Day 1.....

Well today is Day 1 of the liquid diet and it hasn't been too bad.....BUT the temtation has been unbearable! Anyway, I will be sleeping at my parents house tomorrow night so that they can take me to the hospital on wednesday. So, just to recap, I should over pack for the hospital stay, right? I am going to pack a bag tomorrow morning to bring with me to work so that i can just go to my parents. Should i just show up and wear home whatever i end up wearing to the hospital?? Plus, bring my chap stick and socks. As you can tell, my questions are getting a bit bizzare since the day is getting closer. lol Thanks for any input you may have. -Joe-

LOL Joe! UGH I can remember those feelings well, why it seems like JUST 5 months ago I felt that way myself....oh wait, it WAS 5 months ago Ok, I'll be nice...I packed very little for the hospital and never touched any of it. My bag sat there all by it's lonesome lol. I made sure I wore loose comfy clothes to the hospital and just wore that same outfit home, it was alot easier. They are gonna give you some grippy footy sock things when you check in too, the nurse put them on me when I got there and I never took them off till I was getting dressed to come home. Don't forget your pillow! I was so happy I brought mine and really wish I had brought two. Just remember to take a colored pillowcase because they will steal your nice white 400 thread count pillow case, the one with the tiny bit of satin trim...oh wait, that was me Bizzare questions are really entertaining for me so maybe you can think up a few more Jeez when I was a new post-op In felt like my brains had fallen out! You are gonna be just fine. Linda

Oh forgot yo tell you...when Iw as on my 2 day liquid, the that first night I had a really vivid dream that I accidently ate a huge breakfast. I woke up in a panic thinking I had eaten. Your brain will probably play some wild tricks on you and your thoughts will run amok right up until surgery time. This is sooooo normal.

Joe, I have a week to go to get to the point you are. But, the bizarre questions are great for those of us who are too chicken to post our own questions, so thanks! Also, best wishes on your surgery! The pillow thing is a great idea, never leave home with out yours! Actually, I just bought 2 Moshi's from Linens & THings, they are soft and comfy and I haven't woken up with a headache since I got it! I'm taking those and they are both blue, so HANDS OFF! to anyone even THINKING about stealing them! But, seriously Joe, take care, you'll do great and we'll see you when you are back on the boards. Valerie

Hey You should bring your blanket too if you can the ones they have are scratchy.....and yes be sure to overpack so you'll have stuff to look at cuz thats all that will happen with it....all you really need is chap stick the clothes on your back and toothbrush....they'll supply you with any toothpastes or soaps you may want unless you have allergies and need something special.....basicallly you can pack what u need in your pockets.Make sure the robe they give you is big they still sometimes try to give gastric bypass patients the teeny weeny ones....i guess they just forget sometimes.Good luck on your surgery!!!!

Hey Joe, You only need the chap stick if you plan on waxing your socks. Don't forget to exercise your thumb prior to surgery so that you can hit the pain medicine, or call button, I never could figure out which was which. They both had about the same effect. Also when you finally get to use the restroom make sure you listen to the instructions that the attendant tells you because he may want to check your samples. Best of luck. I no that you will do well. Take advantage of any opportunity that you have to get up and walk, talk, sip, and sleep and you'll be home before you know it. Rob.

Joe, Make sure you smile for the camera crew. I paid the clown to take pictures! Seriously, I'm sure you will do well. Walk, sip and breathe. That's the rules for the hospital stay. Deb

Keep busy, Joe and it won't be so bad. Good luck to you. Also, the only things that I used that I packed were personal toiletries, including baby wipes for cleanliness. Make sure your britches have room in them because the day you come home your stomach is bigger than when you went in. Hope this helps. Dianne

Joe, I want to wish you well. The hospital stay isn't too bad. Whoever mentioned the robes (them giving you one to small, happened to me) is absolutely true. You have to remind them. I used almost nothing from my bag that I brought. Maybe a little deodorant. The button will be your friend. The medication is monitored so no worries there. Don't be afraid to hit the button. You won't even feel the scratchy blankets. I am 3 months out. Remember it well. No big thing. Walk, walk, walk do your laps around the nurses station as much as you can. Best wishes Lucretia

Good Luck, Joe!!! You will do fine no matter what you pack!!!! I think I used my chapsick (I brought 3) once or twice. The pain med button is your friend!!!!!!!!!!!! See you on the LOSER side!!!!! Ken