1 moth until surgery....

Trying to get everything ready, dr stuff, health stuff, food stuff, paperwork stuff...tell me again how this is all worth it? al

Well worth it and MORE. It will all come together and you will be so glad you did this and questioning yourself about why you waited soooooooooo long.

what i'm really looking for is some sort of pre-surgery checklist of things to be doing, thinking about, stuff needed to bring to hospital, etc... any advice before surgery, and feel free to share your own experiences here... al

Hi Al, You didn't say what kind of WLS you're having. It makes a difference. I'm almost a month out from Lap Band. For either surgery you'll want to follow the PMRI post op suggestions and if you don't have one, get a heating pad. I gave myself back spasms from trying to hold too still. Plus it helps move the gas around. You should also get some of the protein supplements from the doctor's office or PMRI to have on hand. Make sure you have plenty of sugar free stuff to drink. With the band, I was only in the hospital overnight. I didn't need anything except chapstick. If you are going to have RNY your stay will be longer so you might want to bring more stuff. Check over on the RNY Board for advice. In either case, wear loose clothes because you will definitely be swollen. See you soon on the losing side. Kathy

Howdy Al, Its a lot of work to do up front but it does pay off. Dr stuff....well that comes with the territory like all surgeries they want to be sure you are healthy enough to survive. And that's a good thing. Food stuff....lots of recipes on this site and some people have them on thier profile....I am not one of them! I have found I am a creature of habit and like to eat the same stuff all the time. Stuff to bring to hospital.....chapstick, toothbrush, comb/brush, Large clothes for the swollen ride home, robe for the walks up and down hall, and that is about all. I brought a bunch of stuff...I was so doped up I couldn't read, play games or even think about changing pj's. I hope all goes well for you....remember you are doing something special for yourself. Many of us do for others before we will do for ourselves. Put yourself first for a change. Enjoy the ride. Its a good one. Debbie

Hi Al. Chapstick, toothbrush & toothpaste for the hospital. Check. Have you gotten your vitamins & b12 yet? Check. How about protein? Check. Found any you like? Just don't buy alot cause your taste buds will change post surgery. Saving you a spot on the looser's bench. Try to stay positive & focused. Worry & doubt is normal at this point. I hope you have researched this so that you already know how much your life will change. Keep health as your ultimate goal. This month will pass quickly. ((HUGS)) Elissa

Hi Al, I agree with the others, chapstick, comb and toothpaste and brush. Outside of that I just walked the halls and chatted with the nurses. As for the proteins, well I tried alot pre-op, found those that were sweet to me pre-op were horribly sweet afterwards and I couldn't tolerate. Just have a few small things around, and broth, soup, or whatever liquids you will be drinking and of course your vitamins!! Good luck and I am also saving you a seat on the other side.....it's a great journey and I'm glad to have been a part of so far! Michelle

Al, now is the time to really start to protein load and start those vitamins if you have not already done so, to get your body as healthy as possible and ready for surgery and the recovery period. If it were me, I would also forgo caffeine, sugar, and carbonation now, to allow my body the opportunity to kill those addictions and the accompanying headaches and etc that go with withdrawal before my surgery instead of when I am dealing with all the post op issues. On top of all of that, I sound it helpful to start a journal. Keeping highlights of my weight, inches, little/big goals met. A list of things you would like to accomplish in your life so you can check them off as you do them also. A real biggie for me was pictures ... dedicated pictures. Front view, rear view, side view, close up of the face .. etc. The forgoing will be invaluable in the coming months to gauge your progress should the scale stall for a while, etc. Monthly updates are really helpful to not just you but perhaps someone coming along behind you. At the hospital, know the gowns are supersized. This was a concern for me ... they fit and then some. No need to worry about that (if you were). I found that a gown used as a robe was great. With the lines in my arms and etc, the snaps made it easy for me to get in and out of my robe by myself - thus I was not reliant upon anyone else to go help me to go walk. Speaking of walking ... if you have not already started and the doc has given you the go ahead ... it will help you heal faster and feel better, not to mention getting your metabolism moving (greater weight loss). Chap stick was my very best friend at the hospital. I also took a pair of slip on slippers so I didn't have to bend to put them on. I threw them away before I left the hospital though. I really didn't want to bring home a bunch of germs on my slippers? Speaking of, hand sanitizer or handiwipes are a good call in case you have a time when in bed and can not get to the rest room to wash your hands. In your last month, it would be extremely wise to do as much research on your particular procedure that you can do. Remember, that there may be times when you will have to be your own best health advocate. Our surgeons are wonderful, but are not always going to be with us in the event of an emergency. You have to know, and be able to educate the medical staff of your surgery and needs. How exciting your surgery in a month. You have so many wonderful WOW moments ahead of you. Wishing you the absolute best!!!

Hi Al All good advice. Those are the experts... lol. Keep posting and remind us before the day so we can be your cheerleaders. Remeber to Walk, Sip, Breathe... Take care, Dianne Oh PS And read all the profiles you can. We used to detail this stuff back then. Sometimes I forget what it was like. And YES it is worth it! DDL

Hi Al, Congrats on your surgery in a month! I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. Right now, today, go sugar free from here on out. It will shrink your liver and make your procedure easier for the surgeon. Who needs all those calories anyway? Walk. Every day. Make it a habit. Food? I have to admit, I don't use a lot of supplements now. At first, while I was on the softs and purees, I added the powders but now, I am getting my protein in by just grazing on lean deli meats: turkey, beef, ham. I put a can of tuna in the fridge some mornings so I can eat it for lunch. I add cheese to alot of stuff. I sip milk. I buy AdvantEdge protein drinks....They taste good and each 11 ounce box has 17g protein. A couple of days before you go into the hospital for surgery, get some sugar free jello, popsicles, and fruit 2o or crystal light. Don't get a ton of it because the first few days home you won't be able to put a lot on your new stomach. Warm tea and broth will feel good. Got a recliner chair? Get it ready. Have your favorite pillow and blankey there for when you get home. It will be easier to get up and down from the recliner than getting in and out of a bed. Take a chapstick and your own pillow to the hospital. Underwear, comfy big 'ol boxers did it for me. When you ride home in the car post-op, strap your pillow right in the seat belt, over your tummy. It makes the bumps and turns easier if you have the extra support. Takes some stretchy sweats or pj's...that are too big for you. I wore the same pants home that I wore to the hospital and I was miserable. The gas they put in your abdomen makes you bloated so your pants are going to be too tight. Again, like everyone says; stop by here for advice and suggestions/support. We need each other! KathyG