Questions for all the post-ops

My surgery is ( FINALLY!! ) less than a month away, and I'm starting to prepare. First, what things did you take ( or wish you had taken ) to the hospital? Were you able to wear a nightgown and robe, or were you in hospital gowns the whole time? What protein drinks/powders worked well for you? I hate that overly-sweet aftertaste some of them have. I'm not going to go out and buy a 55 gallon drum of anything, because I know after surgery I might not tolerate it, but I have to have something on hand. I'd like to start out with just one flavored and one plain. Any recommendations? Someone said American Whey is OK. Has anyone come up with any good homemade concoctions using the plain powder? I've got a good blender and one of those retro-type milkshake mixers on standby. Thanks in advance for your help and advice! Nancy RNY 7/18/05

Hi Nancy, Congratulations on your upcoming surgery! I wore the hospital gown the entire time I was in the hospital. That is the best thing to do, it's easy access to the Dr's and Nurses, also you wouldn't want to ruin any of your gowns with medicines/blood/the orange stuff they swab all over ya before surgery. Take a robe though and slippers for cruising the halls though if you like. But then again you could always use another hospital gown backwards for a robe and most hospitals give you those slipper type things to wear w/rubber traction for no-slips. I took along a book, crossword and reading, CD player and cards, however I didn't do much of any of those things either, but they're nice to have if you need to be occupied. Your tastes surely will change after surgery, remember if you get a protein now that you like, you might not like it at all afterwards. Bariatriceating.com has a sample basket to try. I use the Profect, (can be found via my www button at the bottom of my post if you want to check that out). It's a little pricey, but I am worth it, and it also tastes great, I like the citrus berry best... less than 3oz's and 25 g's of protein! This is also premixed and portable. I tried many shakes before and after surgery, the ones I tolerated (w/o ing) were water based ones, the ones mixed with milk... noway, I couldn't do any dairy for the 1st 3 months post-op. Use the retro type milkshake mixer, add the water and some ice cubes, cubes will help it unclump, a regular blender puts in too much air and that don't go down well at all when we are newly post-op. Sorry, I haven't tried American Whey though, I have tried the flavorless one from GNC in yogurt and it isn't too bad. Of course I use half a scoop in a 6 oz yogurt instead of a full one or it seems gritty to me. Have a nice day!

Thank you Vickie for the good advice and kind words of encouragement. I will, indeed, check out the Profect products you mentioned. You are doing great in your post op journey! I can't wait to join you on the losers side! Take Care, Nancy

Make sure you take UNSCENTED CHAPSTICK!!! Your lips will be very dry especially on the day of surgery when you wake up... you dont want scented because it could make your stomach ill with the smell... I also bought a robe, but I used it at home more than the hospital... That way if anyone came to see me I would just wear my robe and look fine... I took a small travel pillow with me to use when I walked... you could just use a hospital pillow though... My friend just had her surgery and she uses a fan at home so she took a small fan with her to the hospital... My hospital had tooth paste, soap, deoderant, that kind of stuff there... you might want to take a hair brush and something to keep your hair pulled back if you have long hair... well, i hope this helped you

Paula, I have to giggle at the chapstick remark, because I am known to all my friends and family as the absolute Chapstick Queen! I have at least two chapsticks in my purse, my desk at work, in my nightstand, my dresser, my car and a million other places. It's likely I will have a couple of them taped to the front of my hospital gown too! LOL I'm glad you mentioned about using the unscented kind, though. It never occurred to me that the smell of the flavored ones might make me nauseous. That's what I look forward to the least in my recovery ( nausea ). I have a pretty good pain tolerance but I'd rather be sawed in half than feel like I have to throw up! I think I might take a fan too; that is good advice, because it can often be warm in the hospital rooms. From the sounds of your posts, you seem to be doing well. I know you had some minor problem after surgery - I hope that is all resolved now. Best of luck to you on your continued journey. See you soon on the losers side! Nancy RNY 07/18/05

Nancy, I want to say congrats first. How exciting for you. The only things I would add is to take some thing to the hospital to make you feel pretty. I had lipstick and mascara. After that first shower it made me feel so much better. At home get the bullion and I had to have bottled water. The stuff out of the tap smelled to me right after surgery. You are smart to buy protein in a small amount. After surgery every thing tastes different. Things that you like now will not taste good after. Sample packs are a good idea. Best of luck to you. Deb

Deb, You look awesome! Thanks for the kind words and the good advice. I think I will stock up on bottled water, since tap water can sometimes smell like chlorine or minerals. See you on the losers side, Nancy RNY 07/18/05

I took 3 nightgowns and a robe. I never wore them at all. I loved my fan to keep cool but most of all to block out the noises. I was out of it and really didnt care what I wore . As long as I had my button for the drugs. At Deaconess its so small that I wore my robe home. I heard Costco has good whey at a cheap price. Much luck and prayers are coming your way. The weight loss is so great and so much fun.,Love Cindy

Cindy, Thanks for the advice and the kind words of encouragement. I've read several of your posts that mentioned how much fun the weight loss is. That's something I've not heard anyone else put into words, but it's true isn't it? It's fun to feel good about yourself and have more energy, isn't it? Not to mention the shopping !!!!! I can't wait to get to that point myself! God bless, Nancy RNY 07/18/05

Nancy Besides the chapstick, which I rarely use, (not like you the queen) I did use it in the hospital after surgery. I also took some pre moistened facial cleansing cloths. I used those a few times a day and that made me feel human. Also took moistiorizer for my face. Again made me feel like I was taking care of myself a bit. I used a hospital gown backwards instead of the robe I brought. the robe was just to heavy and hot. I took a couple of books but never really read. I watched a small amount of tv. IF you have ever enjoyed books on tape/cd that might be something nice to have. If you have a favorite pillow for your head take that. ANd a small pillow for your belly. For home some gas x and liquid tylenol. Protein wise, THe unflavored UNJURY is great, also the chocolate and vanilla. My staples as far as protien go are the three UNJURY's gotten at UNJURY.com and The NEctar Protein, espeically the fuzzy navel flavor and I get through Baratriceating.com. I am on my fourth or more order of each of these proteins. Propel fitness water is really good and a good way to get in your fluids. Hope this helps Wishing you the best Vicki in Indy