Question:
I am having open rny on 11/11 and am getting nervous!

A good nervous though! Although I read the posts every nigh and gathered much information, I would really appreciate your help with what I need to bring to the hospital, what to shop for before I leave for the surgery, what to expect my first few weeks home, questions for the surgeon before the surgery, vitamins and any other items I should have waiting for me at home, what to start taking now to help strengthen my hair and alleviate a great loss of hair, semi or private room necessary, etc. I feel like a scatter brain just about now and can really use some help from everyone. You have all been my "rock" while thinking about surgery, and now, on my way to surgery!! I've even met some great gals right here in my own area. I appreciate, in advance, all of your messages. Health and happiness to all of you.....................Jen    — [Anonymous] (posted on October 21, 1999)

October 21, 1999
Hi Jen, I was also nervous before my Open RYN. I had mine 2 months ago. I was told to bring a fan. You do not need to bring much to the hospital. I brought to much and didn't need the stuff I brought. Just a fan. I had vitamins and food already for when I got home. Vitamin B ( I had liquid drops ) I tryed flintstones but the taste wasn't to great. I got Seseame Complete chewable vitamins. They have a good taste also. Tums. Food:Broth,Sugarfree jello and pudding and popcicles (welch are dole). When I had my surgery I ask my doctor if my gallbladder was bad, please remove it. I have read to many stories how once you start losing weight, most of the time have to have it removed. I did not want to go through another surgery so soon after my RYN. It was bad and he removed it.I only got sick once when I drank water to soon within 10 minutes after I ate: should wait 30 minutes. You learn as you go. But have never had any problems. I made sure I ate things with allot of protein because of my hair.But never lost any. Also in your foods. At GNC Health Food store I got Designer Protein and you can have hot cocoa with it in non fat milk. Make a blender drink. I like Cho/and Strawberry .I didn 't care for the vanilla. You get allot of protein from it.I have lost 46 pounds so far, and feel great. Good luck with your surgery. [email protected]
   — [Anonymous]

October 21, 1999
In the hospital you will probably want some nice slip on shoes with soles to walk in. A robe. A toothbrush, toothpaste, comb, brush. You could take a book or magazine although I found that difficult to read. The first day you will be out of it more than in. The second day you will feel more like yourself, except you will be sore. Not moving very fast. By the third day I was going crazy, I wanted to be released and I wanted a shower. I was released and took a shower later on that day. I would suggest a shower brush with a long handle to reach places you are not going to be able to reach. Each doctors diet needs are different so check with your doctor to get a list of the items you will need after surgery. Ask so you can purchase, you are not going to feel like going to the grocery store as soon as you are released from the hospital. You should be taking daily walks though. You will probably be doing alot of sleeping the first week or so. My doctor didn't put me on protein drinks and vitamins until the second week. I hope this helps. Feel free to e-mail me if you have any more questions. I am 8 weeks post op and feel great I have lost 46lbs. Would do it again in a heartbeat. Best wishes.
   — bperrin

October 21, 1999
First off ... congrats !! OK, now lets see if I can help, but remember all doctors are different so check with your surgeon in regard to what foods you should have in your house. The things that I had at home waiting for me were applesauce, protein powder (designer protein is the only one I can drink), instant mashed potatoes, cream of chicken soup, eggs. A scrambled egg was three meals, believe it or not when you get out of the hospital, food is going to be the last thing on your mind. Make sure that you have lots of pillows around, and folded blankets for propping. My surgeon had me taking Theragram M & Pepcid AC crushed in applesauce, again talk to your doctor. Bring something loose fitting to the hospital to come home in, maybe sweat pants and a sweatshirt. Also, bring a pillow for the ride home, helps to hold it against your belly for the ride. And you will need to get your prescription painkillers filled, if your surgeon can give you this ahead of time, that would be good. OK, My first three weeks, the first few days were pretty rough, kind of painful, tired from anesthesia, cranky... but, it began to get better immediately, move around as much as possible, begin walking as soon as you can, the more you move, the better you feel. I did this surgery two years ago today, hey, it's my anniversary!! It was the best thing I ever did for myself, I began this journey at 397 lbs with a BMI of 53, I now weigh 175, BMI 24 and I'm 6' tall ... so I am right at goal. I hope that this journey is as marvelous for you as it was for me, my life has become an incredible place to live. Live Well, Laugh Often, Love Much
   — Mary Anne M.

October 22, 1999
Hi Jen: Relax and breathe....take some time for yourself before the surgery. It's more important than having a clean house, believe me! One thing to take to the hospital that was invaluable for me: Chapstick! If you have an NG tube and develop an irritation on the inside of your nostril, like I did, Chapstick will kill the pain and seal the area while promoting healing. Also, the air is dry in there, you'll need it for your lips too. Get a small fan, I bought one at Target that was battery operated for $5. Good luck with your upcoming surgery! Jaye Carl, open proximal RNY 7-29-99, 64 pounds gone forever!
   — Jaye C.