Anyone willing to share surgery advice or stories?

Christmas is over and I am realizing that my surgery is a little over 2 weeks away. Any suggestions on what to take to the hospital, have at the house for after, or what to expect before, during, or after that they don't tell you about?

Thanks! The more I know the better I feel.
Danielle

LIP GLOSS!!!!!

A robe to put over your hospital gown, for walking the halls, because that's how you will get rid of the gas.  Your own pjs if you like, your toiletry items, maybe an ipod, because reading books and magazines just wasn't something I could focus on post-op. Slippers should be the kind that have a grippy kind of bottom to make shuffling along the hallways safe.   A pillow for your ride home, you put it between you and the seat belt, helps for any bumps.  For home, sugar free ice pops, decaf tea, low sodium broths, s/f jello that will likely be your diet post-op for the first week at least.  Protein powder, but suggestion is to not go overboard buying the flavored ones as many times you taste buds are rather flat and/or different post-op, so you might not like the taste of them and then you've got a supply of stuff you don't want. . .  of course there are things like measuring spoons and cups, which you probably have already, but post-op they are really something you will be using regularly.

The worse thing for me post-op was the gas, but movement helps alleviate it.  Otherwise all was good, everyone is different.  Good luck as you get ready to join us over here on the Loser's Bench.

There will be more people to tell you what you need if I left anything out.

Best wishes, Laureen

One of the most helpful things I did prior to surgery was to "detox" my office and my home immediately prior to surgery.  I removed everything that had sugar and everything that I used to "snack" on  and eat inappropriately, including all my 'secret stashes' of snacks.  It was much easier to resist the habits upon returning when none of the supplies were there - that got me through the tough first couple of weeks of being back at work.

Some form of lip moisturizer (i like burts bees, but clistex, chapstik, etc. work well too) is pretty important, as your lips will be dry and "waxy" for the first couple of post-surg days. 

Take comfortable and supportive walking shoes with you to the hospital - preferably ones that you can slip onto your feet without having to bend over to tie.  And your favorite pillow.

Enjoy!

Karen

Congratulations on your upcoming surgery.  Lip gloss or chapstick is a big help-- I used it constantly for a few days post surgery.  Your own pillow for the ride home is great as well. 

As for the house-- I found a blender and a selection of ready made protein shakes really helpful.  I made my own when I could but sometimes did not feel like making them so having Atkins shakes, Oh Yeahs, etc. available was a great help. 

Dawn

Danielle,
Best of luck on your upcoming surgery.  I just had my band done on the 22nd at Magee where you are going. 
The nurses are great there.
I would wear a comfy sweatsuit to the hospital so it is non-binding on your stomach coming home.  Also have PLENTY of CHAPSTICK on hand.  And yes take a ROBE with you as well.  I forgot mine, but they gave me a nice blue silky one that they use in the surgical ward.  And also don't forget that nice soft comfy pillow for the way home.
When the nurses get you up to walk, DO NOT ARGUE!  It feels so good once you start, and it means you are 1 step closer to coming home.
Again best of luck, and keep us posted!

Danielle,
congrats on your upcoming surgery.  The one thing I found soooooooooooo helpful when I came home from the hospital was these wedge things my hubby and I found for after his plastic surgery.  They help you sit up on an angle in bed rather than laying flat and are sort of in the shape of a triangle with a flat bottom. 
We found them at Bed, Bath, and Beyond in the Franklin Mills mall.  I used them for about 2-3 weeks after I came home from the hospital, they allowed me to be comfortable like I was in the hospital being able to be up on an angle and helped because I was able to sleep without the pain of laying flat...

Ida

How exciting fo ryou!the less you take the better!I took a bunch of stuff and didnt even use it! Lip gloss or chap stick is a must!maybe an ipod or mp3 player,Non slip slippers and robe,and a book,I took so much and it wasnt used so pack light!best of luck and keep us posted!

Everyone pretty much summed it up!  I was allowed to wear my own pajamas in the hospital - as long as they could lift it up and look at the incisions and what not (tops and bottoms work well for this)  Something loose fitting.

Definately used chap stick (I use blistex) and also mouth wash often.  I also brought my own toiletrees to use.

The nonskid slippers etc are definately a must.

I too couldn't concentrate on magazines, but used my ipod ALOT

Good luck!