3 MORE DAYS!!

OMGoodness!!!!!!! I can't believe I only have 3 more days!!!! I'm a huge bundle of emotions right now. I'm elated, scared, nervous, anxious all at once. I know it's normal, but I've been a bit more snappy w/ my girls. I feel bad and don't mean to do it. God forbid something horrible happens.....I don't want their last memory to be of me yelling at them. I still have not packed my bag. I know I need to take my own toiletries, slippers, chapstick, C-PAP machine, and my incentive spirometer. I do need to go to the store and get the dry milk, SF Jell-O, milk, SF syrup or some kind of flavoring for my protein drinks. I think I'm going to order some samples from VitaLady to get a variety and see what I can and can't tolerate. My dear friend Mike(FishersMike) gave me some Isopure, SF CIB, and a couple of packs of protein shakes.I will be going to get my vitamins tomorrow as well. Any other ideas of what to take to the hospital, or to have at home at first? BTW...Visitors are more than welcome!! I was thinking of taking a book to read with me, but if I have time to read, I have time to walk..

Congrats, I took a book to read and some search word and cross word books. I never took them out of my bag. I agree with you, if I had time toread then I had time to walk, and that is what I did. I had some much energy that I had trouble sitting still. I get my protein powders from GNC, I use the preformance, I like the banana the best, the strawberry is ok, I do not like the chocolate. I know the one here in Marion will let you sample some items, and with the gold membership you get a discount on certain items the first week of each month.

Hi Heather, I know just how you feel - my surgery is scheduled for 10/20 as well! Are you having surgery at St. Vincents? -Karen

Yes I'm having mine done at St. Vincent's.. It is scheduled for 11am....how about yours?

Heather (and all other soon to be newbies), Here's a few suggestions... For the hospital: a robe..for me, I also brought a book. Getting up & down off the bed was worse for me than just staying up so I would stay up and read in-between walking, breathing and eating. If you aren't an avid reader, bring a magazine or puzzle book. Keep your mind active! I find that the pain is less if my mind is busy thinking about something other than it. At home: Until you see how well you do with the protein mix that St. V's has you do, BUY SMALL. Don't go getting the economy size of powered milk or a case of CIB. You may find yourself trying to 'share' it. I could not stand the CIB. The SF jello wasn't too bad (for awhile) if I stuck with lemon or lime. The other flavors were way too sweet. Also, when you mix it, if you use a blender, let it set for awhile (~30 minutes). A blender puts air into the mix that can make your new tummy hurt. The 'ouch' will go away on it's own without long-standing consequences, but why hurt? Next, go to a Cash & Carry or GFS and get some 1 oz cups & lids (the kids restaurants use). You'll be allowed 2 oz of food per meal. I always wanted variety. When you fix a can of soup, distrubute it into the 1 oz cups. When you make your mashed potatoes, do the same. At lung, take out one of each and wa-la, a meal. I froze mine. You may also want to get some plasti**** trays. 1 cube = 1 oz. Fix, pour, freeze, put in zip-lock baggies. Add to your shopping list SF popcycles and crystal light. Don't go nuts and get a ton of each of these until you see what you like. Also, try flavors that pre-op you don't like. Taste buds change. post-op, I loved th CL peach tea and pre-op hated anything peach flavored except peaches themself. Also get the creamed soups, instant mashed potatoes, low fat cottage cheese, string cheese (LOVED this!!), refried beans (can sprinkle with a little of low fat shredded cheddar cheese for a treat!), instant oats, and sf pudding (and skim milk to make it). You may want to check out the decaf teas also for a nice warm treat. Enjoy shopping! Sherri

Thank you for your suggestions. I will make a list of them.. I am definitely going to GFS to get the cups tomorrow. That will be SOOOO handy!

Good Luck! Sherri gave some great suggestions but also don't overbuy either. Pre-op I probably spent $300-$500 on protein samples, sugar free foods, mushy food etc. and to be honest most of it just sat in my cabinet and went to friends later. Get yourself organized and your house cleaned. It made me feel good coming home to a clean house. You'll do great! Sam

I dont know what kind of a soap person you are, but I was REALLY sorry I hadnt packed my shower gel when I got to the hospital and all I had was bar soap (ICK). So if youre a gel person, take that along, as well as your shampoo if you're picky (as I am) Post Op I didn't do a LOT of variety. I found a few things that were safe and tollerable and stuck with it. Instant mashed potatoes, cream of chicken soup (Sometimes I would combine the two and use the soup like "gravy"), kraft cheese cubes (the 2% low fat kind, or we bought brick and hubby would cut it up, I dont like string cheese). I didn't liek oatmeal pre op, but found the quaker weight control banana bread flavor wasn't too bad post op (its only an oz after all), cottage cheese, crystal light, I had a hard time with the protein and eventually ended up just drinking plain milk, or milk with sugar free nesquick. My FAVORITE thing post op were sugar free popcicles. They are propbably STILL my favorite thing, especially if my tummy doesnt feel too good. Kroger makes these awesome "Two- fruity" ones that have (you guessed it) two flavors on the popcicle. They are Cherry-lemonade, blue raspberry cherry, and cherry limeade. St. V's also has a really good SF orange popcicle (you have to ask for one tho).

I wanted my own toothbrush; I hate the ones they give you. Also I have read a ton of women need pads or something right after surgery. If that's something you have a need for. And don't forget your positive attitude!! I used mine more than anything!! Good luck and God Bless, Carmen

I was glad I took my camera...but wasnt really energetic enough to do much reading or anything. Ended up taking all that stuff back home with me unused. I did take my laptop and they had wireless hookup at St V. I took advantage of that and posted how I was doing. I had company and had to walk those halls. Then before u know it u are discharged. I was just there over 24 hrs. I would say personal care items are the most important things while u are at the hospital...I never liked the cheap things they give u either. ME