I have my surgery date.... April 4th! Any advice would be appreciated

Hi everyone,

Been MIA for a couple of weeks but I've made my goal weight for surgery.  I'm excited, happy and the date is coming fast.

I know I need to prepare and buy stuff for after, but I don't know exactly what I need.

Also, what to bring with me to the hospital, besides my clean underwear. :-)

I've been working at building up my endurance before surgery with walking, but I always think I should be doing more.

Any advice from the experts on the forum?

Thank you!

Stephanie

Congratulations!  : )

Walking is a great way to get ready. Keep doing that. 

I didn't stay long enough in the hospital to need anything much but there were times I wish I had a long back scratcher to help me reach stuff on my tray I couldn't get to.

If you have your labs and you see that you are low on anything, start supplementing. Vitamin D3, for example. Drink protein shakes...protein helps your body heal faster. Get yourself hydrated...you're going to go several long hours without anything to drink and you're going to be dry. Water, lots or water.

--gina

I had a smooth surgery, and post surgery I did a lot of walking in the hospital. Everything seemed peachy.

Then the drugs wore off.  I felt knocked on my rear end. I didn't have any sharp pain, but I had gas pain and ached all over. My message to you would be to remember recovery is a long process. Don't ru****

Hope this helps and congratulations,

Lauren

The morning after surgery the gas pain in my shoulder was shockingly intense. It was totally gone by about four or five days after surgery. Gas-X strips got me through it.

congrats on your date.  It will be here before you know it.

Stop drinking with meals.  Decarb and decaff.  buy samples of protein but don't buy tons of anything because your taste will likely change.  Get a variety of no sugar drinks like Sobe 0, crystal light, different herb teas. 

I was in for 2 nights but never touched anything I brought until I was getting ready to head home.  Do bring a pillow for the trip home incase the trip is bumpy.

Your Dr should let you know what vits he wants you on so you can get those on hand.  Some don't start you immediately some do. 

It's great you are walking now.  The better shape you are in before, the easier your recovery will be. 

Congrats on making a decision to better your life!  

One thing you can do for us is try to figure out how to post your surgery type so when we answer we can give you the right information.

Like some of the other posters I didn't use anything I took to the hospital either.  You are pretty much out of it the first day and you probably won't be in there more than a day or so. 

Gas-X strips are probably a good idea.  I remember stopping on the way home to get liquid Tylenol and SF popsicles (DH pushed me around the store in a wheelchair.  A pillow is a good idea too.  Wear comfy pants for the trip home.

I wouldn't buy tubs of Protein because I don't understand why but most of us have experienced our taste buds being off.  Everything tasted extremely strong, sweet and sour to me for quite awhile.   I had to use unflavored protein at the beginning.  If you haven't done so yet you might want to order sample packages.

I am looking forward to helping you in this new adventure! 

Good luck to you on your surgery !

Mandy

Thank you everyone for the tips and advice.  I will be having the RNY Surgery. :-)

I will try to figure out how to post my surgery type, etc.  Assuming the best way is in the signature?

Have an awesome weekend!

Stephanie

My surgery was almost 7 weeks ago. Take a comfortable pair of pull-on pants to go home in. I did use my own toiletries. Along with walking, make sure you rest and keep your pain controlled. I read on sites where people say they didn't need pain medication once they go home, well I did for about 7 days. Everyone is different. Don't feel bad about needing your pain medication. Finally, make sure you keep your fluid intake up.My surgeon even said not to worry about the protein, just focus on the fluids in the first 2 weeks. You are going to have to work up to that 60 gram goal for protein.