Suggestons for Pre-Op's

Hey Post Ops: Let's make a list of things the Pre-op's need before surgery or during their hospital stay to help them. 1) If having an open RNY, your best friend will be a recliner. If you do not have one, try to rent one. 2) take pictures and measurements of yourself just prior to surgery and keep a journal or photo album or diary. 3) Do have someone who can post on this website to let us know how you are doing during your hospital stay. 4) A special pillow or stuffed animal to hold to your tummy area when you cough and when you walk the halls. Ok: Next person: Please sign in and add information. Remember this is for any type of WLS surgery. Things you wished you had known or done or taken with you to the hospital or had at home when you got home.

What kinds of foods should I take with me to the hotel post-op? I live too far from the hospital to go straight home, so the nurse told me I need to stay in a hotel. I'll be alone, so I need to be prepared and have what I need on hand. Thanks for any help!

Dixie, Since each surgeon has different views on the initial post-op diet, it's best to talk to them about that. Will you be attending a nutrition class before surgery? My phase 1 diet was very small amounts (2-4oz) of protein shakes, blended cream soups, low-carb smooth yogurt, SF popscicles, SF pudding and SF jello. Plus, lots and lots of water in between "meals". My friend's post-op diet is completely different- only protein shakes, powerade and water for two weeks. See how different the surgeon's requirements can be? It's crazy ! We can all give you suggestions, but the surgeon really should be your first point of contact for your specific diet . Amy

5) Chapstick (I love Burt's Bees peppermint balm) for those hours not able to drink water. That was my "dessert" after I swabbed my mouth with water. 6) I wish I had asked for a fan because I was dying of heat in the hospital, it was 65 degrees in my room, but I was sweating and I didnt have a fever. Supposedly, this is common for some of us right after WLS. 7) A pair of slippers or flip flops for when you walk the halls.

For me, A fan was a necessity, I was always sweating my big butt off. Also, some slippers! A bathrobe, something light (light is a neccesity so it dont had to how hot you already are) so you can put it on to walk the halls. Oh and alot of people say bring reading material. I bourght a few books and magazines and never picked up once. I was always sleeping, walking, or in to much pain to do anything but lay still. Best of luck to any and everyone comming up on their date: fairy: MICHELLE

Martha and everyone... THANK YOU soooo much for posting this... it will be so helpful for me.. I will check in often to read the additions after mine! THANKS AGAIN!

Hospital stay 1) I brought a back scrubber (one with a loofa, not the hard bristles). So that when I was able to take a shower I could do it myself and use the long handled loofa to reach everywhere. 2) I brought my own liquid body soap, shampoo, and conditioner. It felt so good to take my shower and smell nice (not like a hospital). 3) Crystal lite or other sugar free drink mix. It helped me to get in more water. After surgery I just didn't like the taste of water (I drank lots of it before surgery). 4) Supportive shoes - something that is easy to slip on, but offers more support for your feet. They will be getting you up walking. Brook