What do I need to know??

Thanks for bringing up the pet issue!  My cat likes to climb on my stomach while I'm sleeping and I don't think I'm going to appreciate that after my LBL.  I just now ordered a tray for my laptop and I'll give the pillows a try as well.  Thanks!

Good idea about the pets.  My dog jumps up on the couch or bed sometimes - but he always barks and "asks" before getting on my recliner.  More reason to spend the first few days in the chair!!  I'm going to try to think of a solution before I get back into the bed!!

And ya - you're right about the cooler.  I promised my PS that I'd walk the block after every meal like I did after my WLS.  so the extra walk to GET the food shouldn't be a big deal.

Glad to know about the arms.  Did you have restrictions as far as extending or lifting etc.?

Nothing specific other than if it hurts, stop.

If you get a bed tray that goes over your tummy, make sure the legs are high enough.  The one I had didn't, but I rested it on my thighs and used the pillows to block off my sides.  My cat was very confused as to why I was rejecting him.  Eventually he understood that something was different.  To make up the difference, he ended up snuggling up to DH.

I didn't know about taking iron...is this because of all the blood loss?  Anything else I should be taking?  I'm learning so much from this thread.  Thank you for posting!!

Well my iron was borderline at my 1 year blood work.  I've only been taking a supplement twice a week (if that - hard to remember twice a week instead of daily!).  I've upped it to every day just to try to get it up a bit higher before surgery - as for sure there will be at least some blood loss, right?

My surgeon asked me 3 or 4 times about my iron levels - so I figure he is concerned that is higher.  I go for my PATS in a few weeks - hopefully that blood test will have it well within the limits.  I don't want to be held up because of something dumb like that!

Hi Erica

The best piece of advice I received - for extended TT - was to purchase mens style t-shirts - muscle shirt style - to wear under the binder. Helps you avoid skin irritaion.
The first two days the binder was directly on my skin....took it off and put the t-shirt on then the binder and was so relieved.
I ordered a few from lands end....got two with built in bra shelf which also helped early out so didnt need to put real bra on

Also - if you can get your hands on a commode of some kind its worth it....anything to make rising from a low toilet easier

Good luck....pain is very manageble re the TT...dont know about the arms

Barb

Thanks Barb.  I have a few older tanks - I'll pull them out and have them ready. 

Commode huh?  hmmm...