Post op questions!!!

I can't remember if I've asked these before but our board is starting to get more active. 

1.  What did you pack in your hospital bag (especially if you were staying more than one night)?

2. How much time did you take off work?

3.  Where do you buy your protein?  Where can I get the best deal?  

I know I'll think of more!

Hey there :) 

1. Well I BOUGHT way more than I actually used.  What I really used was:
* chap stick- my lips were SO chapped from having a tube down my throat and my mouth open forever during surgery
* hair clips- I felt so gross but I just wanted my hair out of my freaking face
* some source of entertainment- there isn't much on TV that will keep you interested, so bring SOMETHING to keep your recovery time filled between walking and naps, a book, a video game, an iPod or something.
* camera- to document the oh-so hot re-awakening looks as you're coming out of the OR :) LOL
* your own pillow if you are at all sensitive to flat pillows
* an outfit to go home in...something LOOSE and easy to put on...slip on shoes, things that don't involve bending over
* a check list of everything I needed to know of/about before we left the hospital for DH to ask in case I was out of it and couldn't ask, such as perscriptions and directions that we need to follow.

That's really all I brought that I actually used that the hospital didn't provide.  They take pretty good care of you and most everything else you can think of will probably be in your room already.  Mine had a tooth brush and tooth-paste, shampoo, soap, fem. wash foam stuff, socks, blankets, lotion...you name it.  I'm sure all hospitals are different and I go by the motto that it's better to pack too much than not enough :) 

2. I only took 1 day of work off right before my weekend, but I work from home so I'm not the best person to answer this.  AND I had a totally different surgery so it wasn't as invasive.

3. I get my protein from GNC and I think it's pretty comparable to most places.  I want to try www.VitaLady.com to see how hers is.  She has a profile on OH and is always open to questions.  I would order a bunch of samples to find one that you really like.  Some are just awful and you will not be able to get, or keep, it down, and others are great.  Just depends.


Don't forget LOTS of walking...the more you walk the quicker you'll feel better

BEST OF LUCK!!!!   :)

I agree that chapstick is important, but I can't comment about the overnight bag or the time off work because I had a different type of surgery.
I buy my protein products from dietdirect.com t
they always have good specials on different types of products
I hope this helped

I didn't take anything with me to the hospital other than what I was wearing that day (I arrived in sweats, a tank top and flip flops). Well, I brought DH since I wasn't allowed to drive. I took 4 days off of work, giving me 6 days off (since my surgery was Wed, I took W/TH/F/S/SU/M off). I buy my protein normally at Meijer, but am looking other places as well for something a bit easier to get down.

Instead of telling you what I packed I will tell you what I used... chapstick, face cloths, face lotion, body lotion, toothbrush/paste.. cell phone and charger... clothes to leave the hospital in (elastic pants!!) and easy to put on shoes (slides)

I had surgery Tuesday was back at work on Monday... I worked 4 hours the first week and then my normal schedule... I worked at a small company with no STD benefits and very little vacation... couldnt afford to take time off for 'free'... desk job, sitting, no lifting... gotta do what you have to do.

I buy at Harris Teeter (grocery store)... I like Designer Wheys protein and it is cheaper there than at GNC. Really just have to shop around and see who sells it the cheapest in your area.