PREPARING FOR SURGERY

For those of you getting ready for surgery, what are are doing to get ready and what are you buying to make sure you have what you need when you get home? For those of you who already had the surgery, is there anything you would recommend that we don't forget to take to the hosipital and anything that we should make sure we have a home for when we get home. I am starting to panic a little. I was suppose to have my surgery the end of November but they had a cancellation so I moved it up to the 18th of October and now I feel like I have a lot to do in a little bit of time. I also have 5 kids that I have to have everything ready for while I am gone and when I first get back. Thanks for any advice! Marcy

I had surgery on 10/4. The one thing I recommend bringing to the hospital is chapstick. My lips and mouth were so dry. They gave me blistex in the hospital, but I had DH go buy me some chapstick (I like chapstick better). The nurse gave me some swab things to dip in water and swab my mouth to get rid of the cotton mouth. Because I wasn't allowed to drink anything until my leak test. Other than that, the hospital provided everything else. I had surgery at 10:15 am on Wednesday and went home at 5pm on Thursday. I'm down 18 pounds since the pre-op diet. As far as having stuff at home -- water, crystal light, broth, SF jello, and protein drinks. I get a little tired of drinking so it's nice to have the SF jello. And it's nice to have something warm (broth), instead of the cold water/crystal light all day. Good luck and can't wait to have you on the losing side!! - Jeannette

what is a good check list of items to have?

Just be patient. I was ITCHING to get out of the hospital. Same thing with me, the swabs were nice to wet your whistle Chapstick. An IPOD if you have one, especially if you have a noisey roommate (in which I did). All those things that Jeannette recommended too. You can also do sugar free popsicles too. Those are nice and easy to do. I am having a hard time drinking because I feel full 24/7. But I'm pushing myself to keep going. WALK WALK WALK. Each morning I feel better and better. I have no discomfort today at all Best of Luck to you Molly LAP RNY 10/4/06 318/292/150

Thanks for the great advice. I had not thought of the chapstick! I will put that on my list to pack! Thanks and I am looking forward to being on the losing side too!

I would say to bring some of your own prepared protein. I could not tolerate the protein from the hospital and I was glad I brought my own. A good thing to have at home also is a pill splitter for the large Citrical pills. Elizabeth

Just went to me Educational class this morning. Here's the list that they suggest. Chap Stick, Slippers, Socks, Robe, pillow to hug or towel rolled up (squeeze when coughing) they make you cough, music, pillows for proping you up, and positive attitude. Hope this list helps. I am exercising, drinking lots of water, taking my viatims, chewing my food 25 times. Stocked up on Crystal Light, SF Jello, SF Popsicles, broth and baby spoon. Good luch to all Diane Lap RNY 10/23/06 250/243/135