surgery april 7th and need some advice

Hello December rebirthdays just a few questions for the ones that have had surgery that is why I am here..... what can I buy to prepare for surgery ie...... food, hospital attire, should I start my post-op eating habits now any kind of hints would be greatly appreciated Thank you all that respond Lisa

Hi Lisa Congratulations on your upcoming surgery! For me, I basically pre-purchased a variety of food prior to having surgery. I didn't pack too much for the hospital since I wasn't going to be in their that long. I did pack slippers, a robe (which came in handy for walking the halls), crossword puzzle books, and chapstick. Plus, all the regular toiletries like: toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, lotion, comb and brush. But, all of that was not necessary because the hospital that I was at had all the essentials for me anyway. I mainly wore the hospital socks they give you and the hospital gown was large enough for me to be comfortable and if I needed another one they gave it to me. As far as food, my nutritionist had given me a list of things to stock up on. It will really depend on what type of diet you will be on when you come home from the hospital. Here are things that I remember: sugar free popsicles sugar free jello and pudding eggs 1% or Skim Milk sugar free applesauce Crystal Light Water, Water, Water Baby food 1st stage vegetables and 2nd stage meats (I ended up not needing) chicken and beef broth tuna fish protein shake A thing that I didn't do that I would start doing is trying different protein drinks and shakes to see which ones you like. Although, there's a chance that your taste buds will change after surgery it'll give you an idea of what's out there. Also, my nutritionist did advice me to start eating as if I had the surgery. I found it hard to do but if you can do it then go for it. You may be able to handle 6 small meals a day which is basically what I follow now. A great website for info is www.thinnerself.com or www.bariatric101.com. both have great info for pre-ops and post-ops. Which hospital will you be having surgery? I am in Baltimore and I had mine at Johns Hopkins Bayview. JaNae 338/282?/175

Hello Janae, Thanks for the info I am also having it at bayview by DR. Ann Lidor

Hi Lisa, Dr. Lidor is great. She surprised me to be so young but she knows her stuff. Have you been to one of the hospital's support groups yet? If so, I may have seen you there. If you have any questions about Dr. Lidor or the hospital please let me know. JaNae

Hello JaNae, Thank you for your reply yes I have been to the support group I was there in dec and then actually last night valentines day.......I plan on continuing to go they are really helpful...... Yes I love Dr. Lidor she is very sweet and I know she will do a great job, I do have one question I keep seeing people say they had proximal or distal what is the difference and which one does Dr. Lidor do? Thanks again and congrats on your success Greatfully LIsa

You will not be able to eat tuna or eggs for at least 3-4 weeks... it was 5 for me. I bought vanilla and chocolate protein and I hate it. What I do like is SYNTRAX NECTAR PROTEIN. Caribbean breeze(light coconut flavor) is easiest to get down I find. Next I like Fuzzy Navel, (peach, orange flavor) a little thicker than the other but good. 23 GR protein per 8oz.They have lemonade but it is tart, but you may like that, or you may want to add splenda to it. Their berry cherry is a heavy taste and somewhat thicker, neither myself or my daughter liked it. Get your sublingual B12, (500mcg per tab) /1500MG liquid calcium citrate with magnesium and 400 IU Vit D is vital, as well as Centrum chewable vitamins. check on ASKJEEVES . If you can start exercising now it will be easier to continue a few wks after surgery when you feel able. I lost 8 lbs in the last 10 dys before my surgery because the surgeon said when you lose wt. one of the first places it comes off is the liver. It must be lifted to do the surgery, and if excessive fat is there it makes it harder for the surgeon. Sometimes that is what determines if it can be done laporscopically or open. It is hard because your mind wants to eat EVERYTHING, but if you can lose some wt in the couple wks before surgery it will be a good thing. You are on the Dec post op... there are also sites for people in similar situations as you. BLESSINGS

Pam, I came home from the hospital on pureed food stage. I was able to have tuna and eggs. I took tuna and low-fat mayo and blended it in the blender with a little seasoning like salt, pepper and Old Bay. It was the tastiest tuna that I had but it was better than just eating jello and applesauce. I also was able to have scrambled eggs which was my breakfast the first week. It was watered down and I sprinkled a little cheese on top but I was able to eat it as well. Every doc is different some people started on liquids post-op some can do pureed. It all depends on your doc's orders to what you can and can not have.

Hi Lisa, JaNae gave you a great list. I would only add, if you do take slippers make sure they are slip ons and have a non skid sole. Much easier on your tummy. Also, on her list and very important is the chapstick. Your lips get sooo dry. My only different suggestion is to bring your own pillow. It is so much nicer than the hospital pillows and comes in handy pressed against your tummy for the ride home. Best of luck to you. My surgery is going great. I've lost 44 lbs. so far. Of course, I'd like it to be 100 lbs. so far (ha, ha). Weight loss surgery does not cure impatience!! Corrine 238-194-122 (5'1/2")

I didn't eat my baby food either. I tried and just couldn't handle it. It is still in the cabinet and I bought so much because it was on SALE!!!!! Oh I hate that word. It sees me coming "ON SALE"

Thank you all so much for your replies, I will use all the information that you have all given me Best Wishes Always Lisa