Hi everyone! I haven't posted on OH in a very long time. But I am 4 years out as of this weekend. I had my surgery the monday before thanksgiving that year. I remember listening to people tell me how sorry they were that I wouldn't get to have the last feast before my surgery and how others were having their thanksgiving weeks early so that they could get it in. Me? I was thrilled to have it. I never had that last feast. My thanksgiving dinner was 2 bites of ground up turkey and one bite of mashed potatoes and I couldn't have been happier. I started off my journey at 278 lbs. I am currently sitting at 175 lbs. I have gained some in the last few months due to some issues with my thyroid but I am on a higher dose of medication now so hopefully that kicks in and I start losing weight again, get back down to 145-150. That is where I like being and I can honestly say that this journey even with all the bumps in the road, the twists and turns was WELL worth it. I'd do it again in a heartbeat. I have had a little boy since my surgery, I got pregnant with him a little more than a year after I had my bypass. And I am now enjoying the wonders of Zumba (OMG I love it!) which is something that I would have never been able to do at my previous weight. I can also run around with my girls, I can play with them. I have energy again. I still take my vitamins and I have gone back to some basics the last week or so with upping my protein to help with the weight loss. I am also jumping back on the tons of clear liquid not so much diet soda wagon as well. I have learned so much from this journey and from OH as well. Hopefully I can help pass on some of my knowledge to others!

Blessings,
Raven

Hello and welcome!  And congratulations on your upcoming surgery.  We live in the same area! I live right off of Camp Creek.  How cool is that?  I think it's wonderful you are doing this now.  I wish I had done mine much sooner when I was in my 30s.  That is my ONLY regret.  It is quite a journey but well worth it.

Happy to answer any questions or meet up sometime.

Have a great holiday!

Lia

Let's see, I am gonna try to do this from memory but somewhere on these boards there is a great comprehensive list.  Try doing a search.

I remember one of the big ones was chapstick or some type of lip lubricant.  Your lips will be pretty chapped.
My surgeon didn't allow me to even have water or ice chips for the 1st  24 hours.  I could only have these nasty flavored mouth swabs.

Also, Gas X strips.
I wore the same clothes home that I wore to the hospital
You might want to take a few pairs of underwear
Sanitary napkins/tampons - I've read more than 1 story of people's periods starting right after surgery.
A robe for those laps around ward.
I didn't bother trying to change into pajamas or other clothes...I was too weak.  You may be different.
I took non-slippery house shoes...they expect you to walk, walk, walk.
Grip (toothpaste, toothbrush, mouthwash, soap, deoderant, lotion, etc) - just depends on the hospital you go to whether they have this stuff or not.  You may want to play it safe and take your own if you are particular or have allergies or whatever.
Reading material - if you are feeling well enough to read, you rock!
Any meds you take regularly in the bottles
Any vitamins you are already taking

That's all I can think of.

Vet's please chime in with what I have missed or a link to a better list.

Lia

 
Honestly you don't need much of anything. The hospital will provide you with everything you need from deodorant to toothbrushes.  I forgot my cell phone charger and the hospital even found one for me! 

I packed a pretty gown and robe, but never came out of the hospital gown. I never saw any of the other patients in personal gowns either. 

People have these ridiculously long lists, and it really is just not that serious.

 Anything else from home you may want for security and comfort is up to you.  You will spend most of your time sleeping.  When you are awake, you should be up walking or using the spirometer.

2 things I would not have wanted to be without was baby powder and a long handled body sponge.  

I would have been ok just going with the clothes on my back though.

I think packing all that crap is therapeutic and takes your mind off the surgery or something.  If it relaxes you pack away :-)


Congrats on making it to the finish line. Sending prayers for a safe surgery and speedy recovery.


                     

 

Looking good lady!!!! Congratulations again...