Question:
I'm having lap RNY on 1/29/03. I'm 54 yrs. old, 5'4

What's the best way someone can prepare for surgery to help ensure the fewest complications. I know there are no guarantees, but am wondering if there's anything I can do, pre-op, to help have a successful surgery/recovery. (including lose weight? exercise?)    — Cathy S. (posted on December 3, 2002)

December 2, 2002
I am 46 and had lap RNY on 10/29/02. I started walking a few weeks before surgery. I couldn't go far because my back hurt so bad when I walked. I also prepared myself mentally. I knew there would be some pain, so I prepared myself to "just get through it". I was surprised after surgery at how little pain there really was! I planned some little jobs to do after surgery - clean out the kitchen junk drawer, polish some silver, etc. Well, I didn't get all my little jobs done, because I went back to work on my 12th post op day! I guess the biggest piece of advice I can give you is to visualize how different your life will be in a good way after surgery. At this point, I wouldn't worry about losing weight, but some mild exercise won't hurt. Good luck!
   — koogy

December 2, 2002
I had my surgery 10/9/02 and I'll be 50 this month. I started taking a multivitamin and B12 before surgery. The B12 helps with energy. After surgery I struggled with vitamins because I was nauseous all the time (until 6 weeks post-op). See my profile.
   — Wanda R.

December 3, 2002
I had my surgery june of this year, and at 48 yr old. I had been off of all caffine 3 mths before surgery. I would advise you to walk as much as you can. I wish I had, and try to streghten your upper body muscle if possible. I had a bar above my bed in the hospital to help me get out of bed, and my muscle werent what they should have been. Good Luck..
   — paulsgirl

December 3, 2002
Cathy, My surgery is this Thursday and I am age 53.My Dr is having me do breathing exercises 2 weeks before I have my surgery. They actually gave me a "Spectrometer"(not sure spelled right) I breath in and out 10 times, 4 times a day.This is supposed to expand your lungs so you wont have so much trouble after surgery breathing.Just read all the questions on this site and educate yourself so there wont be many surprises...Good Luck Nancy Poe
   — NANCY P.

December 3, 2002
Best things I did pre-op were to start my post-op vitamin regimen a month before surgery, get off caffeine, and to psychologically prepare by educating myself.
   — Kathy J.

December 6, 2002
Cathy - several weeks pre-op I began cutting back on sweets and drinking water. Try to begin the water habit asap. The best thing you can do is educate yourself. I read three books - go to www.wlscenter.com - Barbara Thompson a former patient maintains this site and has written a great book. I brought the book to the hospital with me and still carry it around (I am 2 1/2 mo. post -op). Good Luck
   — Diane T.