What's the most valuable info you rec'd at your pre-op orientation?
Hi there and Top of the morning to y'all!
I am scheduled for surgery at Middlesex Hospital w/ Dr. Aranow on 3/29 and unfortunately won't be able to attend the Pre-op orientation session next Wednesday(going to see The Color Purple on Broadway that day!!) 
Was wondering if there was any info you'd like to share that you received during orientation that stuck out in your mind and/or that really helped you during your stay at the hospital. I hear that the hospital staff on the 4th floor is really nice. That's comforting in and of itself! 
Is the 4th floor just for Bariatric patients?
Happy St. Patrick's Day!
Angie 
Was wondering if there was any info you'd like to share that you received during orientation that stuck out in your mind and/or that really helped you during your stay at the hospital. I hear that the hospital staff on the 4th floor is really nice. That's comforting in and of itself! Is the 4th floor just for Bariatric patients?
Happy St. Patrick's Day!
Angie 
The pre-op is easy- you go in- they give you a johnny and teds stocking (the antiembolism socks) to put on- they start an IV they ask the same questions 8 or 9 times- then Dr Aranow stops by and gives you one last chance to change your mind, then they take you on that walk (ominous music playing in the background) to the OR- its cold in there and the table looks like a crucifix. you lay down- arms outstretched and then after a little fussing around you get some versed and go nite nite. You wake up - possibly you will remember the PACU I do not. After a bit in the PACU you get up to the room. You will have IV(s), a tube down your nose to your pouch, and a foley cath for your bladder in you. You will feel like crap. You may gag, you may be in pain- reach for the little button that controls your medication and press it whenever you are conscious.
you will also have little foot pumps on that alternate squeezing your footies. You will have a binder around your belly.
They will want you to get up and walk. You will ask them if they have had a psych eval recently as there is no possible way you can walk- do it anyways- it will hurt like hell the first couple of tries- but it gets better.
Early the next morning they will pull the NG tube and you will advance to ice chips - if that goes well the next day you get to drink Crystal light.
If that goes well then you get protein shakes and go home. The foley will come out and the IV's will come out once you are drinking okay. They switch you over to dilaudid on the 2nd day- for pain. Take it often.
Things to bring:
footwear that you can slide into- slippers or sandals whatever- for walking the halls.
bathrobe
a pair of pj's or two
comfortable clothes to wear home
a couple pair of undies
socks that can fit over the stockings
lip balm
toothpaste, toothbrush,mouthwash
other toiletries- shampoo soap lotion- your skin will be dry as heck
you get to shower on post op day 2 and 3.
The TV is free. Bring a magazine or book if you don't like daytime television. Bring a MP# player or CD player if you like music while you are trapsing the halls.
The North Four staff is awesome.
They don't have JUST bariatrics up there - but bariatric patients JUST go there. There is other med surg mixed in.
Good luck- we'll be rooting for you.
from Mary 
for items to bring or use at home after surgery?
I found a back scratcher to be a useful "arm extender".
for the tender times that I could not reach far enough.
It was one of my most prized possessions.
Good luck... Heal well...
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