What do I shop for before surgery?

Ok once again I am 1 mo. and 3 days away from surgery. I have read where alot of you do alot of pre surgery shopping. What do I need to make sure I have before I come home from the hospital?

I tell everyone to get an ice shaver/snowcone maker, whatever you want to call it. It will help immensely to get your fluids in. Even in the winter, I used mine all the time. I fould that early out, my tummy didn't like water very much but I could drink slushes with no problem. I found sugar free syrups to add to water to give the slush flavor but Crystal lite works too. WalMart has a cheap shaver & also carries a couple sugar free syrups. You will want to water them down a lot because they are very sweet. Don't go out & buy big tubs of protein powders. Instead go to websites & order sample sizes. What tastes good now probably won't later so save your money. I wasted a lot of money only to discover that everything I had bought made me sick. Good luck. This next month will go surprisingly fast! Dixie

Kim, come tonight to the support group meeting at the hospital, at 6:30. I think we will have a few different protein drinks tonight if Brenda remembers to bring her Magic Bullet. Which I recommend you ask for, for Christmas. It made making the shakes so much easier, you don't have a big old blender to clean up everytime. But if you can't afford one because they are pretty pricey, a blender will work. Also have your vitamins, calcium, and a few sf pudding, jello, cans of soup you can blend up. Don't get to many it will take a while to finish even one can of soup or one box of pudding. Remember I am right here close if you need anything after you get home just give me a call. I got your back this time if you need me. Good luck and keep me informed how things are going for you. Which Dr. are you seeing again I have forgotten? Cindy G.

I would definitely buy a stick blender! you can get them at wal mart for about 10 bucks, and you will LOVE it! nothing can blend protein powder so smooth for such a price! I would also have on hand a couple bottles of isopure from GNC...these are like kool aid...best when drank VERY cold...but have 40 g protein per bottle! don't buy too many powders until you know what you will and will not like! buy some powdered milk, and instant cream of wheat! you can mix 1/3 C powdered milk with 1 pkg cream of wheat, and 1/2-3/4 C milk...this ends up having about 20 g protein! Also, carnation makes carnation instant breakfast in a no sugar added...this is good also mixed with 1/3 C pwdrd milk, and 6-8 oz skim...23 g protein!

I did lots of pre-surgery shopping, but for me it was mainly to have the house stocked for hubby and kids! I was allowed only fluids for a long time so that is what I stocked up on......Lots of S/F F/F puddings and jello, some broth, yucky boost, broth, cream soups, yogurt.....those sort of things......Whatever you do, don't go overboard.....I still have BOXES of jello in the cupboard (two years later) You will truly be amazed how long it takes ya to eat a can of soup/box of pudding that early out! Since you do have a local support group....I would go there.....since those guys know exactly what your surgeon does or does not allow!!! Best of luck....Take Care jesi

Hi Kim: I am one week out and finally home. I still can tolerate s/f jello and s/f twim pops. I also enjoy my chicken broth. Its warm and seems to stay down okay. Alot of the Crystal Lites are not agreeing with me right now and actually hurt to drink them. I drink alot of water, hot tea and broth. Kap

Hello Kim, What an exciting time for you! I am 10 days out from a lap RNY and feeling wonderful. I had the same question as you have. Here is what I have found to be helpful to me in the past week and a half: 1. Support undies. I found having some tummy support undies was much more comfortable than the abdominal binder the hospital sent me home with. 2. Disposable spoons. I have gone through alot of spoons for jello, pudding, broth, yogurt. I do not enjoy doing dishes. So I just throw them away. 3. Plastic one ounce containers with lids. These little numbers were introduced to me by a friend who made jello shots once. I found mine at TPC cash and carry in Davenport IA. I filled a bunch of cups with jello, then more with pudding, and also some yogurt. It is difficult to stare a bowl of jello in the face but to just grab a serving size is nice!! This week I went to McD's with my son and grabbed 2 servings and ate those while he had his chicken nuggets. 4. pill crusher. My pharmacist actually gave me one in consultation before surgery, but I do not know how you would crush your pills without this handy device. 5. Heating pad. My back ached so bad once I got home from the hospital. Those hospital beds are just not like home! Best of luck to you! Nicole