New to the board.....
Hello all....
My name is Cynthia. I am new to the OH message board, I have posted on the AOL message boards for bariatric surgery. But it's nice to see people that are closer home to you. I am pre op my surgery date is
7-22-05, I am having the Open RNY at Norton Hospital in Louisville by Dr. Gaar...I live about 3-3 1/2 hours away from Louisville so any advice as to what to bring, so my family wont have to make several trips would be helpful....thanks
Cynthia,
I lived pretty close to my hospital, but of coarse there were things I wished I had, but nothing major, I made it without them!!
First off, PILLOWS!!!! I'm a big pillow freak, so if you need a certain type of pillow, bring your own, also one for your belly, cause it helps to hold a pillow against it when you get up and start walking. I've heard people say they wished they had brought a fan, I didn't need one, but if you are hot natured, there you go. Slippers, houseshoes, sandals, whatever, just something comfy to put on your feet, that you can just slip on without having to bend over and put them on.
Since you are so far away from home, might I suggest to get a calling card and bring it with you, so if you get the urge to talk to someone at home, you can. Pictures of your family!! I have a 7 year old, who was 6 at the time, and I made it perfectly clear to my fam, no matter how much he begs, DO NOT LET HIM COME TO SEE ME!! I didn't want him to see mommy like that, all those tubes and staples, and blood, way too much for him. So I missed him quite a bit. If I had of thought I would've brought his pic with me so I could look at it.
Comfy clothes to go home in, and a robe, or housecoat of somekind, those hospital gowns get kinda drafty! Some people bring baby wipes and a long spoon to help get those "hard to reach" places you may need to wipe!! Also bring maxi pads, most women tend to start bleeding a few days after surgery, never hurts to be prepared.
That's all I can think of right now, but I'm sure there is more that other may tell you. Good luck!!
Hi Cynthia...welcome to the KY board! Congrats and good luck on your upcoming surgery.
I, too, had my surgery at Norton Hospital (Dr. Rodriquez) and trust me, they are great! I live about 4.5 hours away, so I know what you mean about taking everything with you as you go. Personally, I packed all kinds of things I ended up not needing, but it is better to be prepared. Along with the things mentioned in the above post, I would DEFINATELY take something for dry lips! I use Carmex, but whatever works for you I would have! In my case, I had to wait almost two days for my swallow study, and could have NO liquids until then, so my lips were very dry (along with my mouth, tongue, cheeks, throat...etc...LOL). Also, even though my surgery was in February, I remember being very warm, so the fan sounds like a good idea!
Once again, congrats and GOOD LUCK on the 22nd!!!! 
Sheila
Sheila Welcome to the KY message boards!! What a wonderful journey you are starting!! My only regret is that I did not have my surgery sooner!!
All of the above mentioned things are great ideas!! My favorite is the long handled spoon!! No one told me about that and I wish they had!!
One other thing I thought about since Sheila mentioned chapped lips is lotion. Your skin will be dry too. Maybe something that smells nice and refreshing. Although my sense of smell was VERY active after surgery, maybe somethig with a soft scent.
Are you aware that there is a message board for your month and year (july 2005) of surgery? Dec. 2004 has been great for me. Everyone there can relate to were I'm at in my journey. Just take one day at a time.
Beware that you may wonder after surgery "Did I make a mistake?" I have read that may others have felt like that too. I think that is very normal. You have to give yourself lots of time to get back to life. For me it took about 5 weeks before I felt like myself. Follow your Dr's orders and all will be fine!!
Post any questions you have, MANY wonderful people here that can help!
Blessings
Tonya
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