Questions

As surgery date is getting closer i am having some questions maybe some of you have answers to.

First of all I was wondering what to take to the hospital? I don't want to take half the house with me just things I know are going to be useful to me. Here are the things I'm thinking or have found others wished they would have taken.

- panties
- toiletries (tooth brush, toothpaste, feminine hygene items, deodorant, hair brush)
- CHAPSTICK
-notebook & pen
-robe & slippers
-My own pillow for comfort from home

Im not sure if I should bring my lapto*****t. I WILL take my cell phone & charger...can't imagine being with out that!

Question #2

This may be a silly question but I'm going to ask anyway. I've never been in the hospital overnight and  I'm used to having a shower daily. How soon will I be able to take a shower? Can I shower at the  hospital?

Question #3

Is there any supplies other than food that I should purchase for after the surgery? I guess I was thinking along the lines of containers to use for measuring out food in advance since my schedule is so hectic.  I was almost thinking of buying a baby spoon, fork, plate and bowl to make sure I'm eating small enough bites. Plus 1oz of food might look like a lot on a baby plate lol

Question #4

I have to buy a protein supplement. Any suggestions? Do any taste good? Any suggestions on making them taste better? Do you suggest soy or whey protein supplements and why? Does one taste better than the other? Do you use an unflavored protein supplement? Do you use it in anything besides a shake?

Sorry for all the questions but seems like the closer I get the more my mind runs wild. Thanks in advance for your help!

I took pretty much those same items. I also took my iPod and a book. That's all you will need really. Walking really tired me out, so I didn't do much just nap and walk.

Shower - I was able to take one late the day after my surgery, once my drain was removed. I think that will vary based on your hospital / surgeons protocol.

I still use a few of the items that I bought before surgery, others have sat in the cupboard, or were given away. My blender bottle is priceless. Probably the best thing I bought. I bought smaller Tupperware for my lunches and that has been extremely helpful in portion control. I also went to World Market, and bought a small spoon and fork, along with a plate and bowl. They are the mini ones used for appetizers. I wanted them to look "normal". I don't use the plate or bowl at all, but I love my little spoon and fork, I even stick them in my purse when I go out to eat. I just use salad plates at home now.

Many people say that their tastes changed after surgery, mine didn't. The protein I can afford still tastes like crap unless I doctor it up, and the stuff that is far to expensive for my budget tastes wonderful. I add instant coffee to my chocolate protein power (Body Fortress from Walmart). That is my standard shake in the morning. There are other ways to jazz them up, but they are all to involved for me and my morning schedule. I just put protein, instant coffee, water in a blender bottle and head out the door.

I had an easy time of surgery, so all the prep I did before hand ended up seeming useless, and I wish I wouldn't have bought some stuff "just in case".

The mind game is the biggest battle in this war on obesity. I obsessed on making sure I had everything just so before. Funny thing is, my obsessive need for control is my biggest stumbling block now. I stress myself out over stuff I can't control, and then I eat. I'm slowly learning to just take things as they come. With that I'm also learning just how strong and resourceful I am.

Erin

 

Thanks for your reply Erin! You have some great information. 

Can you clarify what your blender bottle is? is it a bottle that connects directly to a blender or is it like a tupperware/plastic shaker bottle. I know herbal life had a  shaker bottle for mixing up shakes. 

I don't have a World Market in my area. Do you think I could find the small fork and spoon at a Walmart, Kmart or Target?  I understand what you mean when you wanted your utensils to look "normal".

I have two bottles, on is from the "Blender Bottle" ( http://www.blenderbottle.com/ ) company, and I bought it at GNC. It is a plastic shaker bottle with a wisk ball in it. It mixes things up very well.

The other one I have is made by Zyliss, ( http://www.zylissusa.com/cgi-bin/v1/index.cgi?main=987654323 &sub1=539000045&sub2=930251244&product=930251244 )  I bought it from a local specialty store. It has a little insert for the top that looks a bit like a fan.

The Zyliss bottle is actually made to be able to fit on your blender base if you want, but I have never done that. I just mix everything up while I'm cleaning up from dinner and put it in the fridge. In the morning it only takes a quick shake and it is all ready to go. I don't like my shakes thick so this works best for me. I use them both equally, and they essentially do the same job, and they were both around $8 - $10.

I have seen the appetizer utensils in sets at Target, they also have really nice small plates I have bought in the past. I just didn't like the idea of using primary colored plastic spoons with teddy bears and bunny rabbits on the handles. Another place to check might be Bed, Bath and Beyond, if you have one of those.

It's been a very busy day for me and it is late. I will come back tomorrow to answer these questions from my viewpoint. I don't want to rush through the answers due to being tired.. tty tomorrow am! (Thurs)

Teresa, great questions.  I brought several things to the hospital.  The ones you have listed are sufficient.  I had access to a computer on the surgical floor, used it daily to keep in contact with the group here on OH.  Of all the things I brought with me, used the lip balm and toothbrush.  Wish I had brought slip on slipper with me, getting the footies provided by the hospital on me feet for the walks was a struggle.

I got child sized utensils at a local dollar store, the ****tail utensils appear more like regular silverware.  I use the salad side plates at home and when out, get a togo box and box up 3/4 of the entree before I start.  Then my plate appears more like everyone elses instead of just the few bits I can consume.

I have a shaker bottle, available from GNC locally for protein drinks, using water bottles with sipper caps for other liquids to have handy.  Freezing the water bottles keeps things cool longer.  During the initial time after surgery, I was using sugar free carnation instant breakfast with added protein powder, per recommendation by my surgeon.  I used whey protein, again recommended by surgical team.  Now, at a year out, I am getting most of my protein from regular foods and rarely using the supplements.

I work in a hospital, yes, you will be able to shower.  The sooner you get up and strt moving after surgery, the better you will recover.  I was tired from the walking, sipping and didn't get to read the magazine or work on the puzzle book I brought along.  If you use a CPAP machine, bring that along.  I also brought my eye blinds, I need dark for sleep and my room mate was a night time TV watcher.  The stay in the hospital will be very short.  Do your best to get in many short walks between your sipping. 

For foods to have available after surgery, samples of various proteins, your tastes might change after surgery and you can order more of the samples that appeal to you.  A box or two of sugar free popsicles is a life saver and is also a source of liquid for after surgery.  Sugar free jello, sugar free pudding, broth and you will advanct to regular foods pretty quickly.  Small containers are great for measuring out portions.  Hugs