I'm so Nervous,, I can't think Straight!!!!!

Hello everyone.. So my date is fast approaching 3/13... I'm really becoming nervous, and scared, and anxiety ridden the whole thing.. with excitment looming in there.... I don't know what to do to keep my mind off it... I've gotta pack for 2 days at the hospital. NO CLUE what to pack.. Started eating with a baby spoon and feel like a goof ball.. but it's a means to get my self in the right frame of mind.. What else should I do.. I'm all kinds of nervous and stuff... I need some words of wisdom!!!!!!! Heather

Hi Heather! I know what you mean. I got really nervous before my surgery. Some of the things I took were a couple of night gowns with snaps or zippers up the front. That way when they came to check the incisions, I could just undo part, instead of hiking up the whole gown - preserving some dignity, lol. I took really loose sweat pants and shirt for the ride home, too. Some people don't take much in the way of personal items, like toothpaste, and soap and shampoo, becuase the hospitals will ususally have that if you don't, but I wanted my own, so I packed that too. I made sure to have chapstick, too. My lips get really dry after surgery. Just some ideas for you! Linda Vicory

I was so nervous that month before surgery I pity anyone who was depending on me for anything.....as for what to bring, this is what I remember... loose loose clothing....that one incision is pretty tender, and if they don't provide a little pillow, bring one of your own. It is good to hold snug against your side when you begin moving around, and on the ride home, and for sleeping later. Something easy to get your feet into is a must. I was only in the hospital for three days and brought books and work to do, and didn't even touch it. Lots of snoozing. One thing I needed badly was the chapstick. I think I used an entire tube, the only time I've ever done that. Also, post surgery, I developed a monster fever blister, so if your body responds to stress like that (as mine does) you might want to start using some abreva or something. Above all walk walk walk all you can in the hospital, and sip sip and sip again. I'm excited for you! All will be well.

You definitely need a pair of crocs for walking--so comfy and easy to slip on! A change of clothes to wear home. Pajama's if you want--I didn't. And toiletries. You will want your own shower gel and shampoo. Magazines and soduku's. Quit stressing!! You will be fine! Enjoy your last days of eating!

Heather....You will do great. I took my own toiletries, crocs to walk in because you have surgical hose on while you are there and i wanted something easy to slip into to walk my many laps. I wore hospital gowns but brought a nice robe to put on for walking . where are you having surgery????....DEB

I'm having my surgery at Major Hospital in Shelbyville!! with Dr. Vieira...

Good luck Heather! I agree about the chap stick and sometimes people prefer their own pillow! Definately some good walking shoes and a robe to wear out in the halls. I wore loose sweats and a comfortable shirt to the hospital for surgery and wore that same thing home for comfort, less clothes to take! Hugz Dawn

Hi Heather, I took my comfy robe, a pr. of sweats to come home in, 1 pr. of pj's, chap stick, my own Bath & Body shower gel & shampoo,and reading material that I never go to- sipping, walking, eating slowly, NAPPING, took all my time. I wish you all the best ! It won't be long and you'll be an official "Hoosier Loser"!!! Take it one day at a time- the "jitters" are normal.You'll do fine!! (((hugs))) Ellen

I took a big loose shirt to put on under the binder, pajama pants, and I just wore one of their gowns as a robe when I walked. The crocs for walking are an awesome idea wish I would have thought of that. I also had to have my own pillow and a set of phone numbers to call important people. Not too many though. I was approved on the 5th of December and Had surgery on the 14th so I had no real time to worry, and waiting wasn't bad had to many things to get around, like babysitting for the kids. You'll do great good luck. Sarah

Hi Heather! Congrats and good luck on your surgery day. You are in for one wild ride! One thing you might do if you haven't already is get several of the foods for weeks 0-4 in the house. And only a SMALL amount of everything. You will not be able to eat much and you may not like much either. It will save you from going to the store or having someone go for you when you get home. I had soups, homemade chicken stock(!), sf pudding, jello, cottage cheese, refried beans, protein drinks - the clear liquid fruity isopure drinks, yogurt, ricotta, sf jelly. Oh and sugar free popsicles. The Lifesaver kind are the very best out there IMHO! Anyway, all this stuff in the house and I swear I ate popsicles, cottage cheese and refried beans with taco sauce and some shredded cheese for 2 weeks straight. Along with the Isopure. I couldn't stand the soup or any other protein drinks, pudding was too sweet tasting as was the jello. It's just amazing how different textures and flavors are no longer tasty after surgery. And now I love some things I used to hate. One thing in particular...fresh guacamole. I hated the stuff! Love it now. Anyway, my point is...have a wide variety in small quantities ready for when you get home. You'll appreciate the variety when you put a bite of something in your mouth and decide you really want something else! Also, nothing soothes the pouch like warm herbal tea. Also helps get fluids in. Another thing I am happy I have now, wish I had sooner...a set of small dishes. I had to find them at good will and pier one. Small cups, salad plates, tiny bowls- like ramekin size. They make the portions look normal size instead of tiny and eating off a pretty plate makes the meal more enjoyable. To me anyway...maybe I'm weird, who knows?? Oh yeah, if you do not have already, get a couple of pairs of drawstring pajama bottoms. They are easy on the tummy, easy to get off and on and you can wear them through a lot of weight loss since they are drawstring. Your belly will be swollen after surgery then the weight loss starts and you will need something comfy and adjustable! I am a size 18 now and I can still wear my size 26/28 drawstring pj bottoms from fashion bug. Soooo comfy! I wish the very best of luck to you! Keep us updated!