Question:
What can I do now to prepare for my upcoming surgery?

I am 5 weeks from my Lap RNY and am trying to prepare. I already have my bag packed, now what can I do to get my body and mind ready? (I already know what I have to do the remaining two weeks via my surgeon- high protein and then liquid only.) I have already eliminated the soft drinks. Are there any particular exercise that could help with pain later? Has anyone actually found something that will help with the hairloss? Is there a WLS book that could get my mind ready? I just read that aspirin (81mg) is good for trying to prevent a stricture. I had never heard that...Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated! Thanks!    — karmiausnic (posted on August 15, 2002)

August 14, 2002
Bags packed already, you are ready to go! I read a wonderful book by Michelle Boasten. Its called Understanding & Overcoming Morbid Obesity, Life Before, During, and After Surgery. Eleven months after my surgery I still pick it up and reference it! If you go to Amazon.com, there are lots of suggestions on books. Good luck!
   — Lucky Gal U.

August 15, 2002
Congratulations on your upcoming date, Karen! I suggest three things to help prepare for surgery: (1) Walking (or other exercise). Making yourself stronger prior to surgery will aid with your recovery. Whatever you can do will help, and since they'll want you walking not long after surgery (and exercising much more in the later months), it's good to start now. (2) Do Deep breathing exercises. Breath in as deep as you can, hold it for ten seconds, then slowly let it out. The more your lungs are prepared for surgery, the better. (3) Find A Good Protein Shake. You asked about hair loss. Hair loss comes from protein deficiency, which happens for some post-ops when they can't get in enough protein with food. You will get enough protein in if you find a protein shake you like, and get one as close to 30 grams of protein per serving as you can manage (and watch those carbs and sugars...anything with lots of those isn't worthwhile, IMHO). Many doctors also recommend drinking protein shakes even prior to surgery, as it makes your tissue stronger. Try ordering samples of protein powders from vitalady.com, because it's not easy finding one you like and you don't want to spend a lot of money on expensive powders that taste bad. GOOD LUCK!
   — Suzy C.

August 15, 2002
I am still pre-op with no date, but in my research I've heard that exercise, particularly strengtheneng the abdominals will help post-surgically. Also, my surgeons nurse mentioned I would have to go off all herbs, and supplements, especially Vitamin E. She said they can react with the anesthesia and cause problems. I plan on taking mine up until about 2 weeks before surgery.<br> Please keep us posted on how you are doing, we want to do the happy dance with you afterwards. Dawn H. in WV
   — Dawn H.