Questions to Dr. Scotts patients???

Now that I have a date (oh man I cant keep from saying it). I have questions about the diet that I will be on after surgery and any other info some of you losers feel I may need. I know that I will be learning all this during the information meeting that I go to on the 26th but patience is not my strong suit. Cant wait to be a loser too! Lesa

It will be clear liquids for the first 7-10 days until you go back to have the staples removed. You'll be able to have diluted juice (apple, grape, cranberry), gatorade, sugar free gelatin, clear broth/boullion, sugar free kool-aid or Crystal Lite, sugar free popsicles, decaf tea/coffee. That's it...but don't worry, because you won't be wanting much of even these things. Make sure you have pre-purchased chewable Pepcid, Flinstones vitamins with Iron, and adult strength liquid Tylenol before you go to the hospital since you will need these on the day you go home - we had to make a stop at Wal-Mart since I didn't get ANY information until I was given my discharge instructions (pre-surgery classes had not been started yet). Several folks whose surgeries weren't during a snowstorm (like mine was on 1/3/05) have said that they are VERY glad they took a small fan to the hospital - guess it depends on your internal thermostat. After your clinic follow-up, you'll introduce protein drinks and begin a 12 week schedule of adding various foods - beginning with cream soups and "mushy" things, but quickly progressing to what feels like normal foods. I absolutely do not feel deprived/limited and haven't since about 5 or 6 weeks out. Hope that helps. Good luck!! Cindy (-81) 274/193/140

Cindy Thank you so much. It was exactly what I was looking for. I know that I will find these things out but to have this forum to talk with someone who has been there is wonderful. Thanks again. Lesa

Cindy, Is the same true for Dr De La Torre's patients also? Gevin Elder

It is pretty much the same Gevin. They change it often though. The new diet has changed so much even since my surgery! Michelle -144

For the program at the University Hospital in Columbia, they work exclusively as a team - you name one or the other as your primary doctor, but both participate in all surgeries. In follow-up clinics, you will see one or the other, but it may change from appointment to appointment. There is only one bariatric staff, one support program, and one set of diet instructions, no matter which doc is your "primary". -Cindy (-81) 274/193/140

You'll get an extensive packet at the class. It will list all the foods you can eat, enumerating them week by week. You'll meet the nutritionist at the class too and she will also visit with you during your hospital stay. Also, take a small battery run fan with you to the hospital, the rooms are not very well ventilated. You will meet Natalie, who runs the class, and she will be most helpful too. She, you'll find out, is also a WLS pt and in a million years you'd never guess it. I just began my 6th week post-op and feel wonderful. Try to get some protein mixes before the surgery and try them, too, so they won't be a huge surprise after and this way you'll find the ones you like. Dr Scott is my primary surgeon, but I recently also met with Dr De La Torre as Dr Scott wasn't available for my month post-op appt. It was fine. They are both nice and compassionate. Don't take a lot to the hospital. You'll wear their gowns, it's just easier since they open up all the way around, but do take some lip balm, you might just get chapped lips. Like I said earlier, a mini-fan is very helpful, and a robe for when you walk up & down the hall, slippers too, although they do provide nice socks. You probably won't shower, so don't bother with shampoo. They provide toothbrushes and toothpaste but if you're very particular, bring your own. Make sure you bring VERY comfy loose clothes for the trip home. Other than that, the nurses are, for the most part, very kind and helpful. You'll most likely only be there for a couple of days, so it goes fast. Don't let it bother you if people mention it's a teaching hospital: you will see a resident or two who care a lot and are helpful to your surgeons and to you. You will also see them during rounds in the morning and that takes only a minute or two. Wishing you lots of luck! Sheila

Thanks Sheila! That was very helpful. Especially the part about the fan. Lesa