Question:
Looking for Ideas and Suggestions
I am having surgery in a week and was wondering if you would give one or two tips or suggestions that you found helpful. And anything that you wish you wouldn't have done. Thanks!! — Getting R. (posted on January 6, 2003)
January 6, 2003
I can say once you have the surgery, walk as much as you possibly can. I
was very heavy and tall, 6ft female weighing 382. The best thing I did was
walk. I noticed that when I walked the pain was less and the more I could
move around. I had an open RNY. I am not saying to walk marathons, but to
get up and walk for a little at a time at first. I went gradual, then
alot. Also, when you try any foods at home,,,,be near a bathroom. My
pouch was very sensitive and I threw up alot when I first tried alot of
things. Good Luck on a new you!!!
— stacey1273
January 6, 2003
Hi! I agree that walking was a good thing right after surgery. . .I was up
and about as much as I could be, and went home a day sooner than expected.
Be sure to take chapstick or something for your lips to the hospital!!! If
you are not permitted to drink (as I wasn't) for a few days, it really
helped! Good luck!
— Sarah S.
January 6, 2003
Hi there, the Chapstick was a GREAT suggestion and you will also need
Chloraseptic Throat Spray. My throat was so sore while I had the NG tube
in and for a few days thereafter. You will be glad that you have both of
those items.
— Toni T.
January 6, 2003
I'm very happy that I put off eating junk for about 18 months out. I think
it was because I was so afraid of dumping while I worked. But I do regret
getting into the sugar after that, it just gets the ball rolling. Don't eat
junk or sugar!!
— ZZ S.
January 6, 2003
Walk IMMEDIATELY after surgery. My doc has patients coming from recovery
walk into their room from the doorway. You will recover faster, feel
better, and moinimize blood clot risks as well.
— bob-haller
January 6, 2003
Take your own pillow. Make sure your pillowcase is a bright color, so it
doesn't get mixed in with hospital ones. I was SO glad to have my own
pillow. I was also glad to have my own soft, drawstring pants, and my own
brand of kotex pads. :)
— Diana L.
January 7, 2003
Take a nice smelling body spray...once your bowels wake up you are going to
want something else to smell and it gives you a little pick me up and
refreshing. Baby wipes are helpful too for ALL areas:). I know alot of
people say it's their job but I have a real hard time asking ANYONE to wipe
my tushie so I took a pair of tongs so I could reach things on my own.
— Deanna_K
January 7, 2003
Drink as much water as you can up to the time your surgeon says to stop.
This will make sure all your veins are nice and plump, making for much
easier IV and other needle sticks. It also, will help you to not be so
very thirsty during those few long days just after surgery when you cannot
drink anything. Lori (06/20/02 308/217)
— [Deactivated Member]
January 7, 2003
I agree with Lori drink a lot of water until the doctor says stop.
Chapstick is a must. Think positive thoughts. :-)
— sharon E.
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