Question:
What did you do to get ready for surgery?

I am wondering what people did to get ready for surgery? I am less than one month away and have upped vitamins, trying to walk. What else should I be doing?    — Laura B. (posted on September 27, 2002)

September 27, 2002
Your profile doesn't say much. If you have lap vrs open rny not much difference except maybe a little longer in hosp. The best thing I did brfore surgery was to tell my husband to leave all the stuff I THOUGHT I would need in the car or at home. I used nothing except a comb,toothbrush and wore loose comfortable clothing.ALso I made a list of favorite foods - and worked my way through that a couple of weeks before surgery. THE BEST THING I DID BEFORE SURGERY- was to do what my surgeon said - eat lightly the day before surgery. NO bowel prep necessary! Thank God- I had done that prep - for bowel exploration. I did even better as I took 4 or 5 magnesium tablets 36 hours prior - and then liqids or protein drink the day before. No problems but check with your surgeon of course.
   — charlene M.

September 27, 2002
If I could do one thing differently, I would have made homemade soups like vegetable and chicken and frozen the broth, those days of liquids are hard enuf, canned broth is gross. My mom made soups at the last minute for me and saved the day. Good Luck.
   — Dana S.

September 27, 2002
You have had some good suggestions. I have one more: go and have a good Before picture made. Doesn't have to be expensive - go to Walmart if you want. But most of us who are morbidly obese hide from cameras. This is one time you need to stop hiding and smile for the camera! A year from now you will be so glad you did it! Good luck. hugs, Ann RNY 9/10/99 260/130
   — [Deactivated Member]

September 29, 2002
Laura,To get ready for surgery I just read everything I could get a hold of about the surgery. I found a site one of the girls have that has a lot of info about what to shop for before the surgery, and what to take to the hospital. it is www.gracem97.com/lists.html It also has some good recipes for different kinds of protein shakes and other info. Hope this helps. Nancy Poe
   — NANCY P.