Surgery date scheduled, OH MY

Hello- I have been a reader, but not a contributer. I had been denied twice for lap band and resubmitted for lap RNY with Dr Patterson. Does anyone have any suggestions about how to get through the 3 days prior to surgery on clear liquids only? I am handling the tuna and cottage cheese diet pretty well, but want some hot foods!!! I would also like any advice on what to not forget when staying in the hospital. How long have some of you taken off of work after surgery? I have requested 3-4 weeks off, should that do it if all goes well? I would love to hear from any of you! Thanks for always being here! Karen

Karen, Hi, congrats on your date!! I to am doing the tuna and cottage cheese thing....have you met your weight requirment? I am so scared I won't make it and rumor has it Dr. Patterson won't do surgery if you don't meet your requirment......and oh my goodness on the clear liquids only for 3 day's before surgery, I don't know how anyone can do that.....I think I am going to have to sleep the whole 3 day's so I don't think about it UGH! So when you find out how to get through this let me know, Good luck with your surgery! Trisha

Thanks for the message. I did loose my weight. If you stick to the diet she gave you and depending on the amount of weight and the time you have, the weight will come off. I am hungry all the time though! Remind me to email you a little after my surgery to tell you how the liquids only diet is. Karen

I didn't have any of those requirements pre-surgery, but the only thing I can say for after surgery when I did that, I found that chicken broth and beef broth are like gourmet meals when you are hungry. Also, there is a protein drink called Protidiet (tropical punch is the best) which is gelatin based and clear. You can do a google search and buy it online if you like. Just search for Protidiet tropical and it will come up. That saved my butt after surgery....really helped me energy level. Good luck! Dina

Thanks Dina! I really appreciate the tip on the protein drink idea! Karen

Congratulations! It is a good thing Dr. Hong didn't make me do the tuna cottage cheese thing - I would never have made it. He only required me to not gain any weight. I also didn't have to do the three days of clear liquid. Just the day I was doing the bowel prep, which was the day before. You have made it this far, you can do it! If your recovery is average, 3-4 weeks should be fine. I would take all the time you can. Be nice to yourself. I found I needed time to get used to my new routine. I also got tired by mid day in the first six weeks. Don't forget to bring at lease two really comfortable pillows with you. I would say that and my chapstick were to two things I couldn't have done without. I never used my nightgown, books, magazines, and everything else I overpacked. I liked my toothbrush and hairbrush too. Good luck to you. Keep us posted. Patty

Patty- Thank you for your message. Dr P has changed the bowel prep by just doing liquids for 3 days instead. I think I would rather do the bowel prep, but I am happy to not be eating tuna and cottage cheese!!! I was thinking of pillows today. I do like to be comfortable! I really appreciate your message! Sincerely- Karen

I didn't have the pre-surgery requirements. My doctor didn't keep me on liquids past 1 day. I really didn't feel hungry and never completely finished a single meal...it's hard to get it all in! I am self-employed so I went back to work after 2 weeks. I worked full-time most days, but when I occasionally felt really tired I'd go home in the afternoon and nap. Best of luck! Michele

First of all Congrats to you and your date . I think it depends alot on what type of work you do, I had a friend who was off for 6 weeks but I think it truly depends . you may wanna bring a little pillow to hold everything in place if you feel the need to cough .. Also maybe your own toothbrush. Well best of luck Karen, I will hopefully be joining you on the other side!! Twi