Question:
hello all , i am on my jurney , and i am wondering what can i do to prepare ?

prepare for surgery, i am having the lap rny, and i will do everything i can do to prepare for this....exercise , eating diffrently, i have already quit smoking, wich is not easy but it is necessary for a quicker recovery and no complications..i hear protiens will also contribute to a quicker recover......    — aida S. (posted on November 16, 2003)

November 16, 2003
I'm planning on a Jan surgery date but I've already starting walking every day, taking my vitamins, trying to get in more protein, and reducing stress. Quiting smoking was one of the best things you could do for yourself even if not having surgery. Good luck with everything!
   — Renee A.

November 16, 2003
My surgeon starts all his pre-ops on a high protein, atkins type diet. Some for a month or two and some for two weeks. It does promote healing and also helps shrink your liver which makes it easier for them to work in there. Good luck on your surgery.
   — Delores S.

November 16, 2003
Sounds as if you're doing exactly the right thing. The healthier you are at surgery, the lower your risk. I started on the protein drinks about two months before surgery and they definitely helped me to control hunger. I managed to lose 40 pounds between deciding to have the surgery and surgery day. My doctor was extremely pleased and I did progress very very well. I had surgery on Thursday, came home on Friday, and walked a mile on Monday!!!! I haven't been sick a single time and have had no problems. So good luck on your journey.......may you have an uneventful surgery and a fabulous recovery.
   —  SCbabe B.

November 16, 2003
Protein supplement helps with healing and energy, yes. You are already taking a multi vitamin (doesn't have to be expensive, only "complete") and some vit C? The other thing is to have your iron checked NOW and if it is saggy, you'll have time to bring it back into mid-range. Another piece of healing & energy. The other thing is ankle wiggles. If you remember, do 10 ankle wiggles per hour. You know, point toes way out, pull them way up, wigel side to side. It's about blood clots. And the other is 10 deep breaths per hour. That's deep in, exhale all the way out, slowly. Don't have to do them all at once. The object is to make your lungs happier. WE can only do what we can do to minimize surgical risks, but at least we can do THAT much. I don't need to mentio drinking water, right?
   — vitalady

November 16, 2003
In addition to the exercise, vitamins, etc., I also started using a surgery relaxation tape pre-op. I wore my headset in the pre-op holding area, during surgery and in post-op recovery. I was very relaxed before surgery and they couldn't believe that I wasn't given anything for relaxation.
   — cat5dog1

November 17, 2003
Hi! Eat nutritious, wholesome foods and exercise as tolerated. Its good to have as strong arms and legs as possible so you can lift your body without using your stomach muscles. I was dancing (modified to very restrained level though) and feeling fine hours after surgery without morphine or any pain meds(except super early the day of surgery)I attribute this to my state of health beforehand, but most importantly to The Lord. Sorry to brag, but I've got great pain tolerance and thankfully got the surgery done while healthy and mobile. I'd say, whatever condition you're in now - start to improve the best you can. Feel free to email me about my health philosophy. PS-I don't sell products of any kind.
   — Soosan