My last Pre-Op appt is on 2/28/2018-Surgery date is 03/06/2018.

So my last pre-op appt is in 2 days and I wanted to know if anyone had any suggestions of last min pre-op questions I should ask. I also have concerns about pre-op anxiety. Backstory I was treated for several years for generalized anxiety but I was able to be weaned off several months prior to starting my weight-loss journey. In the last month or so the anxiety has returned (I presume due to prep for surgery). My questions are... should I ask for medication to take the edge off before surgery? Did anyone here receive anti-anxiety medication before surgery? Can anyone recommend any help in coping with the blood thinner shots after surgery? I have to take 2x a day for 14 days. Are there any last min questions I should ask at my last pre-op? I have read many topics on all of the forums but I feel very scatter brained right now:(

List of questions I have so far...

- Will I have a pain pump? Is there something I can be given post op to stay ahead of the expected pain (I've been reading too many horror stories of people waking up SCREAMING in pain:(

-Weight lifting limits during recovery?(I have 2 fish tanks and I change water out with buckets weekly) I live alone/ my sis lives close but is 7 mon preggers/cant help lift buckets.

-When can I drive a car? I know not to on narcotic meds, but is there any other considerations?

Should I request EMLA pain-numbing prescription cream for the 2x per day Lovenox injections.

Do I need to take all my vitamin supplements with me to the hospital?

Will I receive a abdomen binder?

Is there any other question I should ask?

All comments and concerns are appreciated.

These are all good questions and I can't think of much else. Do you know how long you're expecting to be in the hospital? I was only in overnight. There was pain but nowhere near "screaming in agony." And it was managed just fine with liquid hydrocodone/Tylenol at home, and after about 3-4 days I didn't even need that. I had no driving restrictions other than not to drive if I was taking the hydrocodone, but getting in/out of the car was pretty uncomfortable so I waited about a week. My weight restriction is 10 lbs, but I suspect that may be lifted a bit when I go in for my 2 week follow up. My surgery was on the 15th and today I'm beeboppong around town just fine :)

It is good to hear that you are doing so well. My doc says I will be in the hospital 2 days possibly 3 if there are complications or concerns.

Yeah I had the option to stay longer if I thought I needed to, but I was drinking fine, up and walking fine, and my pain was manageable, so I just thought I'd rest and recover better at home.

youre going to do just fine, but I also understand anxiety. I'd definitely talk to the doc about if you can take something before, but also when you're in pre-op at the hospital they can give you something to relax you if you let them know you're having anxiety

First, congrats on your surgery! I wish you great success.

Sounds like you are really concerned about post-op pain. It really varies for different people. Be sure to use what you are prescribed to stay ahead of the pain though. There are no awards for the patient who white knuckles without meds. You want to be comfortable so you can become active as soon as possible.

For my RNY and my recent hysterectomy by surgeons placed an On-Q pump that slowly releases local anesthetic to the surgery site. It was amazing and stayed in for 2 and 4 days each surgery and helped me to get up and walk very quickly and not need as many narcotics. If your surgeon is able to use one, take advantage of it at least while you are in the hospital.

I used abdominal binders for both of my abdominal surgeries and they really helped. Not all doctors or hospitals use them, but I went on Amazon and bought a couple so I could keep them washed and clean.

Also ask whether you can use a hot/cold pack on the incision to ease the pain. Again it can be useful rather than taking lots of oral meds.

Be sure to ask what you can use for gas. If you are having lap surgery, or even open surgery, you will have gas pain until things get moving. Walking is the best solution, but you may need something else like stool softeners or even a gentle laxative. The gas pain may well be worse than the incision pain, so be prepared.

Hang in there and keep a list of your questions for your appointment. Don't hesitate to ask your surgeon, his/her staff and folks on OH the questions that you have. The information will make the days easier to get through.

Thanks so much :) You gave me some great ideas.