Dr. Snyder patients, questions about pre-op

I am waiting for approval & surgery date. I am using the great Dr. Snyder- But I am traveling from KC, Missouri and I wouldl like to know what to expect from his pre-op prep.. cleansing and how long before, don't want to be on a plane with it kicking in... And how about flying afterwards, is better to drive 12 hours than sit on a plane for 2? I would like to know how long do you stay on liquid diet too.. any suggestions and info would be great.. Thanks Kerrie

Hi! I had Dr. Snyder too! He's terrific! My surgery was about 5 months ago. If I can remember correctly (it seems so long ago for some reason!) here's what I had to do before surgery: (1) I had to see Dr. Snyder for a preop appointment about two weeks before my actual surgery. Since you are coming from Missouri, he may have you do your preop when you are in town, etc., so that you won't have to make a few trips back and forth. (2) I had to have a preop meeting with Dr. Snyder's bariatric nurse. At that time, her name was Connie, but she has moved and I'm not really sure who does it now. It is in the buildling directly across from Rose Medical Center. Dolly or someone else in Dr. Snyder's office will give you the name and phone number to call to set up that meeting once you've been approved and have a surgery date scheduled. The meeting with the bariatric nurse is usually with a few other people who are also having surgery with Dr. Snyder. In my particular class, there were about 10 of us in attendance that day. (3) I also had to have a preop appointment with Rose Medical Center. This is at Rose, of course, and it takes about an hour. A nurse makes sure you are healthy enough to endure the surgery, etc. Mine was done about a week before my surgery. They do an EKG, blood work, urine sample, etc. They will also ask you several questions about what meds. you are on, etc., and which meds to take the day of surgery. AND FINALLY, (4) Two full days before surgery, I was on a clear liquid diet. It was hard because I was really hungry, but I mainly drank water. But I think I also drank tea, clear sodas and broth too. You might want to check with Dr. Snyder about that! I also had to take a stool softener. I used one that was called "P-Col-Rite." I got it at Rite Aid. I took one in the morning and one at night the last two days before surgery. (When you go to the meeting with the bariatric nurse, they explain this all to you then and they give you a folder explaining exactly what you need to do before and what you need to do after surgery. They are very organized!) The best of luck to you on your journey! Dr. Snyder is awesome! They'll take good care of you! Megan

Hi Kerri, Dr. Snyder was my surgeon too - you made a great choice! He really is one of the absolute best, you're going to be in great hands. He's done 6 people that I work with (big company) and everyone has done great with no complications. I had my surgery in May, and I agree with everything Megan posted. It's mainly 2 days before your surgery that you start 'cleansing your system', so if you don't have to travel on those days it would probably help. I left the hospital on the 3rd day, and I think I could have handled a plane ride better than a long car ride. The car ride home bothered me a little on the bumps, but just sitting up at home was fine. If you fly you should definitely get a wheelchair for going thru the airport because you won't be able to walk very far at one time. Also, you'll get a presription for pain pills at your pre-surgery appointment so you can have them filled and ready for the day you leave. Good Luck! Pam