17 days and counting......

I was wondering, I am scheduled for surgery on the 20th of September . I am trying to make sure that I have everything I need prior to going to the hospital as we live in a very rural area. Here's my list of what I have and would you guys tell me what else I may need? I have the 1. Magic Bullet Blender, 2. Several different kinds of protein (in case I decide I don't like one), 3. Lip Balm, 4. Crystal Light, 5. Chicken Broth, 6. Non-flavored protein powder, 7. Sugar free pudding (to make prior to and after surgery) - same for Sugar free jello. 8. Little glass measuring cups to measure an ounce or so at a time. Okay guys - any suggestions? Thanks! Susan

Congrats on your surgery. Sugar Free popsicles were a life saver for me and I still have them quite a bit now. Shannon

Well, I can tell you this much. I was scared to dead when I went in. If they had not came and got me when they did...I would have walked out. Looking back now....I would do it again in a heart beat. I went through alot of pain for 3 weeks and after that. It got easyer everyday. You are talking about taken all this stuff to the hospital with you? Don't think you will be able to take them. Ou will be fed through a tube for 6 weeks if you have the same surgery I did. Nothing with any kind of sugar in it ever again. One thing you will fall in love with... Anything cold. Freeze pops,ice. That will be your best friend for a long time to come. Now, I can eat most anything as long as it does not have any sugar in it. Seedless water melon cold.... On man! That is so great! Eaten very slow. That is great! Once you get to eaten. Protein drinks.Only one kind:atkins advantage. Only has 1gram of suger. Either the stawberry or chocolate shake and protein is 15 grams. Think about it, alot better then old mix shakes huh? If ou would like to know anything else? Please as,ok. My best wishes! James

I don't have any suggestions because I've just started the process. So I just want to save congratulations and very best wishes! I can't wait to get there.

I am preop, so I can't speak from experience, but I read a lot of people like to have baby spoons and forks around postop. It helps slow you down and take smaller bites. Also, there are quite a number of people on here that like the Profect protein drinks. They are 3 oz of liquid per serving, and 25 grams of protein. They're particularly good in the first few months when your stomach is the smallest. They're pricey, but from what I hear it's worth it. I have seen them on Ebay for cheaper than the website. Anyway, that's all I can think of in addition to what's already been said. Good luck with your surgery and keep us updated. Take Care. ~Ellen

Susan, The hospital (Northeast Medical Center) will give you lots of the little plastic cups that hold 1 to 2 oz and that will be fine until you get home. I bought a little shot glass that holds 4 oz and used it at home (actually I bought 2) and drank my protein drinks in them. Diane and the gang at Dr. Rocs office will guide you through the whole process. Diane will visit you in the hospital and give you your instructions and lists to get you started for the first two weeks and you can call them anytime. They have the BEST support and guidance. You have picked the best surgeon there is, (of course I'm biased, he saved my life!) so don't worry about a thing. And the nurses at Northeast are fantastic in the bariatric section. Just walk, walk, walk and listen to what they tell you. You'll do great! Good luck and keep us posted. My 2 year anniversary is 9/!5 so I can relate to the September surgery! haha Lynne -130 lbs

Hey! One thing that really helps me is having small cups and bowls to eat out of. I found some small prep bowls that were in bright colors at Bed, Bath & Beyond....and also found some small espresso/demitasse spoons and coffe cups. They help make every protein shake and sugar-free thing I put in my mouth taste so special...not like I am being punished and forced to eat "at the kiddies table" Good luck with everything and just take it one day at a time.....you will be a great success!!!! Melody