7 days pre-op, what do I do??

I have lost/misplaced my blue book. What am I supposed to be doing the last 7 days before my surgery?? I have been taking 2 chewable vitamins each day since August, adding 1200 mg calcium most days, a vitamin D each week as per Dr. Clough, bulking up on protein, getting plenty of rest and trying to keep from getting a cold. I had my flu shot in late October. I learned from Tom and others that what my taste buds like pre-op may not be what they like post op. I have canned salmon, tuna in the house. My dear friend in Oregon smoked some fresh caught salmon and dried it into salmon jerkey for me. I have 4 packs of that. I LOVE that, it's sooooo good tasting. so what am I missing? They did blood work after meeting with Dr. Clough. I assume they will do the EKG the morning of my operation. Thanks yall

Ron, It sounds like you have it all under control!! Maybe some SF Jell-o or yogurts would be good to get for when you get home. The fish and things are great, but incase you end up like me, you won't feel like eating that stuff for a while. The yogurt wasn't much for flavor for me, but it felt good on my throat after they put the tube in during surgery.. And yes, they did my EKG the morning of surgery. You may have had one before but it take 2 minutes. Keep doing what you are doing!! Your day will be here before you know it!!! Kell

They called me a week before my original surgery and had me come in for an EKG. I bought some Crystal light to have to help with getting the fluids in as well. ~Heather

Hi Ron...What i did was fix my bed so it would be easier to get in and out of when i got home, got a cordless phone, even found a cane for those short walks outside. Might want to get some bullion cubes for some hot bullion...has a lot of salt but they gave it to me in the hospital so figured it was ok at home too. I really recovered fast at home, i was alone and slept alot...which im sure you will too. Your body will tell you what your up for and what your not ready to do. Don't be in a hurry to do things let yourself heal and treat yourself to some TLC, after all we all know its major surgery. Listen to your body and your doctors. Best wishes future looser Sally

Bullions might be something you want to get. The fudgicles and cold stuff did not sit well with me but the warm stuff did.

Ron, You're right on with the vitamins and all that good stuff. There's not really anything special to do...you'll get instructions on when to stop drinking etc when they call to register you. Try to get things ready that you might not be able to immediately post-op...like get a little shopping done so you're stocked up on T.P. and things like that. Get some of the drinks/foods that are going to be of use...cottage cheese, yogurt, cheeses, deli meat (not processed like turkey breast, ham etc), hamburger or ground turkey, milk, no sugar added instant breakfast, NSA hot chocolate, sugar free jello mix, SF pudding mix, Crystal Lite or generic brands are cheaper but taste the same, the list sorta goes on but you get the idea. Have measuring spoons and cups on hand. Maybe re-situate things in the kitchen so you won't have to stretch too far to get a dish or glass. Same with other areas of the house. Make sure you have plenty of ice made. Crush some too. Warm things didn't sit well with me but now I can't get enough tea, broth, soups, hot cocoa etc. So think about some of those things too. My EKG was done the morning of surgery so don't sweat that. They also did some blood so you might have that happen too. No biggie. I was getting a little cry-ish waiting for the epi to be put in place so I had some valium...good stuff. Ask for it if you feel nervous...helps. lol Oh ya...pack a light bag. You won't need much. The usual toiletries you would want...teeth stuff, deod, and soaps. I think they have stuff there if you don't feel like brining things, don't know how that affects the bill though, lol. Bring a change of clothes for the ride home. You'll just want to wear johnnies while you're there though. Chapstick. Other things you can't live without. I think you might want to bring your medications, if any. Just in case. Hmm I don't know if I'm leaving anything out...maybe bring phone numbers and a calling card if you want to talk to people out of state or out of local calling range. I brought my binder of surgery info to look at when I was too pooped to walk but not pooped enough to fall into a drug induced sleep. lol Any questions feel free to email...and if I don't talk to you befor surgery GOOD LUCK and we'll see you "on the other side" as everyone says, lol. Casey

Hi Ron, Sounds like everyone has post you with all the info you need. Dr. Clough will let you know what types of foods you can have and when you can start them. Remeber everyone reacts differently with hot & cold foods, and when they can go from Full liquids to soft foods then to regular foods. If you have questions, contact the dieticians office or Dr. Clough's office. I was not able to lay in bed, I took over my husbands recliner. It was the most comfortable place to sleep and rest. Your whole insides will feel very strange after surgery & it may take a few weeks before you feel comfortable enough to actually lay down in a bed. Take Care, Cindy K.