May 31, 2005

I have my suregery in less than a week. If anyone has any last minute things that i might need to help make my first two weeks and my hospital stay go easier please let me know. Also I keep hearing talk of Angels. What do i need to do to get one?

Mary, The thing that helped me the most my first two weeks home were, a loving and helpful partner, and pureed food that I had frozen in ice cube trays. I bought a WLS cookbook on Amazon, tried several of the recipies and pureed the ones I liked. The ice cube trays work beautifully because each cube was 1 ounce of food. So my partner or I would just pop out 2 cubes, put them in a small bowl and microwaved for 1 minute. This way I never had to worry about fixing meals, as she doesn't really cook (she loved this time, because she could eat as much fast food as she wanted!). Also, make sure you have some kind of stool softener, either Colace or Milk of Magnesia on hand. It took me about 8 days to go, and I finally broke down and took some MOM to make that happen. For your hospital stay, the only thing I really needed was a fan, it gets really warm, especially with the boots they put on you to prevent blood clots. You might want some kind of lip balm also, because you won't be able to have fluids until the second day. However, they do give you wet sponges to moisten your mouth. Finally, NEVER take your pain medication on an empty stomach. I did that at about 1.5 weeks out and passed out in the shower. Luckily I had some warning and I was able to call my partner to help me before I fell, so she prevent me from getting injured. Good luck on your surgery! Joni

Thanks Joni, I am going to the store tonight to try to do some last minute shopping. I am going to go to borders to so i can check out some cook books. Congrats on your progress so far. Thanks again

Jello, broth, and teas were my friends the first few weeks...I was on a clear liquid regime. Get your fluids in first...that is the most important thing for you to do. Second is getting protein but that will not come for a few weeks. That feeling of not wanting to eat was really great and really bad because I would find other things to do until I got very light headed and realized I hadn't eaten or drank anything in a few hours. Its a learning experience but with time you learn the balance. Joni has mentioned a lot of good things for you! I had open RNY so a pillow for the tummy was a must especially when I would have to sneeze...can you say OUCH! LOL. Follow your Dr's orders to the tee and you should be good. Angels help let everyone know how you are doing and are like a buddy to you. There are a few good angels in the area. I am sure if you ask for one someone will step up to the plate for you! Good luck with your journey! Debbie

Mary ~ Just take one day at a time, This is a process and we all are in this together,what helped me the most was the walking,when I felt like my tummy wasn't feeling good I had to walk up and down my Drive way. After that I just rested. Keep the Faith..... Blessings to you ~ Vernette M

hello mary guess what my sugery date is may 31st too,cool maybe we will be room mates. i wish you all the best see ya on the losing side your friend bonnie

THANKS to everyone for there well wishes, prayers and advice. Bonnie look me up when you are at the hospital. Full name is Mary Clark. I have to report in at 9:00 am. I am so excited and just a little bit nervous. I welcome all phone calls, visits and prayers.