OWLO Pre-Op Orientation Day! Wow!

Wow! The day started off in the lab of the HeathPlex again. Lab work drawn, EKG, and Chest x-ray ... all done! I also completed all the interview with the pre-admission nurse ... so I'm set with the hospital admission work - done! Then on to the 3rd floor conference room for this week's pre-op orientation class. Twelve of us were in attendance. Well, it started off with *quite the surprise*. [I won't spoil the fun for others yet to have this experience, but all I can say is that it was a big surprise how we started out! ; )] Then, more nutrition information ... loads more. Even more than the 45 min. - 1 hr. individual nutrition consult we already had a week or two back. Everything explained in detail and written material concerning meal replacements as opposed to protein supplements .... which types .... and extensive sampling for everyone! The pre-op diet was thoroughly explained in detail with written resource material given. Then, the hospital diet as well as every detail of diet progression post-op was covered. My OWLO notebook is bulging with handouts! Next up was choosing our supplements so that we met all nutrition needs for the various stages of the diet pre-op and when home until our first post-op office visit. (I've learned that protein supplementation alone is NOT adequate.....the meal replacements are necessary. The meal replacements contain at least 30% of the RDA for all vitamins and minerals (24 of them!), as well as 27 gms of protein each. Protein supplements generally contain protein only, primarily. Next up was the actual explanation by Dr. Keith and Dr. Nelson's RN exactly step by step what we each would be experiencing from the moment we stepped into the hospital (or surgical center****il we are discharged home and until we return to our next visit. Pain medications were discussed, everything we need to bring, every test we would have post-op was explained, progression from IV fluids only to clear liquids and what was necessary for the progression to proceed. Post-op prescriptions were discussed after we had been informed of meds we would likely receive pre-op and during our hospitalization. We were told where our family or visitors were to go during surgery and all was carefully detailed. A list of reasons we need to call the office once we get home was covered in great detail! Phone numbers and names were given for every step. I've finished all the testing!!! Pre-op orientation is done. I picked up my meal replacements and protein supplements and headed to the yarn shop to knit! I start my 10 day pre-op diet on the 19th. I have one more pre-op personal discussion with Dr. Nelson on the 24th. Any questions will be discussed and covered in detail and another consent signed .... which I was given today to review and return unsigned until I speak with Dr. Nelson on the 24th. I sign it during that visit. I have to say that nothing has been left to question. Everyone has been very kind and professional ... and helpful without judgment. I can't cover everything that was detailed to us today, but it was great and I left feeling very good and ready to go! Now, my next task is the 10 day diet  that begins on Saturday. Wish me luck! I'll be praying for everyone having surgery between now and my turn, regularly! :  )

Congratulations!  I am so happy for you.  I can feel them warming up a seat on the losers bench for you right now.  I'm hoping to join you soon!  Make sure you let us know how that pre-op diet is going!

Thanks! I'm sure I'll do at least one post during the diet phase. ; )

Shelly I was there yesterday for my fill......I bet you were one of the thousand or so people in the waiting room.  I was the fashionable lady with the tie dye t-shirt, black capri sweatpants and yellow Tevas sandals/sneaker things.  I sat against the wall and read magazines.

Who were you?  (I was there from about 2:15 till 3:30 or so.....

Well, dog gone it, I left about 2 PM. I was wearing blue jeans with a coral colored pullover top. Orientation was in the 3rd floor conference room and all the lab, EKG, chest x-ray, and pre op stuff was done on the 1st floor in the diagnostics area. I am SO SORRY I missed you. I'll be there again on the 24th for the pre-op discussion with Dr. Nelson. We'll have to keep in touch on when we're going to be there. And, boy oh boy, does that waiting room get crowded!!! : )

 Hi Shelly and others, What a busy day you had! I am so happy for you let me know about you pre op diet! I am going to see Dr Nelson on monday I am so excited I am so ready to start my journey! I will be praying for you! and best of luck with the pre op diet!!                                                     Karla

Hey, have a great visit with Dr. Nelson tomorrow. The 10 day pre-op diet is doable. The first 7 days are mostly a meal replacement for breakfast, protein shakes or bars for snacke, and a small meal for lunch and dinner ..... 2 - 4 ozs of lean meat and 1/2 cup. steamed and healthy veggies (no corn, potatoes, or peas). Then the last 3 days are liquids only with the exception of some yogurt or broth allowed, too. Most of the liquids are meal replacements or protein drinks. Yum! ; )

LOL your class was small compared to the one I attended. They give out so much info it is hard to take it all in. I pray that you did not buy alot of one flavor caue after surgery you wont like them. Thats something that the nuts dont discuss very much. Just hang in there and when you are down to drinking nothing but liquids aI will be thinking of you. Good luck you will do great!

Thanks Pattye Sue! My liquids only days are next Sat., Sun., and Monday. ; ) Prayers and thoughts appreciated!!!