Question:
Does anyone have a check list of things I may need?
Hi! I am about to be scheduled for surgery next week? So, I am assuming that I will be having sugery fairly soon. Does anyone have a good check list of items, I will need before, during, and after open RNY surgery? Thanks a Bunch! Mandy from Mo — StormChaser77 (posted on April 8, 2008)
April 8, 2008
Hi, Mandy from MO, I am Shelly from KC, KS so we are neighbors. My first
question is - why are you having an open RNY and not a lap RNY? My Dr.
from Kansas City, KS does not do open RNY only lap. He is AMWSOME...you are
only under for 55 minutes, he has done over 2000 lap RNY and only 4 open
RNY. He has trained other surgeons on Lap RNY. Open is really not heard
of anymore because of healing time, hospital stay and more complications.
My Dr. name is Thomas Hitchcock. I had my surgery on February 19, I am down
55 pounds, and was back to work in 8 days. The staff is also great. Dr.
Hitchcock gives you a pamplet from what to expect from 2 weeks prior to
surgery, the whole day of surgery what will be happening, a list of things
to take with you to the hospital, any question about what to do, what to
expect you name it, its in the package. He also has you take a test on
what you know about bariatic surgery, and if you answered any of the
questions incorrect, he will talk to you about it. He really wants you to
be educated on what the surgery will do to your body before, during and
after. I would suggest you give him a call.
— rosheet
April 8, 2008
congrats on your surgery date!!! I am 5 weeks post op and doing really
well. Take your iPod or MP3; I found my own music was so relaxing compared
to the TV. Also take ChapStick, socks, and make sure your family member who
is with you has a list of people you want them to call after surgery to
give them the good news that all went well. I also brough comfy clothes; it
makes me feel like a real person to wear my own clothes rather than a
patient in a gown that opens to the world. Also be sure to take your CPAP
if you use one! And just as a side note, I took a couple of bandannas to
wear on my head so I would not have to fix my hair! You'll be in my
thoughts! GOOD LUCK!
— Beth A.
April 8, 2008
For when you get home I suggest low sugar apple juice, crystal lite,
chicken broth, sugar free jello and sugar free popsicles. Liquid Tylenol,
liquid vitamins, Slim-Fast or high protein Ensure, cream soups and decaf
tea with artificial sweetners.
— Tawnda C.
April 8, 2008
Congratulations on your upcoming surgery! Not to be too graphic, but I
would take baby wipes. You can't shower right away. I kept them in the
bathroom and it helped me feel clean. You'll be in my thoughts. Best
wishes on your journey!
Kim
— kcox1960
April 9, 2008
Hi Mandy from Mo, thanks for writing. You don't say what you already have,
but just a few things to think about. First, I brought a blanket and
pillow of my own because it added color and comfort to my room. also a cd
player for music and comfort from home. I also brought camping wipes
because I knew I would not be able to shower right away, they work
wonderful! I also brought baby wipes and a plastic stiring spoon to use
the bathroom. Most people don't think of this, but I did not want a nurse
to wipe my behind, and I read somewhere of someone who did this. The
nurses thought I was nuts, but I took care of myself and was glad to do it.
You put the wet wipe on the end of the spoon and it reaches all the way
back, it works very well. I also brought lotion and the usual, slippers,
gown, robe, cleaning items, etc. I brought them in a little rolling suit
case and my husband brought them in after surgery, it worked out very well.
I loved having the colors of my blanket and the music I cherish so much to
comfort me during those first few days. Take care. Patricia P.
— Patricia P
April 9, 2008
I had open RNY 4 years ago and brought some soft cotton men's sleeveless
tee shirts to wear under the binder they wrap around you...(Much less
itchy! and Kept the binder clean) I wore that binder for over 6 mos. I
brought a pair of kitchen tongs to pick up things I might have dropped on
the floor and to help in the bath room (pulling up undies and with various
things..(Bending and twisting is very painful and it helps to have that
extra length for reaching..trust me!) I brought crystal lite powder to mix
in my water and take crushed meds with. I was glad to have it. I brought my
iPod too...Wish I had a portable fan it was so hot the first two days. I
asked for a fan and got the only one on the floor but gave it to some poor
guy who was in some weird traction looking machine and sweating
terribly...If you have any needs they usually wil bring you something. I
was having bloody noses and they brought me saline spray...and for dry
mouth they brought me gylcerine swabs for my mouth...Just ask if you are
uncomfortable...You pretty much sleep with a morphine pump the first two
days anyway.
Get up and walk as soon as you can!!! I showered the next day after
surgery, but some hospitals don't have showers in the rooms...I'd say just
bring a wash cloth and some nice smelling lotion to keep your skin hydrated
and feeling fresh. (The nurses loved my the smell of my lotion and would
comment that I had the nicest smelling room!)
Good luck and a speedy recovery!
— .Anita R.
April 9, 2008
When packing for the hospital stay ... take very little. I packed extra
clothes, books, bible ... like I was going on vacation and was going to get
bored. I used nothing out of my bag - other than my tooth brush and
toiletries when I took a shower the day I left the hospital. I wore the
same clothes home that I had worn to the hospital. Just pack light and
know that you will sleep most of the time ... when you are awake ... you
will be walking.
— Tammy Cardwell
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