help!!

Ok, I am admittedly a newbie here and just lost. I cannot imagine what I was thinking about doing this surgery thing but now I even have a date and after reading so many profiles...I am sure I am not prepared. simple things like: What to take to the hospital? My date is Sept 16!! YIKES. What kind of food to have at home for post hospital? What kind of viatmins and can I get them on line(I live in Germany)? Anyone with any "lists" would be helpful. Thanks, I feel better now and maybe I can breath? Jacqueline

I am in the same boat as you so unfortunately, I cannot help much. I know my husband and I were looking at some comfortable gowns to wear at the hospital and after but I didn't realize how many simple questions that I would have..

A bunch of people ordered vitamins from bariatriceating.com and from vit4life.com (I think that's the URL). I've seen recommendations for: A neck pillow Chapstick (for the time before you're allowed water/ice) books on tape (since you'll be too out of it to read) A fan (since you may be hot) Early out, you're basically just looking at eating whatever your pouch will tolerate. DON'T try eggs too quickly - a LOT of people have trouble with them early out. I've stocked up on broth & soups, to dual-action get my liquid and some protein in together. Cottage cheese. Crystal Lite (kind of a grown-up version of Kool-Aid) http://www.obesityhelp.com/morbidobesity/surgtype-forums/DS/ If you come over to the DS board, we had someone just have surgery in Belgium, so Suzanne from the UK may have some recommendations for you. Be sure to mention you're having the RNY, since the eating patterns are different. Oh, and I picked up a couple of T-shirt dresses and comfortable slippers for when I'm required to run track around the hospital.

hi! i know the feeling! i'm going in on monday, and i swear i don't know what i need! why the neck pillow? just curious...... thanks for the other advice. anyone else have tips?

To help support your neck since you'll be primarily sleeping on your back in the hospital, and perhaps in a chair. Regular pillows just don't have the right support. If you're like me, you usually sleep on your side, or maybe on your stomach, and not being able to roll around is going to make it even more uncomfortable. People who took them seem to be really happy they did.

Hi Jacqueline... It is a little scary, especially since each surgeon is different and everybody has different suggestions of what works for them. Here's a few things I plan on having with me at the hospital... Everything that Black Thorne mentioned plus *My own pillow...so I can sleep a little....I have to have my own pillow...ok so I'm a big baby *My Cpap (if you have one, take it) *Slippers (walk-walk-walk) *Something loose to wear home since tummy will be sore *I know this sounds silly but....my deoderant...I'm not sure if I'll get to shower and who wants to smell me? *Something to brush my hair or to pull it back *Make up (yes, I look scary without it...really really scary) *Toothbrush and stuff - again, smelly Things I will have ready at home... *Broth & SF Jello (I don't get to eat for the first week) *A kitchen scale that measure ounces...since our pouches take time to heal and they can overeat until the nerves grow back *I ordered lots of protein samples...since I've heard that our tastes change, I didn't want a huge tub of stuff I'll never drink. I ordered from bariatriceating.com, smarthealthstore.com and unjury.com *I start vitamins after the first week... My surgeon wants us on Flintstones Complete Chewable vitamins for the first 6 months (two a day) then we switch to grown up chewables. Calcium Citrate (1500 mg) Sublingual B12 *This is gross...but pre-moistened hiney wipes (I may take a few to the hospital too). I really don't want that area to be dirty and I understand that since we're on liquids and the anesthesia may cause us to be a little...how should I say...drizzly. ick *Some people may also have trouble lying down...others have no trouble at all. So if you have a recliner it may help you to sleep. I have read where some are so prepared that I feel like I don't have a thing ready to go. But this is what will work for me. I think everybody is different and you just need to have what will help you the most. Hope this helps and I'm curious to see what everybody else suggests. Peggy ~A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step~

Jacqueline, Well, I agee with everyone. I am going to add some pads, as surgery can bring on the time of the month.. I am on clear liquids one week after words and clear liquid and protien for ten days prior i suspect i will never drink chicken broth again after this... I am also bringing a color book and crayons, just to keep me occupied... I also got a new pair of jammie pants at walmart the other day that are loose and comfy. I didn't think about the wipes, what a great idea... guess i better add that to the list. a couple of website that i have used are www.vitalady.com www.enjoyhealth.com Good luck on your big day debbie

I also saw where people loved that they brought ear plugs and an eye mask to help them sleep. I am bringing my MP3 player so I don't have to fool around with a lot of CD's and so I have some good tunes while I walk, walk, walk. It is getting closer and closer...our lists are getting much more realistic!! Thanks everyone!! Donna

WOW, Thanks, ya'll have been fantastic. I appreciate all the input. It seems the more organized i feel, the less stressed I am and obsessing about stuff has been making me crazy. Ya'll have been a great help. jacqueline