Need yout input: Post Surgery Survival Kit

Looking for your ideas on the "must have" items I shoud have on hand to get through the first week post-op. My mind AND my list is blank right now. What did you think you absolutely needed on hand to do it.

A pillow to hold against your left side. The pressure feels nice. (Im nearing end of first week postop)

Liquids: gotta get your fluids in, you will be also trying to get proteins in, but if your like me, you wont get anywhere near enough protein at first. Dont sweat it. Drink your fluids.

Tylenol.

book or something to keep you busy. Im bored outta my mind.

not much else I can think of. Food is out of question so dont have to worry about that.

1) Pillows, lots of them, my wife bought me like 5 pillows one of which was a body pillow.
2) Crystal Light or other sugar free drinks.  You may not like the taste of water much.
3) Protien drinks/powders.  Hit the protien hard as soon as you can.
4) MOVIES! lots of them.
5) Support of those around you.  Having people make the first week or 2 as easy as possible will really help.


Don't push yourself to hard the first couple of weeks.  Do your walks and your sips but other than that do what your body tells you to.  If you are tired fall asleep who cares if it is 10am. 

The days leading up to surgery are like going up the big hill on a roller coaster, the suspense just kills you.  Surgery is like cresting the top, you have finally made it and the wild times begin.  The first couple weeks are like the ride down that first hill.  Then comes the rest of the ride with all the other ups and down with a couple loops thrown in for fun.

that sums up my first 4 weeks!

I actually bought one of those "fat belts' at Sports Authority. Man, did that feel nice. 

Isopure protein drinks. The already mixed ones. Broth and soups. Although I hated this stage because I was so sodium conscious. Even the Heart Healthy soups were loaded with sodium. 

Some say sugar free Jellos, pops, puddings, etc. I had a ton of this crap and gave to my neighbors kids.

Same thing with yogurt. I found that gross. 

All the stuff people say to eat, I really didn't. I found other healthy substitutes.

And I bypassed the "Pureed stage" and went right to soft foods and did just fine. 

Scrambled eggs and such.

You'll need less than you think you do. The first days are all about sipping your fluids and walking as much as possible. Having a kids sippie cup was helpful to keep me from gulping my drinks. Have some tennis shoes with you at the hospital and after for the walking. I made the mistake of walking in sock feet at the hospital and my shins were killing me for days!

I preferred music over books and tv over movies. The less concentration the better. Seems like I was always needing to do something, meds, vitamins, walking, drinking, etc. It is amazing how it fills up your day.

Your sense of humor. The first few days are different for everyone, but going into them with a good attitude and sense of humor really will help. Everything is kind of absurd. Your excitement over your first poop, the disappointment of getting on the scale and discovering you gained 10 lbs during surgery, and your well-meaning friends who want to help in the silliest ways. Keep smiling and a sense of humor and it all feels a bit better. All the best - Alan

All of the above... plus
Sugar Free popsicles.. Sometimes it's hard to drink, but the popsicles go down easy
GasX.. (relieves the pain if you have gas.
You probably have to take vitamins and calcium. I found some liquid calcium nitrate,, but it was so gross tasting as soon as I could follow pills, I stopped taking it.

Boredom is a big big problem.. especially if you are used to being active.
Maybe try and download or rent a couple tv series that might interest you..
First week you'll have lots of sitting time
John

Some pairs of clean underwear in a handy location.