Ok all you veterians...help!

Now that I have a date I'm wondering what I need to do to get ready for the big day? Any suggestions or tips you veterians can give would be much appreciated! What kind of foods do I need to stock my shelves with and do I need to buy my vitamins before hand? Any suggestions on good protien shakes? How about some helpful websites besides this one? How about what to expect the first couple of weeks after surgery? Any tips you can offer to make it go smoother? I tell you I'm a nervous wreck and yet soooooo EXCITED too!!! I have a million questions racing through my head, so much that I don't even know where to begin. Makes my head spin! Cheers, Lisa My surgery date: April 25, 2007 Type of surgery: RNY Were: St. Vincent Charity Doctor: Dr. Ben-Meir

Well, I don't know if I can be considered a veteran. My surgery was very recent (as in 2 1/2 weeks ago). I bought beneprotein powder (which was to be added to my hot cereal, carnation instant breakfast in the beginning --Days 3 to 10). I also bought my vitamins in advance. I knew I would need them and so I might as well have them on hand. My greatest problem was the gas pains. It made it very difficult for me to drink and I felt like I was having back spasms. They subsided almost completely by day 3, except when I would try to drink. It was suggested that I invest in a sippy cup. I took me a few days but it taught me how to drink without gulping (which was introducing air into my stomach) My biggest tip: walk walk walk. I will help with the gas and get you started with and exercise program. My favorite protein shake: Muscle milk light. Purchased from GNC. Good Luck, Temeaka

Do not stock up on food! Your taste will be crazy! I went and bought cream of chicken soup kind of coups, broth cubes, sugar free jello, sugar free pudding, and popcycles. Dang I can't spell tonigh****er if you don't like foscet (sp?) water, I bought gummy vitamins, check and see what your surgeon requires you to be on, You don't need to stress about protein at first. Don't spend alot on protein it will be hit and miss on what you like. CONGRATS!!! Casey

Hi just a quick question about the gummy vitamins....did you find them in sugar free and if so what brand? thanks so much Colleen

Hi Lisa! Congrats on the date! All of these questions and more will be answered at your Pre-Admission Testing. You'll find out more than you ever thought possible and they will give you a ton of stuff to read that contains the answers also. Come over to the April surgery board and let everyone extend their welcome! Best of luck!

Lisa, I don't know if I am really a veteran...my surgery was 3/7 with Dr. Ben Meir. Before surgery I went and bought my soups and stuff, vitamins, Pepcid, blender, measuring stuff, etc. I also tried lots of protein shakes...most are gross!! Buying the food got me used to looking at labels and stuff. I felt pretty good by the time I came home, and didn't use any pain med after I left the hospital. Just the lap incisions felt sore when I moved around. I rented a few movies for the week I was home too which worked out well. i played alot on the computer, read, walked. Just relax and get better! I can tell you I was nervous too, but I kept reminding myself of all the reasons I was doing this....to be healthy, to play on the floor with my grandaughter, to fit into airplane seats, movie seats and booths in restaurants, to not have to take medicine anymore, to get cute clothes, etc. It became my mantra right up until the time they wheeled me into surgery. You will be fine...Dr. BM is the best. St. V prepares you very well for what to expect. Good luck to you.

Thanks so much for the encouraging words and advice! I'm one of those people that like to have everything in order before I go in for surgery. So when I come home I can just concentrate on healing my body & eating properly. I want to have the things I will be allowed to eat already stocked in my cupboards and my vitamins ready to go. I'm glad you mentioned Pepcid... I'll be sure to pick up a bottle. My pre-op is scheduled for next Thursday and I'm sure I'll get lots of info to prepare myself with. Cheers, Lisa

I'm with you!! I cleaned out a specific cupboard and stocked it with MY STUFF. No one else touches it. It's full of stuff I have already checked the labels on, sugar free pudding and jello, etc. I felt really ready when I went in for surgery. By the time I got home, some of my tastes DID change, and I felt well enough to run up to the store by day 5 or 6. For some reason, tomato soup tasted really good and I made it with milk to get more calories and protein. You will find what works for you too. Good luck.