Consult with Surgeon!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hi everybody, I would greatly appreciate any inf. on what to expect on my consult with the surgeon on 9-21-06, other than pre-op info. and surgery date!!!!!! I am getting so excited and anxious...... I even started a list of things to take to the hospital and a few things to buy for the liquid diet part, although I'm still not sure what all to buy yet......Any suggestions??????

Hi Tina, slow down. First off you won't need much at the hospital except a robe, your own toothbrush, comb or brush, toothpaste, a favorite pillow, slippers, and a fan. You won't be able to shower while in the hospital until the drain tube is taken out. The fan keeps the air circulating and drowns out the hall noice. They will give you footies. But plan on bed baths as long as that main drain tube is in. When they take that out will be the day you are discharged. You may still have another one, that will be taken out when you have your first visit with your surgeon. Best of everything is coming your way. May God travel with you on your new journey. Kathy PS: chicken soup, strained for the broth, vegetable soup strained, I didn't throw out the stuff from the broth, I would add some more water to it, and strain it again for the broth. Sugar free jello, Sugar Free Popsickles, Apple juice. Until your nutrionist or Dr. tells you otherwise. Plan on liquids for at least 2-3 weeks after surgery. Plenty of water and protein, and walk a lot.

Thank you so much for all your input, it will be very helpful!!!!! I am just so excited and can't wait to be on the losing side Thanks again..Tina

Your doctor's office will give you a list of what you will need for the liquid diet part. From what I hear Dr. Dyer is pretty specific about what he wants you to drink/eat pre & post-op. As for the hospital, plan on wearing something loose & comfortable to the hospital the morning of surgery and then wearing it home afterwards. I wore sweats & my slippers to & from. That way I didn't have to pack slippers and it was one less thing for my husband to have to keep up with. Leave your bag in the car until you are in your room post-op, you're not going to need anything in it before then anyway. I recommend taking: lip balm and something to assist in reaching to wipe after using the toilet (I didn't have a problem reaching pre-op but did have trouble in the first few days post). You may or may not have drains. Not all surgeons use them in lap procedures, mine doesn't. I was able to take a shower the morning of my discharge and it was heaven! Remember to remove all metal from your body. I had to remove my toe ring in the holding area and they even made me remove my Medic Alert bracelet. You can't even use a hair elastic that has any metal on it. Good luck, I'm excited for you! Susan