Preop questions

Just a few things that have been on my brain and where better than here to get the questions answered!? First off, Dr. Valin has a 10 question quiz that you have to pass before you can have surgery. Does anyone know what types of questions these are? Do I have to crack a book, or is it going to be general stuff I should have already learned thus far? Another question, does anyone use the IsoPure clear mix in their Crystal Lite at all for added protein? I'm sorta worried about getting enough protein in for the first couple of weeks, especially if I can't do the protein shakes. Lastly, when I have surgery and once I'm out of recovery, even if it's past visiting hours, can I have whoever brings me to the hospital check on me? Or will they not know until the following day? Thanks!! Michelle

Hi Michelle, I can at least answer the part of your question about IsoPure clear whey protein powder. I use it every so often in my decaf iced tea Crystal Light and it's not bad at all. I mix it in thoroughly and sip it. It makes it kind of cloudy/creamy, but not thick. And I agree that it is a great way to get in that all-important protein. So, when is your surgery? Mine was April 27 and I had the lap bypass. Best of luck!!! Linda.

Let me see if I can take a crack at these: 1. Dr. Valin has a 10 question quiz: Based on the volume of surgeries that Dr. Valin does, I'd be willing to bet it's a 'have you been listening?' type thing. Perhaps you can ask someone who goes to him or someone from your support group might know. 2. does anyone use the IsoPure: I didn't. But, I'm sure there are some who have. Remember- in the first few weeks are about heaing. It's not all about getting in 60 (or whatever your plan says) grams of protein. It's just not always possible to do that in the first weeks. I wasn't up there until 4 to 5 weeks, since I detested ALL protein supplements (they all taste like something, no matter what the packaging says) Do the best you can, and if you can find a supplement that works for you- GREAT! Finally, remember that what you think tastes OK now will taste different later, so don't stock up on anything. 3. can I have whoever brings me to the hospital check on me. It kind of depends on your hospital. However, I've never heard of a hospital denying someone the right to check in on their loved one after surgery, no matter what time it is. If it's an odd hour, and you are sharing a room, the staff may ask that your loved one not stay too long. When your surgery is completed, someone (maybe Dr. Valin or an assistant) will either go to the waiting room or call your loved one -if they're not present- to tell them what's going on and where/when they can see you. Generally, as soon as you're out of recovery, your loved one can come see you. Hope these answers have helped you a little! Take care... Lisa C

Oh- and a P.S. I'd advise that the loved one you have at the hospitel...if they're not a member of your immediate family- have them tell the staff that they ARE. 'Friends' and such are 'low man on the totem pole' in hospitals. Have them say they're a sister or brother and they'll get more info and more access.

Hi Michelle! All good questions. Let's see if I can help. The 10 question quiz is the same one used by Dr Reinhold. If you've been looking into surgery for any length of time and attending the pre-op seminars you should have NO problem with the quiz. Some questions are tricky -just READ them carefully, and look for absolutes like EVERYTHING or NEVER - which are give aways. But DON"T WORRY about the quiz. Anything you get wrong is simply used to give you more reinforcement in that area. Not like they won't do the surgery if you don't get everything right! IsoPure - I haven't really used the protein powders much. Those first few weeks after surgery I lived on Broth and IsoPure Zero Carb glass bottle drinks mostly. I wouldn't stress too much initially about how much you're getting in immediately after surgery. (I know that's easier said than done - been there!). Experiment with what feels right to you and just sit back and let yourself get used to your new tummy. Once you start moving through the stages you'd be amazed at how much protein you actually get. Try using FITDAY (dot com) to track your eating and you'll soon get a handle on your protein. But try those IsoPure glass drinks - I think they're yummy and a 20oz bottle has 40gms of protein! Surgery day - whatever time you get out of surgery your family/friends can be there, even if it's after visiting hours. They don't need to wait til the following day - that would be torture!! In fact, I was very delayed in recovery (7 hours!) and my family waited and waited. It's hardest on them cause you don't remember much! So fear not, your support team can see you whenever they want once you're out of recovery. (Mine even got into recovery since I was there so long!). Now best of luck with everything!! If you need to chat more, please feel free to email me or anyone on this board. We're all here to help one another!! Hugs, Carla Open RNY 3/17/04 -50 lbs

Michelle, Please don't stress about that test. It is a piece of cake. No, you don't need to crack the books, they are very basic questions. If you follow Dr. Valin's stage diet, you will have no problems getting your protein. I have three meals a day of 2-3 (shhh, should be two) ozs of atkins shake or cream soup strained. I am satisfied, and haven't really felt all that hungry. Just remember to take your time and sip. I actually bought some baby spoons and sippy cups, and have found these to be very helpful. The hospital is not picky about visitors at all. Someone had a visitor until midnight one night when I was there. One thing I will tell you is that you won't get much rest at St. Raph's. It is a very noisy bright floor 24/7. I had Jeanne (the nurse from the pre op support meeting) she was absolutely wonderful. I can't say enough good things about her and Caitia. Please feel free to email me with any questions about the hospital and the first days of being home. I am eight days out today and loving life. This is the best thing that I have done for myself. Maggie