I need you!

Your all going to laugh but my date is close! Its Nov 8th at Baystate and I am so scared. I haven't been posting much (Mostly because not having an icon pic bugs me) I have no support system for this aside form my two kids, boys 8 and 10.  I plan to be back at work the Tuesday following my surgery which is on a Thursday, I have a desk job. Anyway.. I know I should go food shopping for at least.. protein shakes and all but I'm so lost on what to buy! I have vitamins I take now but they are HUGE and I know I cant take them afterwards.... I need advice on everything. Help! Thanks!

Congratulations on your surgery date! It will be here before you know it.  As for what you need for after surgery my surgeon gave me a list of things you 'must' have and things you 'should' have. Protein shakes for me were the SF Carnation Instant Breakfast (with skim milk). You can't drink much for the first few weeks, so no need to stock pile in my opion. You should have calcium citrate (ie citracal) multi vits recommended to me were either Centrum Adult Chewables or Flinstones Complete. SF Jello and SF Popsicles are good to have, as well as Crystal Lite if you like that.  Tomato Soup was a lifesaver for me with skim milk. It was nice to have something savory, it almost felt like I was eating something really good as opposed to drinking something sickly sweet constantly. Hope this helps, if I think of anything else I'll let you know! Any specific questions feel free to ask! Angel

hi!  I also had my surgery with Dr. Fiallo almost a year ago.  I live in chicopee and would love to talk with you... you can email me at [email protected] and we can chat over phone or over email.... i will say that there is no way i could have gone to work only a few days after my surgery.... plan on possibly needing a few more days off if possible.  also, your kids will step up to the plate for you... my kids did although they are a bit older.  please feel free to email me.... thanks.. tara

You are so brave to be doing this without support.  I am glad you can post and get support from all the wonderful people on this forum.  I have been test driving a few protein shakes for post op.  I have tried Myoplex which is surprisingly good.  Not too sweet or gummy tasting.  Instant Carnation is my favorite, especially the strawberry.  Herbalife is gross.  I use the Centrum Chewables, Caltrate chewable, and Omega3 Fish Oil.  If you shop for anything, make sure you have easy fixins for those precious kids.  I plan on stocking the freezer with some casseroles, soups and other family favorites.  I plan on making a goodie bag for each of children 11 and 14 that will have books, video games, movies, popcorn etc.  They are really worried about this surgery.  They love me the way I am.  Stay strong, Stay safe and stay in touch. 

I hope things are going good for you post op.  Dr. Fiallo is a good doctor (he did some emergency surgery on my husband a few years ago) and Baystate really treated me great during my stay.  Let us know how you're doing. P.S. I know what it's like juggling a family post-op (4 & 2yr old boys) so if you have any other questions, feel free to PM me.