Question:
RNY Surgery in 30 days-advice on how to prepare?

I feel like I should be more prepared for the surgery since it's only 30 days away. I'm not talking 'mentally' prepared, I'm talking about supplies, OTC meds that help, any other items that I will be needing post surgery that I should have now. I'm told walking about surgery helps a lot as well as protein powder and whey powder. Can anyone offer some advice?    — Colleen O. (posted on January 1, 2010)

January 1, 2010
Read the book "Before and After" by Susan Maria Leach. It's the best thing you can do for yourself. It will answer all your questions about everything from what to pack to what to expect from the minute you walk into the hospital, to what you'll need when you come home, and where to get it. In addition, it has a question and answer chapter that will knock your socks off. And finally, half the book is recipes that you can make post-op for yourself and your family, and each one gives the nutritional value for a post-op serving size.
   — Erica Alikchihoo

January 2, 2010
before surgery I stocked up on soup broth, crystal light, sugar free jello, i got my vitamins, atkins protein shakes, and i bought some gas-x
   — grasstango

January 2, 2010
I would contact your surgeon, and he or she should provide you with information on their specified regime for both pre and post op instructions, I was provided such the day I had my first consult two months before my surgery (to review and note any questions and concerns) so that when I attended my pre op appointment I would have all relevant information, and not guess; however, from the posts I have read everyones surgeons are different. Best of luck to you.
   — [Deactivated Member]

January 3, 2010
Everything mentioned above plus I got some baby food and Cream of Wheat. SF yogurt is good to have as are some bananas in order to make a banana smoothie if you are having "the runs". Also, get a lot of books and DVD's because you will be resting as you heal.
   — Muggs

January 4, 2010
I got the book called Weight Loss Surgery for Dummies. That gave me SO much information! I haven't tried the other book recommended by the other poster, but I will now. If you have Kroger grocery stores in your area, they have a Carbmaster yogurt that has 12g of protein and only 3 g of sugar. That's what my dr & nut suggested. SF popsicles and jello and pudding, plus finding a good protein supplement. I am still searching for a good one. The best I've found so far is Unjury. My clinic uses Optifast HP, but I just can't drink it! Your tastes will be SO different after surgery, don't spend a ton on food. I am 13 days p/o for rny and my tastes are changing from day to day. Do make sure you have your vitamins though. You will need those! Best of luck to you! Take care, Kristin
   — taylork25