??? from a pre-op patient

What are the things (if any) you wish you had known before your surgery? Anything totally catch you off guard? Either right away or further on down the road? Any widely spread mis-information out there that I may be succumbing to? I know my experience may differ radically...but I'm curious. Thanks! ~Annie

I HAFTA AGREE WITH MIKE....IT'S AMAZING ON HOW LITTLE AMOUNTS OF FOOD FILLS YOU UP...THE ONLY THING I WISHED I KNEW WAS WHICH FOODS ARE ACCEPTABLE TO EAT ....THERE WAS ALOT OF CONFUSION ON SUGARS AND CARBS .....BUT THOSE QUESTIONS GOT ANSWERED LATER , AFTER SUGERY. 411/378/215?

Annie, Wow, there are so many things that people just don't know or expect before surgery, and unfortunately there are not a lot of people who are really doing some nitty gritty education. I have started working with the pre op classes here at OSU to do just that. We have a great comprehensive program and I am trying to help them gear toward behavioral issues. I think understanding that you have major surgery and you will have decreased energy. I didn't realize how wiped out I was going to be. And the guys are right. Portion sizes. I lived out of a 1/4 c. measuring cup for a long while, and learning to take in frequent meals. It is hard to sit down with your family and friends immediately after surgery sometimes and watch them eat. It is also weird about the getting full on such tiny portions and pushing the plate away when you are full with stuff still left on it. Because trust me, that "one more bite" may be the one that causes the vomiting, or dumping. You'll learn that full means full. Or you will be miserable. Listen to the cues. The fact that you are so concerned and wanting to learn before hand will be the biggest factor in your being successful after surgery. Also, having a naso-gastric tube down your nose can be a real eye opener too if you have one after surgery. Just remember, it helps keep the gut deflated, keeps down the post op nausea and even though it feels like it is encompasing your whole throat, it isn't. You won't choke on it, and you can swallow your ice chips around it. It does make for a dry irritated throat. ew. But, it isn't long lived fortunately. They usuall come out by 24 hours post op. We are all here for you and I think I am speaking for all of us, we are wishing you nothing but success. This will be the best thing you ever do for yourself. You are gonna get your life back and man what an awesome thing that is! Take care! Keep asking questions and hanging out with us here! Valerie Curry Lap RNY 7/10/2003 268/172/145

First...Thanks Mike! I love to teach....Earl! I am really impressed with you, my young Jedi, you have learned well!! Great job, you should teach classes with me! Those are super important things to remember. I did not have a good experience in the hospital and fortunately Earl was able to learn from that. That's what is so great with having a board like this. We can all draw on each other experiences. GOOD LUCK and please keep us posted on how your journey is going! Valerie

Ok guys! My last post went I don't know where. I hit a button and WOO**** was gone. So, at any rate, don't know if it will show, but hang in there it will go by as quick as a blink! Tomorrow is my one year already!