Question:
Surgery on Thursday, two questions...
I am starting to pack my bag as my surgery is Thursday morning at 9:30, yikes, and I have a couple of questions. OK, first for the ladies only, gentlemen should look away,ha, I have heard that it is common to start your period in the hospital due to hormonal changes right after surgery. Did any of you find this to be true and, if so, were you regular before the surgery. I am very irregular so I never know when to expect "it." ALSO, for everyone post-op: What is the one thing that you wished you had brought with you to the hospital?? Thanks for all of your help!! — Martina B. (posted on June 5, 2007)
June 5, 2007
You will soon be on the losing side! Yaaayyyyy! I was supposed to start
my period a few days before my surgery, but it didn't start until 3 days
after surgery. I was never regular before surgery--like you, I only had a
general time to expect "it." I also didn't have to bring
anything to the hospital, they supplied everything. Since it was only an
overnighter, I only brought my purse and my cell phone. That's all I
needed as I knew anesthesia makes me sleepy and I needed to rest after
having major surgery. Between walking up and down the hall and sleeping I
didn' t have time for anything else. Good luck!
— crystalsno
June 5, 2007
My experience was like the previous poster, I was only there overnight and
I walked the halls every two hours, BUT for that little time in the bed, I
wish I would have had some earplugs. I am a light sleeper and I could hear
everything in the halls while I was lying in bed. Whatever you do, don't
bring a gun, otherwise you might shoot someone that makes a smart elic
response relating to WLS or choosing to not be that great of a nurse
because you are "taking the easy way out"... I heard some really
nasty things when I was in the hospital and so did my mother and two good
friends. Don't slap anyone. Good luck and an early welcome to the other
side!
— JGDugar
June 5, 2007
My lord, you heard that in the hospital? That's the last place I'd expect
people to be unsupportive. I used St. Francis Hospital in Delaware, which
is a bariatric center of excellence, and I had a private room with private
bath, they had bigger chairs in the room, etc. The nurses were all very
supportive and knew exactly what I was going through. Even the
administrative people checking me into the hospital were all very excited
for me, talking about what a great thing it was and how my life would
change..... If you hear any nurses accusing you of taking the easy way
out - ask them why they became a nurse instead of a doctor - were they
looking for the easy way out??? Jeez... <for the record I don't think
that at all, but one rude comment deserves some kind of retort...>
As for what to bring to the hospital, I brought way more than I should have
- I even brought magazines, but I was too dopey to read them. Cell phone,
maybe slippers, and a light robe, but the hospital will give you those
non-skid socks and one of their robes if you don't bring yours.
— Beth F.
June 5, 2007
First, good luck with your surgery and beyond! I'm 16mos. out and would do
it again in a heartbeat. As to your first question, I was due the week
after my surgery and that's when I started, so no surprises there. I wish I
had thought of bringing earplugs! I always have a hard time sleeping away
from home and it's never really quiet in a hospital. I brought my cell
phone and a paperback and magazines to read. Also, I was told in my pre-op
meeting to bring Oasis mouthwash to deal with the dry mouth the day of
surgery, since I couldn't have any liquids until my "leak" test
the next morning; that was a big help. You also might need your insurance
card and a means of payment for any prescription pain meds your doctor
might prescribe. Same with an iPod or other digital music player. Even
though I didn't sleep much it was nice to just rest my eyes and tune out
the hospital noises. You can bring a small purse or tote to stash your
valuables and just take it with you whenever you leave your room (you won't
really need your regular purse, anyway.)
— packrat
June 5, 2007
The one thing I should have took to the hospital was chapstick. Your lips
get so chapped after surgery, I think because of the anesthetic. On the
other subject, I have PCOS and have never been regular but luckily I had my
period the week before surgery. Since surgery I have been regular. Strange
huh? Good luck with your surgery. My prayers will be with you.
— Paula K.
June 5, 2007
I wished I had not taken anything to the hospital as I didn't touch
anything or even the bag. Friends brought Crystal Light to add to the awful
tasting water the next day. And they had a pillow in the car for the ride
home for any bumps. Whatever you wear to the hospital you can wear home
too. You won't be going shopping. Make it lose though too.
Welcome aboard the WLS Train to Losersville.
— Michael Eak
June 5, 2007
Martina, I too am irregular and I took pads, etc.. with me to the hospital
just in case, but nothing happened. Probably within a week of being home
my period started. I used my own toothbrush, deod., ect..., but I was too
out of it from the pain meds to need anything else. Good Luck on your
journey. I am 8 weeks out and am down 61 lbs. from my highest. It is
amazing. Again good luck. Annetta
— GrammaAnn
June 5, 2007
Hey, congratulations on your surgery date. Now to your question, I think I
was so nervous before my surgery (5/14/07) that I ended up starting the
same day I had surgery and I have always been irregular. SO I dont know
yet if I will become regular but my best friend had RNY nearly 4 years ago.
