Essentials for after surgery

Thanks to all who welcomed me aboard.  From what I gather, taste buds change after surgery, so I am just trying to be sure that I have the basics on hand for the clear  & full liquid phase and will go from there.  I have the strainer, blender, food scale, whey protein in chocolate, vanilla & unflavored, chicken broth, sf popsicles and jello, greek yogurt, cottage cheese & sf pudding cups. Can anyone think of anything else I will need for the first week or two?  Thanks for your insight & suggestions!
Susan

SOudns like you have a great start on your new life.  The only two things I could think of is some crystal lite kind of flavoring for water - I still find that plain water feels a little heavy on the pouch, and a good water bottle so you have some idea as to how much liquids you're getting.

Best of luck to you!

Thanks for the reply Russell and for the good luck wishes!  I have a 3 oz shot glass for the first couple of days home when they told me to drink at least 8 oz  of clear fluids an hour, and then I have my 12 oz. sippy cup for "when I grow up"   and can have  full liquids.

Stay cool in this heat!

This is what I used before and will use next time:

Hard pillow - bring this to the hospital with you to hold your stomach getting up/down and walking, and for the car ride home.

I have a heating pad that massages (vibrates actually) I put it behind my back when I sat up. I figured it was like burping a baby...I didnt have really any gas pain with my band...maybe that helped.

Mini storage containers (one can of refried beans goes a long way!)

I kept a TV tray next to my recliner so I didnt have to bend over and pick up ANYTHING!

LOTS of cat toys to keep my baby off my stomach! LOL

Gax X...Im not a fan of the strips, I'd rather have the chewies.

Get your RX for pain meds filled before surgery

Liquid Tylenol

Vitamins

Magazines, movies, games, books....

I had a hard time with my Steri Strips sticking to me...I couldnt get them off for two weeks, even the doc couldnt get them off at my post op appt. So I'll have to find something to help there.

thanks for posting this...helped remind me of what I'll need.
GOOD LUCK!!

OH YEAH...forgot to add...

Quick fix meals for the family!

Wow..ask and ye shall receive!  Wondeful tidbits that I will certainly take to heart.  Thanks so much for getting back to me.  I feel like I have crossed my t's and dotted my i's now!
Stay cool in the heat!
Susan

This is pretty much what I have in my fridge now.  I would add a mortal and pestle or pill crusher.  Also soups....I lived off Traders Joes roasted red pepper and tomato soup...nice and mild.  Yum!

Raina

Great idea! I have to crush my thryoid medication and didn't even think of that!  Thanks and take care!

Susan

I am going to caution on the side of getting too much. Things that work for other smight not work for you. I hated and still hate any flavorings for water, all the sugar free/lite crystal stuff. So, buy only a couple of each to try. Same thing with any protein additions. It took me 4-6 different brands to get to ones I really liked and still use from time to time.

I personally didn't eat a lot that first week, liquids or no liquids. It was a chore to just get all my pills down 3 times a day. I slept most days all day. And, after that, I begged my husband to take me to the grocery store just so I could get out of the house.

After the first 2 weeks, I didn't even want to look at what I'd bought pre-surgery, I was so tired of it.

So, whatever you get, get in minimum quantities, and maybe things that other sin the house might eat too. Just in case.

Beyond food, a wedge pillow helps or a few hard pillows stacked up. I couldn't lie down straight and getting in and out of bed was easier with the extra pillows. My surgeon gave me a tedyd bear to hold against my belly for when I coughed; I think somebody mentioned a hard pillow for that purpose.

Tylenol extra strength. Byt the second night, my prescription pain pills were giving me waking nightmares so I switched to extra strength Tylenol and didn't really need the others. Yours might not cause you any side effects but since Tylenol is all we can take after surgery, just keep a large bottle at hand.

Good luck!

Thanks for taking the time to share such great details Sylvie!  I am not a crystal lite person either, would rather have tea and plain water.  I most defintely will be sure I have pillows to stack and either a pillow or stuffed animal to cough with!

Stay Cool!