I have a surgery date! Any advice on pre-op planning?

My big day is May 2nd and I am new here. 

Would love to know what I can do to best prepare for the surgery - I love all the tips and hints on this forum. 

Thanks for anything you can help with - I cannot wait to be on the losing side soon!!

That's great news.

Pick someone on OH to emulate. Someone who has lost all their excess weight, and has kept it off for years. Then listen closely to what they have to say. They know a lot more about what works than a 105 pound nutritionist who has never finished an entire cookie.

Thank YOU! I suppose I will have to poke around and find someone I can identify with. Great advice!

>a 105 pound nutritionist who has never finished an entire cookie.

My suggestions would be to get used to measuring your portions, journalling everything you eat and trying to lose as much weight as possible before hand. Prepare your home now. Get a food scale, make sure you have measuring cups and spoons in all sizes, clear your cupboards of all processed foods. There are a lot of little steps you can take now to make your recovery easier on yourself. I am currently 8 days post-op and by doing all of those pre-steps I didn't have to worry about anything other than healing. 

And keep coming back to OH. This site has given me reassurance, hope and goals. 

Good luck! 

Congratulations to YOU!! Great job!

How are you feeling at 8 days post op? Have you been in much pain?

I am so happy to hear that you prepared well and find reassurance here. 

I will be one of your cheerleaders now too!

First few days, I'm not gonna lie, I felt like I got hit in the stomach with a bat (with nails in it) but after 3 days, I felt so much better! I have been off any pain meds for about 4 days now because they weren't doing anything but making me tired. The only pain I've felt is from my stomach moving this way or that and my incisions pulling with it. No one warned me about how heavy your stomach will feel after and how each movement reminds you of just how big your belly is. That being said, it's super important to walk or move around as much as possible. It truly helps you to feel better. 

Now, I am dealing with my incisions itching like crazy. I can't wait for the healing part to be over so I can feel normal again. 

I am so glad you're getting to the easier part. My mom always said itching means you're healing fast - so think about it as getting so much better.

How's the eating part? Are you able to get the water in and the protein? How did you decide which protein powder you like? 

I've only been getting about 25 to 30oz of water a day, only 1\2 of what I should (every day I try for more) and I've been eating a lot of sugar free popsicles, jello and pudding. Now that I'm taking vitamins again I've wanted something more substaintial so I've tried Spilt Pea soup, Mashed potatoes and Cream of Wheat..all have gone down fine.  Pre-surgery I was all about Premier Protein shakes and plan on trying those again today. 

Here's my pre-surgery prep list.  Hope it helps!  Good luck :)

• Crystal Light - various flavors. My number one...
• Sugar free popsicles were a must have for me. Popsicle brand only (store brands like Kroger/Publix are sweetened with sorbitol and did a number on my stomach).
• A step-stool to get up and in to my bed
• Miralax
• Ready to drink protein shakes in a few different flavors
• Plastic 3 oz cups to pour shakes in to (so that I could refrigerate the rest until ready)
• Dannon Lite & Fit protein yogurt (no fruit) - check w/your plan on when this is ok
• Various broths
• A white noise machine in the hospital since I was right outside the nurse's station
• Pads/tampons (There are a few of us that started periods that weren't due...I wasn't due for 2 weeks)