She was more irregular than I was, and she is now very regular. And the
only thing I wish I had brought to the hospital was flip flops, they are
easy to slip on when you have to get up and walk the halls. And a t-shirt
like night gown for summer. I hated being in the hospital gown, so I made
my mom go to wal-mart and get me that gown and I was so much more
comfortable and felt a lot better. Also I got my mom to get me a Soduku
puzzle book, because I started to get a little bored. Good luck on your
surgery.
— StacyL79
June 6, 2007
If you hear nasty stuff from the medical staff, please ask for a patient
advocate. I work in a hospital and we want to know if things like that are
being said to or around the patient. We put our nurses through an
"Obesity Sensitivity" training every year and if something comes
up, we want to know about it. Going back as to what to bring to the
hospital, think about a small personal fan. Make sure that you leave the
label on the cork so that they know that it is safe. It will help. Good
Luck in Your Journey, Judy Harris
— jk_harris
June 6, 2007
Dear Martina, First-before surgery, I was regular with my
monthly-afterwards-not so much-I get mine now about every 3 weeks-but they
are no where near as bad as they were before. I have lost 156# in 7 months
and feel great....As far as what to bring-and I did as I had several
friends who went through the surgery before me.....Chapstick (A MUST), gas
X strips, my own socks and a pillow for the ride home. I also brought my
own crystal light straws to add to my water-and just added a little extra
water so it wasnt so sweet tasting. Good luck-I will pray for a safe
surgery and speedy recovery and CONGRATS on the start of a new and improved
life!! Janet
— want2luv2bme
June 6, 2007
first, my periods were never regular and I actually skipped a period that
should have happened sometime around the date of my surgery. It was
recommended that I bring certain things to the hospital and leave others at
home. I was told not to bring a purse or anything of any special value. I
also made sure that I had a book or magazine for the day after surgery
(used it the day of surgery because I was feeling so good.) I also had lip
balm and a comfortable robe for my walks in the halls (hospital robes were
too small and uncomfortable.) Hope this helps and good luck and congrats
on your surgery!
— posprudence
June 6, 2007
Well, It seems that everyone has given you wonderful advice so far but I
figure I will let you in on my experience as well. I had surgery 5/23 and
low and behold my monthly started the morning of my surgery. I have a rare
form of PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome) and I was praying it wouldn't
come until after I was home. Not the case.. Luckily the hospital staff was
very understanding and they deal with things like this on a regular basis.
It's not as bad as you think if for some reason you do start. My suggestion
is if you're worried about it bring pads.. the ones they offer at the
hospital certainly arent comfortable (I know from a past experience). As
far as what I brought with me-- I was there 4 days. I brought my own
blanket, clothes to go home in, 3 pairs of panties, I brought my own
toiletries ( they do supply these though), slippers, and my cell
phone/charger. The one major thing I wish I had brought with me was
chapstick!!!! Your lips get so dry and they crack and hurt...
I wish you the best of luck!! Just think you'll be on the losing side soon!
:)
Zandra
— Zandra C.
June 6, 2007
U R too cute. YES....bring supplies for your monthly visitor. I am on the
depo shot and rarely have periods (side effect) - I started the day I left
the hospital and had 4 periods in 2 months. YES....bring supplies....I did
and was glad....I didn't need em' but I can guarantee if I didn't have
anything I would of started in the hosptial. Secondly....I don't think
there was anything I would of changed or thought of differenetly - I went
on OH and read every post re: the subject. Here is what I brought -
nightgown (which I never used, just used the hospital gown - it was roomy
and nice), light bathrobe (used), slippers (used), tennis shoes and socks
(used), iPod w/headphones (used), word search (used), Bath and Body spray
and lotion (used), hair brush (used), tooth brush, paste and mouth wash
(used), cell phone (used). I did bring a book, but never cracked it open.
You are on pain meds and can (at times) barely keep a thought in your head
let along comprehend words on a page. The word search was fun and kept my
mind sharp while out of work at home. :)
Good luck my friend and welcome to the loser's bench starting tomorrow AM.
