Pre-Op trying to prepare...

I am a little over a week away from my surgery (01/10/2006). I am looking for suggestions with regards to stocking my pantry and packing my suitcase for the hospital. I have started "nesting" like when I was pregnant. Trying to get caught up on laundry, dishes, holiday decorations down, general deep cleaning, so that I won't have to worry about any of these things while I'm 'down'. What did you pack to take to the hospital? Is there anything you forgot? Is there anything that you wish you had? What about your grocery list for post-op? I have gotten a few soups and broths and some baby food for mixing in. I have also ordered a few different samples of protein powders to try. I will follow my Dr. orders, whatever he tells me will be law. But I am open to suggestions about good things to try. I worry about malnutrition and malabsorbtion... I look forward to hearing your suggestions and cautions. Thank you very much! Happy 2006! ___________________________________________________ Angela I MAY NOT HAVE GONE WHERE I INTENDED TO GO, BUT I THINK I HAVE ENDED UP WHERE I NEEDED TO BE.

Hi Angela! I had sugery on the 15th of Dec. I took way too much to the hospital...but I was glad I had it. Chapstick is #1.....i took two just in case I lost one. I also took 3 prs jammies, 5 prs undies, book, cell phone, slippers, 5 prs socks, make up, shampoo, conditioner, brush, hairspray. Honestly the only thing I used ws the Chapstick. I wore the gowns they had in the hospital just because my incision (mine was open) oozed a bit and it was getting on the gown...I didnt want that on my jammies.....I never wore undies because it would have been too much of a struggle to get them down. I did use the shampoo, conditioner and body soap when I was able to shower....I felt like a million bucks after that! The last day I used a little makeup and hairspray. I wore the clothes home that I came up in. I had a change of plans and didnt come directly home as I thought I would....I went to my sisters for 5 days. Thats when the extra stuff I brought helped. I always like to be prepared....] oh, yeah....a house coat.....so your buns dont show in the gown! LOL. billie jo ps...congrats on your date! I hope you do as well as I have been. If you have any questions just let me know....everything is still pretty fresh in my mind..... billie jo

I wore a very comfortable sweatsuit because I had been warned abou****er weight gain after surgery. I wore slip-on shoes. I took my own comb, toothbrush, toothpaste, lotion, and powder. I had sugar free, fat free yogurt, dry milk, regular milk, sugar free, fat free instant pudding, low cal apple juice and grape juice, cream of rice cereal, baby multigrain cereal, broth, and cream of tomato soup. After surgery, I was lactose intolerant (and so far still am) so the milk didn't do me much good but the yogurt and hard cheese do not seem to bother me. I also had some protein (unjury and nectar) on hand. Good luck, follow your doctor's orders and you will do great! The first few weeks are the hardest, I thought. My surgery was Nov 14th and it is not easy but I am doing just fine. I think you will too. Here is looking forward to a thinner 2006! Connie

I agree with Billie Jo, chapstick & a housecoat/robe. If your surgeon is like mine, you get nothing by mouth until a leak test the next day. You will get really dry. The chapstick helps to avoid cracked lips. I really hate hospital gowns so if I can, I usually change into my own as soon as possible and the robe obviously helps keep the tushie covered when walking. If you don't bring one, they usually will find a second gown for you to put on backwards though. At home the item I found invaluable was a snowcone maker or ice shaver. It really helped me to get my liquids in. For some reason my pouch liked the slushy fluids more than just cold or hot. I still use mine often. You can get them at WalMart quite cheaply & if you are inclined, they do carry sugar free syrups but you'll want to water them down as they are very sweet. Otherwise, you can use any liquid your surgeon allows, even jus****er. I even use it now when I make my protein shakes. Oh, one more thing & this usually grosses people out. I got a wooden spoon & kept it in the bathroom. I wrapped tissue around it & used it to wipe myself after a BM. I hear of gals who have to have help with this task & I just could not bring myself to ask my husband. The tissue wrapped spoon worked wonders. Good luck! Dixie

Good luck to you Angela! My surgery is scheduled for Jan 4th. Here's to an uneventful surgery and a skinny new year for the both of us!!

Thanks, girls! Barb, you are in my prayers, girlfriend! Best Wishes for a great surgery and a speedy recovery! Dixie, thanks for the advice. I've read that suggestion before, and kinda laughed it off, but as I am getting closer to actually having my surgery, I am thinking about hiding a spoon in my vanity, just in case. Thanks again! I start my liquid diet on Monday. I got my first shipment from Unjury last night... I think I will buy some stock in the company, because I can see that I will be spending a lot of money there, lol. {{{hugs}}} to all of you! _______________________________________ Angela