Hey! I am new!

My surgery date is July 17th at MUSC. I am excited but nervous. I will miss my summer activities(we live on a lake) but, I will look forward to a skinnier next year! My concern at this time is how to prepare. What should I have on hand, what do I need to take to the hospital, etc. I have practically memorized the handbook but, I am thinking you all may have some suggestions! Thanks!

Hi Nancy Welcome to the board!!!! Congratulations on your surgery date . My advice to you is don't buy a lot of protein stuff before surgery, because what you like now you may hate after surgery. I had many samples of protein and that is what I drank after surgery. My tastebuds were so out of wack that I couldn't stand the same protein twice!!! Everything was really too sweet after surgery. i drank tons of plain water!!! Melissa

welcome!! and cograts. ditto to what melissa said. she always has good advice. you don't have to miss out on anything!! i have been to the lake 3 times and i just had surgery on 5/15. of course you should keep your wounds out of the water but you can still have fun. get on the boat.

Hi Nancy, Welcome to the boards, I am just 6 days post op and I did what the girls have already mentioned, I just have been surviving on sugar free jello, pops and crystal light and Aquacal water (cheapest at Wal-Mart). I was taking this nasty stuff called Prostart 24. Another super person on the board called Nora, hooked me up yesterday with some protein shake samples she got from her Angel and they came from the Vitamin Shoppe and are very good. Good luck and welcome to the boards, these women are awesome!! Patti

Thanks girls! You all are so encouraging and I am thankful. What about the hospital, do you think 2 pair of pj's will work? or should I have more? anything else I should take, other than robe slippers and such?

Nancy! Congrats on your decision! You won't regret a minute! I am 4 months post op and couldn't be happier. I am a nurse here in Columbia so I was VERY nervous but it went by so quickly! I took WAY too much to the hospital. Just make sure you have a nice night gown and slippers with a robe to do all your walking in! You will be up and walking within hours of surgery and although you won't feel like it, just push yourself, you will be better off and on your way to healing! I had pj's but couldn't stand them around my waist. The drain was a pain but I tucked it into my robe pocket when I went walking! I also took my hair stuff so I could bru**** and I did put on some makeup, I felt like the better I looked, I didn't feel so bad. Four months and 92 pounds gone forever!!!!! Good luck to you!!!! Carmen

Oh, my goodness, Carmen 92 pounds in four months! That is fantastic! I will take a gown. How long were you in hospital?

Hi Nancy.... Congrats on your up & coming surgery ! I am scheduled for July 19th at MUSC. I am excited as well. I went through the nervous stage back in the spring but it seems I've been trying so hard to stay well enough to have the surgery that all of that nervousness sort of fell by the wayside. haha! I have read the handbook a gazillion times but I retain nothing! I think I have fat cells in my brain!! LOL !! I've had pneumonia for almost two months....yeah who knew you could have that stuff for so long? Anyways I've got my next appointment with my pcp on the 29th at which time I'm hoping & praying for a clearance for the surgery. Although I was surprised when I went to my doctor a week ago to find my xrays still showed fluid in my lungs. But I'm keeping a positive attitude. I WILL GET RID OF THIS PNEUMONIA AND I WILL HAVE MY SURGERY ON THE 19th. positive thinking!! : ) Anyways maybe we'll be seeing each other at MUSC... Take Care, Susan

Sorry to hear about pneumonia, it has to be God's plan for you to be delayed don't you agree? I too, was scheduled earliar, June 6, then June 13th, then August 29th, now July 17th. Tomorrow would not be soon enough for me. Nancy

You people are wonderful! Thank you! I believe I have been 'over thinking' if that is possible. lol lol! I want to be prepared for the unexpected. How is your energy level after surgery? I know it is important to move a lot after. When I am cleared to do so , I am hoping getting in the lake will help with moderate exercise. I have a nice shaded area to sit on a noodle or raft.