:)
— jammerz
June 6, 2007
The less you take, the better. Lip balm, non slip shoes you can get your
feet into easily are a must. Be sure you have your picture ID and insurance
card, but leave your purse at home. Don't bring anything valuable. I did
pack a few pads and glad I did. I didn't take pillows or blankets or any of
that. I used the hospital gowns and wore one as a robe - much easier to
deal with IVs with the snap up sleeves. Take minimal toiletries. I didn't
feel like putting make up on. I did take comfortable, stretchy clothes to
go home in. I was in for two days when I had my lap RNY 4 1/2 years ago and
only had one little overnight bag. Didn't need anything else
— koogy
June 6, 2007
Best of Luck on your surgery tomorrow!!! You must be so excited. I can't
wait until I am ready to go. My mom had the bypass 2 years ago and, like
the others said, LIPBALM is a must. Dry mouth was the one complaint my mom
had, the Gas-X is probably a good idea too. She did have some pain in her
chest and shoulders from the gas they use. I want everyone to know how much
help i am getting personally from this site. Very much needed tips and
stories. I feel like by the time i get to have my surgery, i will be
totally ready for it. Thanks, and again, GOOD LUCK tomorrow, you'll be in
my prayers!
— slynn33
June 6, 2007
I haven't had the weightloss surgery yet. But, I did have a lap
appendectomy. I would definitely bring your cell phone charger with your
cell phone. I used the cell phone instead of the regular phone since it is
where I kept my phone #. I would have loved to have my charger since I
was almost out of power when I was discharged.
— Keydi B.
June 6, 2007
Congrats Martina --- loosing side here you come.
You really don't need to bring anything because the morning of the surgery
they will dress you in 2 surgical gowns -- toothbrush and toothpaste and
eyeglasses if you wear them. Should you start your menstural cycle while
in the hospital -- they will provide pads -- I was right in the middle of
mine the date of my surgery. No need to pack a whole lot -- maybe a pair
of slippers
— the7thdean
June 6, 2007
I brought a battery operated massager... walgreens.. 9 bucks.. I used it
to massage all the air bubble out of my chest and back.. it helped
greatly..It worked so well that the other's that had had the surgery the
same day asked to borrow it because they were hurting so bad... and I got a
warming pad for when I got home.. to sleep on.. I brought it to the
hospital but they wouldn't let me use it there. lip gloss is a must.. and
about the monthlies.. the first two months they were normal.. but since i
have lost almost 97 lbs in 4 mths.. on the 3 and 4 mth I started spotting
for 5 days.. then bleed massive one day.. then spot another 2. and ovulate
4 times a month... so yes it will take a little to straighten that out..
— jasonsexybabe
June 6, 2007
lol !! I hope you get to read this before you go in to your surgery, I just
wanted to congratulate you on the great decision you've made to have the
surgery! I, too, had been irregular for a couple years (due mainly to my
weight) and my period started about an hour before I was to be wheeled into
surgery. JUST GREAT... of course I didn't bring anything so my friend went
an got some for me. CHAPSTICK and a nice snuggly robe was all I used. I
brought a book and magazine (I stayed 3 days) but was too dopey to read
them, my eyes wouldn't focus. I also brought my glasses (I usually wear
contacts) because I didn't want to have to deal with them daily. Good thing
too. Just plan to relax and get well-needed rest during your hospital stay.
I had a wonderful hospital with great nurses and couldn't have asked for
better ones. I hope you have the same. Try to make sure you have someone
that can be with you and tell the nurses if you need something. I had a
hard time focusing enough to really communicate effectively (probably from
meds) for a day or so. Plan to feel like crap and cry a lot for a few days,
walk a lot around the hospital (every 2 hours I would do 2 "laps"
around the wing.)You'll be fine and remember that every day literally gets
better!
— airbear762000
June 6, 2007
Congratulations - I started my period 3 days after surgery while I was
still in the hospital. The nurses said that it happens more than one would
think. Now, for someone like myself who suffers from PCOS a period is a
big deal. Especially, when you only have 1 per year. I am now 18 days
post surgery and still having my period. I am not worried about it and
actually grateful for your question, because I know now my body is still
adjusting to the hormone changes through the weight loss I am experiencing.
I would bring anything that makes you feel better. From pads, cell phone
or anything else. I had a hard time with the hospital gown being to warm
and ended up naked most of the time and using my sheet for coverage while I
was in bed. But, I also had a terrific mint colored robe for when I
ventured out of my room. I wish you best and know we are all here for you.
— Titia S.
June 7, 2007
Hi...I had my surgery on Monday and I didn't start my period, thank God.
As for regular after surgery I can't answer that because it has only been 4
days for me. As far as what to bring to the hospital. I don't know, a
toothbrush, some make up. I bought a comfy gown to wear but with the drain
I had to get and emptying it and the carelessness of the staff at times, I
am glad I never put it on. I hated being in the hospital so I couldn't
wait to get home. I just don't do hospitals well. I hope this helps you
out and good luck to you.
— Shell1968
Click Here to Return