when you do start eating.

Funny you should talk about the tongs. I just went yesterday to a durable medical supply store to pick out my shower chair and raised toilet seat that my insurance company is paying for and I asked the sales rep if she ever heard of something to use in place of tongs for the purpose that you mentioned and are you ready.....they actually make a special device for this. It was $25.00 but I am going to see if the insurance company will pay for it. Otherwise, I probably will have the tongs handy anyway.

Tongs! What a clever idea! Im going to check out a medical supply place too, to see what they offer. A fan is also an excellent idea. Hospital rooms do get stuffy at times. I am bringing my own pillow--even if it is for one night because you will be uncomfortable as it is, why torture yourself even more? I sleep on my side, so obviously I wont be very happy! LOL Ive read about the sippy cup thing too, I have a 2 year old so I wont be having to buy them! The only thing I can think of right now is to bring a hair scrunchie, I remember those things were awesome while sitting in a hospital bed, all greasy, awaiting your shower clearance LOL. Maybe also some baby powder to absorb oil, and deodorant.

Hi Devon, What a pretty name. I called the hospital that I am having the surgery and because of Fire Safety they suggest I just request to have a fan delivered to my room by their maintanence department but I know they won't have enough to go around so if I need one you can bet I will have mine with me. I think you are right about the pillow. That is one thing I did not think about. Thanks for that reminder. I have a of things written down to take with me so I don't forget to pack anything. I am also going to take a few magazines. No book because I don't think I will be able to concentrate too long. And also some phone numbers of family and friends, paper and pen. Oh, I am so excited I could and 28 more days to go!

Magazines are a good idea too. Today I went to Target and got a new sleepshirt, basically something soft, stretchy, and nothing that has elastic around my stomach or waist. Most of my pj's are tank tops and shorts, so I want to make sure nothing puts any unnecessary pain on my stomach. I also got soft fuzzy slippers with tread for walking those hard, cold hospital floors! Also, lol, I bought a sippy cup from Avent that is a "Magic Super Sport". It doesnt have any kiddy prints on it (sorry, Spongebob), has a flip top lid, AND has a clip so you can clip it on to your pocket or whathaveyou. I looked all over that store and all they had was tongs with sharp ends at the ends. NO THANKS! LOL I dont need more laparascopic elsewhere! This week I am going to make about two weeks worth of solid food for my son, and freeze it into little containers so hubby can just pop them in the microwave and feed it to the baby. 17 days left for me! Anyone else have anymore ideas?

Many of the post-ops in my support group have said not to stock up on protein mixes. Your tastes change radically after surgery and even if you are a "chocoholic" before surgery, you may not be able to stand choc protein shakes after. Buy the smallist amount possible to get you through a week or two then buy larger quanities. They also suggested buying unflavored whey protein and mixing it with crystal light, carb countdown drink and creamed soups to get variety. Lee