Surgery date 3/27/06 very nervous

Hi all I am having my gastric bypass and am very frightened. I need some reassurance from my fellow Idaho gals. My real concern is not the surgery itself, but immed after when I have to stay in Boise for 4 days to be close to Dr. Oakley (whom I really like). I mean what kind of food do I buy? When can I take a shower (big concern this one) Any help will be grately appreciated. Sue

Dear Sue, Will you be coming to Boise by yourself? If so let me know I will come and be by your side girl. I had my surgery in California and was all by myself so I know how it feels. Don't you have to stay in the hospital for a few days following surgery? You'll be on a liquid diet my dear for a while I don't know how long Dr. Oakley keeps his patient on liquids. I was on liquids for 6 weeks. You can take a shower after a couple of days. Let me know Sue if I can be of any assitance. I will come and see you if you like. Terrie

Hi Sue, Congrats on having this surgery. I am three weeks out and have lost 30 pounds. The first week afterward you'll be on jello, broth, sugar free popsicles to keep your pouch quiet. Will you get to meet with a nutritionist? That would be really helpful. Mine gave me quite the regimine to follow. You will also need to take supplements and a protein drink afterwards to feed your body what it needs. Take extra great care of yourself during this time and don't over do it. Hugs, Lori

You'll do fine, Dr. Oakley is a wonderful surgeon. If it's any consolation, I asked a friend who happens to be on the Board of Directors at St. Als and she asked the head surgeon. He recommended Dr. Oakley and I'm so glad I went with him. I haven't had any complications and it's been 9 1/2 months and I'm down 96.5 lbs. I've been following his programs, going to all the support meetings and I think I'm doing fine. They will give you a can of protein mix. I mixed mine with 1% milk. You'll probably need to have a blender. Then, I just had SF popsicles, no-added sugar applesauce, SF jello and pudding (pudding didn't set well with me however). I also had some chicken and beef broth. I would also suggest that you get a box of chamomile tea and sip that if your stomach gets upset. You will need to keep a bottle of water with you at all times so you can sip in-between meals. You need to drink as much as you possible can, just remember to sip though. Don't expect to be able to drink 64 oz., most can't at first but do aim for that. Don't buy alot of stuff because I still have stuff left over. At first you'll only be able to "eat" about 2-4 oz. and you'll only be eating 3-5 meals a day. That isn't much. Anyway, just try to stay busy and maybe you can use this time to start on a walking program, it'll make it easier for you afterwards if you already have a habit of exercising. For about 3-6 weeks after your surgery, you'll have no energy to speak of. Be sure to get plenty of rest. Good luck on you upcoming surgery.

Congrats on your upcoming surgery. Mine is in three days and I can just imagine what your going through. I have three days left till mine and I am a basket case. I have all the same questions. I have been talking to a pharmacist about the shakes because I dont like the taste of the one Dr. Oakley gave me. So far I havent found any that is any good for your body. Including Ensure and Boost. You will do just fine as I know everyone who goes through this will be as well. That is what we are all here for is for support and encouragement. From what I understand they will have you try to take a shower before you ever leave the hospital. Just buy one package for a little bit of the applesauce, jello and popsicles until you know how your body will take all of that. Everyone is different. I went to Costco and bought a few cans of their broth. So I have that on hand. When I get better able to walk around and get an idea of what I need I will send my husband to the store or I will go myself when I feel up to it. Congrats and I wish you well.

I am so thankful for all the messages that I have received. I am getting a little calmer now, thanks to all my friends here in this sight. My husband will be with me, but I appreciate the offer T. We will be staying at the Bishop Foote House in Boise for a week as Dr. Oakley wants me close incase anything happens. Thank you for all the good advice about food. I thought I'd be on just broth (which I hate) for a week but to find out I can have other things....Woopie! I will keep you all posted and again, thank you for your support. Sue

Well I'm home now and it wasn't as bad as I thought it was going to be. I am 10 days out and still figuring out what I can eat and what i can't. I have eaten lots of popsicils and protien drink. Still pretty sore and bruised, but am looking forward to losing that darn fat!!!! Sue