A few questions.....

I know you guys have already answered these questions 1,000 times, but here goes 1,001. I went shopping last night. I got some chewable vitamins with iron - but noticed that most chewables have sugar in them. Is that still ok to take? I also got some B12, but how does that work? I couldn't find any chewables, so I bought some I could cruch (now I guess I buy a pill crusher). My other question is that I know it's hard to tell now what my new pouch will tolerate after the surgery, so I am not going to buy a lot of protein drinks off the bat. But, I understand there is Isopure (I think that's the name) that is the tasteless protein that you can add to drinks to up the protein value. I plan on going to GNC tonight to pick some up. Can you guys think of anything else I need for right after I get home from the hospital? It's so weird - not knowing what I'll be able to tolerate or like after surgery. Also, anyone that has had surgery at Middlesex.....do they let someone sleep overnight with you after surgery? Thanks for your help!

First- they let my husband stay if he wanted to. I though initially that I would want him there. Afterward, I just wanted peace. And, he wanted a comfy bed, not a chair. So, he went home. It really was better that way. Some things it would be helpful to have on hand for when you come home... A variety box of herbal teas Sugar free jello Bottled water (this helped me keep track of how much I was drinking much better) Sugar Free Hot cocoa Soups (which you can strain the solids out of. They taste MUCH better than making broth) Re- the b12- you probably should keep an eye out for a SUBLINGUAL liquid. That works better and in absorbed much better than a pill. I've gotten mine at Walmart and RiteAid and GNC (tho GNC is the most expensive) You've got to search for it a bit. It comes in a little bottle (usually around 2 ounces) with a dropper top. That's all I can think of right now...but, you're right. Don't stock up on too much of anything. best, lisa C

Tammy- Isn't it excited making plans. I agree with everthing Lisa said. You may want to have some non milky protein drinks available..like the Isopure bottled drinks you can get them at GNC also. Also Crystal lite... Joanie

Tammy, My husband was with me until I am okay. I do not want him to sleep on uncomfortable chair which will make him more miserable and groughy. I told him to go home and I will be fine with wonderful nurses. The nurses are great and help me get out from bed because I pushed the button and told the nurse I want to get out from bed and walk. There is nobody walk in the hall except me. I made two laps then rest to sleep for two hours tehn get up and do again. The nurse have to stay behind me because I just got this surgery and she wants to make sure I am not fall down. The next day I walked myself with IV for 20 laps!!! Come to see me on Nov 8th at supoport group and you can ask me any questions and I will tell you the truth. About the pain, Have you been had any surgery before? If not then it will be hard for you to manage the pain. I have couple of surgeries in the past and I got up and walk... I guess I am tough and know how to deal with pain feelings.It hurts more than C-Sec. But it will get better each day. I am doing great and walk all over and my husband had to tell me slow down NAHHHHH LOL HUGS Kathy K

Hi Tammy, Wow it is great to see you making plans. My nutritionist wanted me on Optisource vitamins which can be bought at walgreens.com ( not Walgreens the store). She felt that they were so complete that you don't have to buy any of the B12's,folate or calcium. They taste very good and you take 4 per day. As far as protein drinks go I tried all the protein drinks and really had no problem with them before surgery. I stocked up a bit and once I was post-op I couldn't stand the taste of them!! The only one I drink now is Atkins chocolate royale. I have no problem with that one and it must help with my sweet tooth because I have no craving for anything else. Hope this helps, but I bet if 30 people respond all 30 will have something different to say! Good luck Tammy Love, Sandy

Hi Tammy, I went to my local health food store and bought sublingual B-12 dots. They are tiny pills you dissolve under your tongue. I forgot how much they cost, but they weren't expensive. They come 250 in a bottle and I take one a day. To bring to the hospital, bring chapstick!! And for protein shakes, my suggestions is to buy a couple cans of Atkins shakes for protein, once you are off clear liquids. If you only buy a few it will last until you are able to get out and buy more of those or a different brand. In the beginning, one shake lasted all day. Good luck, Anne

Tammy, Everyones answers are different, but here is mine. I bought sublingual b-12 vit's at GNC, I just dissolve 1 under my tounge every other day (they are 1000 mcg). They taste like berry and are pretty good. I have also bought tons of vitamins, but none are good. I took the ones from GNC back and have centrum chewables. They are pretty good and I don't think they have sugar, if they do, they haven't bothered me! As for protein, I can't stand any of the milky ones (especially atkins), but that's just me. I like the clear ones. Bottles Isopure (grape), which I got at GNC. I also ordered samples from bariatriceating.com, and really like the Nectar drinks. I just ordered 4... 2 for me (so I can change flavors) and 2 for a co-worker. I took a sample to work and a guy I work with (lifts weights and stuff). He is watching his sugar and loved the taste, so it was perfect. I also bought flavorless protein powder from unjury.com... I really like it! Good luck! Carmen