A little help from my friends..

I know this question has probably been asked a million time and I could probably find out the answers if I would search long and hard enough but I'm being lazy today. I'm wanting to know what little 'secrets' you wished you'd have known before you came home from the hospital that would have made your recovery better. Also, I'm wanting to put a 'care package' together for myself. What will I need when I come home from the hospital? Such as vitamins, protein stuff etc.. I don't have the money to go right out and by it all so I thought if I started accumulating things now it wouldn't be so hard on us, finacially, when it comes time to have all this stuff especially with the money I'm gonna have to fork over to begin with all at once. You are more than welcome to e-mail me or post it here whichever trips your trigger Ever so greatful.. Tracie

Take something to the hosp to suck on if your throat gets dry. I coughed alot and got some lemon drops to suck on. Also the dreaded tongs & baby wipes for the bathroom. When you get home a recliner, pillows. I only drink Propel flavored water cuz I don't like reg water.

Thanks Colleen.. I'm assuming lemon drops are safe then? I love em! So do you have to by the tongs? Where can ya get some.. I just told my husband he was gonna have to wipe my arse for me for a few days He just looked at me like I was Tracie

I'm not Collen, but what I used was an old wooden spoon & wrapped plenty of toilet paper around it. Worked great & threw it away as soon as I no longer needed it. I'd wa**** off each time, even though it never got wet & stuck it in a drawer right next to the toilet. No one was the wiser. I had forgotten this tip but needed it again recently after my tummy tuck. Dixie

A snow cone maker or ice shaver! Yah, it sounds silly but I couldn't have survived the first few weeks without mine. You can get them really cheap at WalMart, probably less than $10 or so. I got mine at http://store.yahoo.com/usshavedice/index.html It cost $59.95 but is on sale right now for around $35. They also sell some very good flavors to add to it & many are not made with sugar. I didn't actually make snow cones but would fill a glass with the shaved ice & flavoring & sip on it all day long. My pouch didn't like water very much at first but for some reason, it accepted this. Dixie

I love snow cones... Sounds like a winner!! Tracie

Morning Tracie, Jello! Except for red jello. Don't buy alot of stuff beforehand as it will go to waste. Broth will be good also. Make sure you have the sugar-free jello. Carnation instant breakfast with skim milk. Just a few food ideas for you. I take pre-natal vitamins & calcium chews by Spring Hill thanks to Janet who got me started on those. You can get these at Walmart. Are you having open or lap RNY? Be sure to get plenty of rest, you will tire easily after surgery. I hear you on the financial part of it. You may have the jello & broth on hand already. If you need anything let me know. Hugs Carolyn

Thanks Caroly.. I enjoy jello wonder if it would be okay mixed with cool whip? They need to make SF Cool Whip it's so awesome in Jello. I like the carnation instant breakfast stuff would slim fast fall into that category also? I wonder.. I'm having open I just feel better knowing the surgeon can actually SEE what he's doing, hands on type thing. What kind of broth? Canned stuff.. bullion cubes? Tracie

Tracie, Okay - I gotta chime in here and just offer my opinion (from the dumping queen) that you need to be careful that everything is sugar free. I would not do the lemon drops. I know that there aren't many sugars in them, but I can't risk it. I took listerine breath strips (those things that dissolve in your mouth) and plenty of chapstick. Know that each experience is different. I didn't need tongs or help with personal issues except for the first night after surgery when I started my period - which reminds me - be prepared for that because it often happens after surgery. Bring whatever jammas or lounge clothes you are comfy in. I even took my own socks, but they made me change into some no-slip socks. I took reading material, nail polish, etc.etc.etc.......but didn't need any of it. I slept and walked a lot until I was able to go home. I have to giggle about the jello and broth - I bought sooooooooooo much because I didn't want to starve myself after surgery I think that I used the canned broth for a year and that I still have a box or two of s/f jello. Be sure to find a protein drink that you can tolerate if your surgeon has you doing protein supplements. Good luck and God bless, Andrea