Question:
I am traveling about 120 miles to and from what will I need for the trip back?
I am going to drive down with a friend the day before my surgery so we can party! I don't mean drinking alchol. I mean eat my last meal and sleep in a hotel And then go to the hospital. My friend plans to stay all the time I am in the hospital. Have any suggestions for us for our journey? — Sheryl M. (posted on July 9, 2002)
July 9, 2002
On the way home stop every hour and walk for 10 minutes. This will minimize
blood clot risks from sitting for a extended period. WLS was THE BEST thing
I ever did, yu are about to have a wonderful time atching that scale drop!
— bob-haller
July 9, 2002
Just so you know whatever you put in your body has to come out so beware of
what you eat the day before surgery. Once you have your surgery going to
the bathroom isn't the easiest of things. I'm not telling you that you
can't go out and enjoy yourself, but just be careful that you don't eat
toooooo much. You want your body to be "empty". It will make
you feel more comfortable post-op. Also, for your ride.... you might be
uncomfortable sitting in the car, so bring a pillow or something to help
your comfort. Pain killers just in case you need to take one. You may
also want to bring a change of clothing. But I don't think that you are
really going to need anything. If you take a nap for the ride you will be
just fine.
— Erika B.
July 9, 2002
Before surgery i was told that I needed to take phopos soda <sp?> You
need to empty your bowels completely. You won't be doing much partying
after you take this stuff.
— Robert L.
July 9, 2002
You get to eat the day before surgery?!?!?! The surgeons at HUP have you
doing a bowel prep 2 days before surgery (magnesium citrate and dulcolax)
and on a clear liquid diet for the 2 days before surgery. My last meal
before my surgery 7/17 will be on Sunday, 7/14.
— John Rushton
July 9, 2002
Some surgeons do bowell preps others dont. Theres no right answer, just
depends on the surgeon. Mostly those that do are concerned that nicking the
large intestine can cause infection. A empty bowll treated pre op with
antibiotics is less likely to cause infection. Some surgeons use JP drains
and NG tubes. Its all in their preference. Jst WALK a LOT post op and dont
get dehydrated...
— bob-haller
July 9, 2002
Hi Sheryl~ isn't it exciting to be making these plans?? How wonderful that
you'll have a friend with you. You should probably ask your surgeon's
office this question, I'm willing to bet they are used to dealing with
folks traveling to have surgery. If a bowel prep is required be prepared
to have nothing but clear liquids and don't move too far from the restroom
:) Also if you have to do a prep, you may want to take your own nice 2 ply
toilet tissue.. most hotels use 1 ply.. heehee. Good luck to you!
— Joscelin
July 9, 2002
Pillow - Pillow - Pillow! I had a 75 mile trek for my surgery, had bowel
prep before, no problem on the trip to the hospital, but I had a pillow for
the ride home, and I was SO glad. My mother drove my car (scary in itself
:o|) and I held it on my lap the whole way home. It's great to press
against your tummy because you feel every single bump, dip, & pebble in
the road. Congratulations to you, and good luck!
— lily1968
July 9, 2002
Sheryl, I too had a 80 mile one way drive home from the hospital. A small,
but firm pillow that will fit over your abdomen, under the seatbelt is an
absolute must. Even a blanket can be folded to fit nicely. The lite
pressure on your tummy helps with the odd bumps along the way, and takes
off the direct pressure of the seatbelt.
Also something to sip, and maybe a spare container should you have any
nausea from the movement. I was told to expect some, but never experienced
it.
Most of all, have your friend drive the speed limit, be safe, no rushing!
(opps, sorry that motherly thing jumped in)
Take care, I wish you a complication free procedure and speedy recovery.
— Nene B.
July 9, 2002
Ditto on the stomach pillow. And one for your head. I was in the hospital
for 10 days and hardly slept, so I fell asleep for the entire 2 hour ride
home. Next thing I knew we were in the driveway! You may also want a
blanket, I was VERY cold for several weeks after surgery (I am normally
extremely hot natured). And don't forget the comfy clothes for the ride
home - elastic pants that are a size too big worked great for me. Oh, and
tell your driver to drive EXCESSIVELY slow over bumps, dips, turning
curves, etc.
— sheltie
July 9, 2002
I went to a funny movie and had a full-body, 1.5 hour massage.
— Tonya C.
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