Questions I'm sure you've answered before!

Hello again, I just want to say thank you soooo much to everyone for making me feel so welcome on this message board. I wanted to ask a couple of questions and I'm sure you have answered them all a few times before. Since I am only 2 weeks away from surgery I was wanting to get things together for the hospital stay and for when I get home. Can anyone tell me what some essentials are for those times? Things that make life a little easier and things you can't do without? I would really appreciate it! Also anyone know about HMO referrals? I have Aetna and don't know if I will need an referral/approval for the pre-op stuff to be done at TGH or if thats something Dr. Murr's office takes care of. Thanks so much! Ashley

I think the only things you need are a hair brush, robe and slippers. Everthing else is provide. When you get home. SF(sugar free) jello, SF popsicles, 100% juice(half juice /half water), broth soup (make sure sugar is under 3 g). Can't remember much else. Good Luck and best wishes. Let me know how your journey goes. Bless you , tina

Hi Ashley! I would suggest that you get some Tasteless protein powder, I used Anywhey...I ordered it from bariatriceating.com You can mix it in with your cream soups, pudding, yogurt etc. I also orderd/several samples of protein shakes. I also would get some Atkins, or other premade shakes to sip on as a new post-op. Crystal light, propel, fruit 2o, and a good variety of these, since you will be mainly getting all liquids for a while! I also HIGHLY reccomend you taking a long wooden spoon and a large package of flushable baby wipes.....(you will not be able to wipe your booty!). This was a lifesaver for me...also for a few weeks after I got home, I carried some wipes in a ziploc baggie...things are quite erratic at first...and you don't want to be caught without them!! A loose fitting tank top to go under your binder....it get's really itchy after a while.... The little ziploc 4 oz containers. Take a look at my profile if you get a chance, I put a lot if info on it about what to bring, etc. Best of luck! Lori 222/155.5/1?? laprny 1-6-04

Lori, I wanted to thank you personally for that post. Im going to be shopping and packing for my surgery on the 14th and I would have never thought to get a wooden spoon and tongues..lol. By the way.. you look great!! I hope my results are as good as yours. Are you working out? Kimie 9/14

Kimie- Thanks for the compliments!! I had answered your message this morning and now I see it's dissapeared!! Yes, I work out. I have been doing the treadmill since about 3 weeks post op...was at about 1 mile now doing 2 miles about 2-3 times a week. I also joined Curves and am going there 3 times a week. I am now fighting for each pound I lose, so I have to get really serious with the muscle building to stimulate my metabolism. If you need any other advice...ask away I am here for you!! Best of luck! Lori

Ashley, I don't have a date yet or insurance for that matter so my search is a little harder. Yuppie for me. Anyway can you tell me how good Dr. Murr is? I have him as one of my choices for when I do get insurance. (busy bee here). Thanks and good luck to you girl.

Dr. Murr's office handled all of my insurance needs. I have Aetna HMO. They were very easy to deal with. All I needed to do was give them what they asked for. They were very nice to deal with. Good luck.

Ashley, My body pillow (a very long bed pillow) was my lifesaver when I got home from the hospital. It helped cushion my tummy when I was laying down and I held it close to me as I was getting back up. I sleep on my side/tummy so this was invaluble for me to be comfortable the first week or so home. Good luck Amy

Ashley, I found a recliner was the most important thing to me as a new post op, I don't know how quick your surgeon has you going throught the liquids, but don't overbuy. A can of broth will probably last two days, so don't buy a whole lot of anything. good luck.