Question:
What Do I need to do to prepare myself for surgery?

   — marytxldy (posted on January 31, 2007)

January 31, 2007
Hi Mary, I am having RNY-lap on 2/15. Last night I ordered my vitamins (3-month supply). My support group gave me a list of things I should buy prior to surgery (baby spoons, small decorative plates, pill box, pill crusher, food scale, etc.). I have scheduled my housekeeper the day after I go into the hospital so my house will be clean when I come home. I've told everyone I know! My husband is planning on taking the Thursday and Friday off of work. My mom is coming in from out of state to stay for a week or two (she's retired now). I have different friends and family, co-workers and clients asking when they can come and visit and if they can send flowers. I have to friends that I have made my walking buddies - they will be coming to the hospital and after I get home to walk with them. The way I see it, the more people who know, the more support I have the more fun it will be recovering and talking to everyone about my experiences will keep me on track and always in my mind. I have bought all of my "liquid-1,000 calorie diet" stuff that my surgeon requires two weeks before surgery (I start Monday 2/5). I've been trying diffrent protein shakes, water, etc. I've stocked up on chicken, beef and veggie broth. V-8 juice....again, lists provided by my support groups and education program. I've prepared my office for my time off. I have made all of my pre-op appointments (blood type and cross, pre-op with my primary care physician, meeting with the dietian and the surgeon) - at this point I am taking care of as many things I can so when I get home, I can relax, recover and learn to use my new WL tool. I am so excited....can you tell?
   — jammerz

January 31, 2007
Hi, congratulations on your upcoming date. I am 3 years post-op. I have lost 130+ and am still losing slowly. When I went to the hospital, what I found useful was chapstick, a few pieces of paper and a pen (to write Dr. instructions, roommate address exchange info., phone numbers of those to call), a few magazines to look at (you won't be in the mood to read a book (probably), slippers that you can just slip on without bending down (for the walking after surgery). At home, I had a WOODEN spoon waiting to use in the bathroom to wrap T.P. around (plastic or metal spoons won't grab hold of the paper like wood does). It will hurt to bend, but the spoon works fine. Just wash it with bleach to make it sanitary. Keep it also, for when you have the plastic surgery. Best wishes! Barbara
   — StarWish624

January 31, 2007
Try to get as much exercise NOW as you are physically able to do. It will reward you in a easier recovery:) Also look to the positive new life ahead, rather than mourning the past, which you CANT change. Positive thinking really works!
   — bob-haller

January 31, 2007
Hello Mary. When I was preparing for surgery, I did a lot of things. I researched a lot on line, not just asking questions, but reading books and doing research. You want to know all the possibilities that pertain to you, so for me to tell you all that pertains to me, doesn't always help you. Get a few good books, research on line and dig deep. I also read the memorials page on this site to give respect to those who didn't make it. It made me humble about how serious this surgery is and made me respect it more as I went forward. I still went to group meetings and the monthly educational meeting for the surgery. I went 9 times for the same class and learned something different every time. I gave up soda before I had surgery (like 9 months before surgery) and that was a good thing for me. Taking your diet seriously before surgery will help you be on track after. Obesity is a head issue with a body consequence, and you have to teach yourself that you will be battling the head issues even with the tool you are given. Victory is not in the tool you get, but in how you use the tool you get. Be prepared for that. Don't ask "when can I have this or that, or when can I get more?" instead ask "what changes can I make for my health and body, what can I do to advance my tool and protect my pouch,especially in the first year?". Your mind set is important. In preparing for the day of surgery, I took things that many others didn't. I took wet wipes and a plastic long spoon to clean myself because I didn't want nurses cleaning me if at all possible. I also bought special cleaning wipes so that I could bathe myself with those wipes the first few days. Regular stuff like toothbrush, brush, etc. Also I brought a warm colorful blanket and pillow so that I had some home colors with me. I also brought a cd player and some easy listening to sooth my spirit while I was there. The most important thing I think though, second to my Bible, was an advocate to sit with me the first few days. My husband was there overnight the first night and since I was doing great after the first night, he went home the 2nd night, but having him there gave me great peace of mind that my care would be what I really needed. He was my protector and insured that those who came in didn't make mistakes until I was much more aware and could speak clearly on my own behalf. That was priceless. Get support if you can. I wish you well, and write again if we can help in some way, but take this seriously, excitedly, but seriously. Thanks. Patricia P
   — Patricia P

February 2, 2007
1. Pray 2. Get your support people together. If you are married, make surte your spouse understands the surgery and its ramifications. 3. Pray 4. Get your stuff together for the ospital. This should include books/magazines/ crossword puzzles, needlework, etc. Hospitals are boring. 5. Pray 6. Exercise
   — Novashannon

February 2, 2007
Make sure every garbage can is lined with a plastic bag. For the first few months, keep one in your bag and desk. In the hospital, when you ring the nurse to take off your booties so you can walk the halls, Hit the pain meds. You will be in less pain walking and when the pain returns you know it is time to go back to bed. Also, when you are going to get up, roll on your side, bend your knees so that your lower legs are off the bed and pendulum yourself up. Use your free hand on the arm rail to also help you push off when you pendulum yourself up. You won't want to use your stomach muscles. Don't expect to get anything done in the hospital. You will probably just want to sleep anyway. And when you are awake, walk the halls. Your tastes will change after surgery. That is normal. Be prepared to either change the way you buy food or be prepared to throw out a lot of rotten food. I am still amazed when I ask my friends to share an appetizer and/or dinner with me and we split it.
   — TallCindy