New to the group

Hi Everyone,

My name is Julie and I recently joined the group.  I'm a single mother with two boys 5 and 7 years old.  I've been fighting the battle of the bulge most of my life.  It's time for a change and my new life will begin on June 7, 2010 (surgery date)!  It's been about nine months since I started my journey whi*****luded a six month supervised diet with my PCP.   After all the information was submitted to my insurance the approval came fast!  I was so glad but I had no doubts.   This up coming week I will be getting things in order before my surgery date. 

If anyone has any suggestions about things I should get before going into the hospital, it would be greatly appreciated.
 

Thanks and have a fabulous weekend.

Julie

Hi Julie! Welcome to our group! So glad you found us and are sharing your journey with us. I look forward to traveling it along side of you.
Congrats on your very soon to be arrival to the losers bench!
Prior to your surgery, try to be sure to have any food items (liquids) that you are permitted to have by your surgeon. enough for a week if you can, just in case you are not up to getting out and about until then. Have all vitamin and mineral supplements on hand and maybe even set up in advance so they are easy to grab and take. Have some low carb no suigar added protein on hand, and be prepared to drink lots of water or other Sugar Free beverages. My first couple of weeks post-op I got nauseated by plain water. Crystal light sat fairly well, but sugar free popsicles were something I ate a LOT of to help me get my liquids in, and also helped provide flavor that i craved.

Don't bring too much to the hospital with you, you won't need much. But have chapstick on hand, slip on slippers for the walks you need to take while there, and maybe a robe. Loose comfy clothing for the ride home, maybe something to read.  Also, if you are on any prescription meds now, you may consider taking them with you JUST in case your surgeon forgets to write the order for them for you. Many find that they do not get thier anti-depressants ordered, and this isn't a god thing to be without if it is something you are currently on.

Best of luck in this journey! Hope to see you here often!

Thanks Patrece for all the great suggestions.

Welcome to the family Julie.  I agree with Patrece, pack lightly.  Slippers, lip balm and a soft pillow to pad the seat belt on the ride home.  Bring your CPAP if you use one, ear plugs and/or sleep mask if you need dark to sleep.  Some room mates sleep with the lights and/or TV on. 

Looking forward to reading many of your posts as we get to know each other.  Come share in Monday eve chat if you can, a great way to get acquainted with other bariatric buddy members.  I send out a reminder with a short cut to the chat session on Mondays.  Hugs

Hi Kathy,

I can see where the pillow would come in handy.  From what my nurse told me, most people have a private room but I think I will bring the ear plugs and a sleep mask along just in case.  Thanks for the advice.

Hi Julie, welcome to the BB family!

Thank You Amalia!

Hi!
I am so excited for you!
All of Patrece's suggestions are very good ones and things that I took with me also.
The best thing for me was the robe.  I was freezing for days after surgery (and still do to some extent).  The robe was a lifesaver.  If you have one, don't forget your cell phone and charger.

It's a nice way to keep in touch while in the hospital. 

Maybe a magazine or two, but trust me.. you won't be reading much.. sleeping and walking is more like it.  Definatly take a sleeping mask. That was my biggest complaint.. not being able to sleep and maybe some ear plugs. The constant noice (iv machine..etc.. ) will keep you up all night.

Here's to a speedy recovery!

Hi Ledaizey,

I will bring my reading material for sure.  Thanks for the suggestions.