Question:
Yikes!! My surgery is in 3 weeks. What can I do to start preparing now?

I am having an open RNY at BTC Addison MI on 1-27-00. I am mostly going through this alone, so I want to have everything in the house that I need and be in the best shape I can for surgery. Do I do breathing exercizes? Start taking vitamins now? Amy I going insane or worrying too much? Any guidance will be appreciated! Thanks to the kind souls who remember what it was like to be in my pre-op shoes! :-)    — Sue C. (posted on January 3, 2000)

January 3, 2000
1) Quit Smoking 2) Really Quit Smoking 3) Completely Quit Smoking 4) Exercise with walks, especially in the morning 5) Begin eating 3 small meals a day without grazing or snacking in between 6) see steps 1 thru 3
   — Bruce B.

January 3, 2000
How could anyone top the Doctors recomendations. Good luck Sue.
   — C S.

January 3, 2000
I am going to have surgery 1-19-00 at the BTC in Illinois, so I have all good wishes for you! I was in the chat room a while back and asked Dr. Goodman his advice for us pre ops. He said to exercise, get a good amount of sleep and try to be well rested before surgery, and try to get in extra protein. He said vitamins could help and definitely wouldn't hurt. Good Luck- I will see you on the other side!
   — M B.

January 3, 2000
Hi Sue- I'm pre-op, but I found a site that has "readers tips" of suggestions for people after surgery, and I thought you might like to see it -- its http://members.tripod.com/Daryl_D/readerstips.html hope it helps. I'm thinking of reclining on my sofa and eating nothing but fried chicken and 'chocolate everything' until my date. Toni
   — Toni B.

January 3, 2000
Before my surgery, I blew up a million balloons to strengthen my lungs. My surgery was scheduled so soon, I never started walking beforehand, but I really think the balloons helped to strengthen my lungs and I also took my vitamins and vitamin c. I hope this was of some help to you. Also, try to get all/most of your groceries for about 2 weeks. That is about how long it was before I was really "up to it".
   — Susan F.