Question:
I have only 4 days left until surgery. Can you all PLEASE give me some last min

advice and encouragement? I just love all of you so much and I am so thankful to have you as support for me. I was wondering if you all could take a min or two and just re-assure me, give me last min. advice, and some prayers too. Thanks so much!    — Michelle J. (posted on August 9, 2002)

August 9, 2002
Hey Michelle, Don't worry you'll be fine. Don't forget your lip balm!!lol Also, use your spirometer as much as possible, and walk as much as you can. Good luck and see you on the other side.
   — gloria M.

August 9, 2002
I had my surgery 8-2-02. Just came home today. One thing to take is tongs. I laughed when someone suggested this to me. But the nurses won't help you in the cleanliness dept. In the hosp I couldn't reach the back area and the tongs were great. Also get the moist washclothes-toilettes to use instead of t.p. Good luck!!
   — jojo63

August 9, 2002
Michelle- I'm right there with you- only 6 days for me. I'll be sending my prayers your way! Wendy
   — Wendy M.

August 9, 2002
Hi Michelle. I am 1 month post-op. The best thing I brought to the hospital was a back scratcher. I was also very happy that I brought a small fan. You will be in my prayers. Get ready for a wonderful life change!!
   — Lezli M.

August 9, 2002
I am one month post op today. I have only a few things to add. Know what pain meds you are allergic to. I was allergic to everything they gave me. Tylenol is the only thing I could take. Oh man was I SICK!!! After the first day I quit taking them. Then I got to go home 1 day early.
   — Lynne K.

August 9, 2002
Michelle, I was in your boat just a few weeks ago. I am just 18 days post-op. The night before surgery I was really nervous. I rented a movie and relaxed and tried to get a good night sleep. You will be in my prayers and God be with you.
   — tulagirl

August 9, 2002
This is address the poster that said that the nurses will not help you in the cleanliness department. My wife is an RN and she says that this is part of the job (although not a particularly enjoyable part *G*). Did you actually ring the nurse and ask her for help and she refused? If so, she was most definitely in dereliction of her duties. I have trouble wiping too and every time I have been in the hospital (about 7 times over the last year and a half) and have called for the nurses to help me with wiping, they've helped me out.
   — John Rushton

August 9, 2002
Michelle Believe in yourself believe in a god that loves you , be stii and listen for peace and calm. I have not yet made my final decion on wheather to have the surgery or not but I do believe to get as far into it as you have you must alreadly be brave and strong hang in there be at peace and i will rember you in my prayers Anne
   — Anne L.

August 9, 2002
My advice is to take your own pillow if you have a favorite one, and don't worry the nurses will help you with cleanliness, they were great at the hospital I went to ,it is kind of embarressing,but they understand ,you also might want to take something to read, I was in the hospital for 7 days and got awfull tired of watching tv and sleeping and walking... it's all worth it though,,good luck!!!!
   — bikerchic

August 9, 2002
I would say like the other person take a pillow. I would also take a brush or comb(your preference) and a comfy gown to wear home after the surgery cause you will not want to bend over to put on pants and i would say some slip on shoes to wear home too cause you will not want to tie laces or straps, etc. I would have some books to read and magazines too, not only for the hospital, but for when you rest at home too. As far as the hospital, I got up and walked the day after surgery(had open rny) and did that the whole time i was in the hospital(3 1/2 days) it is just that the more you move, no matter how much pain you are in or how tired you are, will make it much easier to move. I am not quite sure how long you will be on your clear liquid diet, but sugar free popsicles got me through that. so you may want to buy some for when you out of the hospital. They were my best friend. The staff at the hospital was great with with everything. I wish you success and joy.
   — stacey1273

August 9, 2002
Have the nurses bring you six little medicine cups. Fill all of them with water and make sure that you drink them within one hour. It s a good way to measure and keep it coming. Make yourself walk even if you just feel like lying around. It moves all the gas and will keep you from getting blood clots. When you get home, Knorr's vegetable soup makes the best broth. Just sift the vegetables out. Taste like a million bucks. Good Luck and enjoy. The scale starts moving down right away and it is really fun to watch.
   — Sue A.

August 9, 2002
Hi there! Good Luck to you. I will definantly keep you in my prayers. Most of the advice I have is the same stuff everyone else say....walk, walk, walk! Sip, sip, sip. Don't be a hero - push the pain med. button when you need it. Ask for a moist heating pad if you get shoulder pain from the rising gas (if your having Lap surgery) and when you get out of bed- lift the back of the bed as high as you can, roll to your side and use the rails to swing your legs over and sit up. (They will help you if you need it, don't worry.) Lastly, let Go and Let God! God Bless, Leah
   — Leah H.

August 10, 2002
Hi Michelle, how exciting for you! The best thing that I brought to the hospital was a small fan. Hospitals are so hot and I put that little fan on my face and was able to sleep with a cool breeze on my face. Helped alot. Also walk, walk, walk, as soon as you can. And about the nurses, they are supposed to help you with wiping, washing etc, but as most nursing staffs are understaffed and they are tied up with the really infirm, they will ignore you if you let them. Speak up or have a family member there that can demand services. You'll be fine andhome in no time-just be prepared for an uncomfortable few weeks as your body adjusts to the surgery, initial weight loss, healing process, and lack of food! Its over before you know it...
   — Cindy R.

August 10, 2002
Will be thinking of you on your special day. Your in my prayers.
   — Angie L.

Click Here to Return