Question:
Two months pre-op: what do I do to have my house/life ready?

Hey all -- I am two months pre-op (OK, two months and 1 day, but who's counting?), and I'd like to be as prepared as possible for when I come home. I am having LAP RNY. What should I do to be ready? I.e., should I rent a recliner? What vitamins/protein supps should I buy? Should I clear my house out of certain foods? (I live alone) I am going to stay with my folks for the first two weeks or so but I want to be totally prepared for when I get home. Gimme a list. You guys are the best. Thanks!    — Tamara K. (posted on August 20, 2002)

August 20, 2002
First of all each and every person is different with everything about this surgery, its affects and recovery:) But the most important advice I can give is TALK TO SOMEONE that is post op, either a WLS friend or a support group in your area. There are so many things that someone post op can prepare you for that nothing else can. There are ALOT of emotional issues with this surgery and you need to be prepared for that. Myself I never used a recliner, I used pillows and the couch, it was more comfy to me. Also I went out pre op and bought up a bunch of shampoos (for hair loss) and vitamins and they are still in my cabinet. I would buy a bottle of Flinstones complete (or generic brand like them) they have everything you should need. Then when they are complete you can see what your blood levels are and go from there instead of throwig your money away on stuff you don't need. If you are more comfortable clearing out your cabinets do so, but I don't think you will even want most of the food you have. Eventually you will be able to eat most of them again, just in moderation. (do get rid of the sugars). Also I wouldn't go out and buy tons of jellos, puddings, and etc, because I still have some in my frig from November and after your liquid phase you won't want to ever lay eyes on them again..lol Good LUck!
   — Lynda T.

August 20, 2002
I had my lap rny last Thursday (8/15). What I did to prepare was to make sure I had vitamins ready that my surgeon recommended (B-12, multi vitamin with iron and a&d vitamin), he recommends carnation instant breakfast for the first 2 weeks, so I got a supply of that. I was ready to use the recliner, but have found the bed with supporting pillows more comfortable. Other than that and a lot of water, not much more was needed. My hubby took off a couple of weeks to stay with me, but it's been pretty uneventful.
   — Cathy S.