Question:
My date is Dec. 3, what should I do now to get prepared? vitamins, etc?

Hi, finally, I have a date...December 3 (3 weeks away) Im concerned about the whole hair loss thing and vitamin deficiences. What should I do today, to get prepared?    — Karen W. (posted on November 13, 2002)

November 13, 2002
I went out and spent approx 150.00 on vits, protein drinks and bars, foods, etc. And postop my tastebuds completely changed on me and I could not stand any of the vitamins or drinks or foods I bought. I had to throw out everything. They just gagged me. I was so sorry I bought the stuff. When you come home, you will eat so little at first, that you will have plenty of time to go out and get the stuff your new taste buds will like. Watch out for the all natural stuff at the health food stores. To me, they are all horrible. I havent found one thing yet I like from there. The all natural chewable vits were gross. 40.00 worth thrown away. I now use Centrum because my nutritionist showed me a test to test vits. Drop one in water or vinegar, if it takes longer than 1/2 hr to dissolve, it will not dissolve in time in a bypass patient for you to get the effects. I tried an Herbalife vitamin. It never dissolved. I tried a Centrum, it dissolved in 1 minute. Best wishes to you on your surgery!
   — Karla K.

November 13, 2002
First of all, congrats on your surgery date! Here is what I did: Get a childrens multivitamin with iron. Go to vitalady.com, and order a slew of protein samples (I ordered like 20). Don't try any yet. When you get home from surgery, you can try a new one each day -- chances are you'll find one you like relatively quickly, and you can order a full jar. Get some calcium citrate, and a pill splitter/crusher. I have always had an easy time with huge pills, but immediately after surgery I had to cut everything into pieces. I also started taking GNC hair and nails right after surgery.....but I'm only 3 weeks out, so can't tell you if I've avoided hair loss. Get some sublingual B-12. Beyond that....your doctor may prescribe more, but I think that covers the basics. Good luck!
   — Tamara K.

November 14, 2002
Stock your cupboards with whatever you will be able to eat immediately post-op (sugar free jello, chicken broth, etc.). Buy and take earplugs to the hospital with you (they saved my life - had a horrible roommate). Think about renting a recliner to sleep in. Start taking your vitamins now. Get off caffeine now. Make sure someone will stay with you every moment in the hospital.
   — Kathy J.

November 14, 2002
hi there! congrats on your date! :) i would stock up on your vitamins as well as broth, sf jello, cottage cheese, i asked for some very small containers while i was at the hospital, you know the medicine cups. they look like the ones that are on top of an elixer bottle. these are perfect for measuring out 1 oz increments and it saves on having to do the dishes alot. i would definetly have a comfy chair set up with fluffy pillows, i couldnt lie down flat for a while so i slept in the nice recliner we have. get some chap stick and your favorite lotion as you may deal with dry skin and very chapped lips.also get yourself some wetwipes for those first couple of days where you may not feel like or are not able to shower this way you can still freshen up with ease. get a nice stuffed animal to hug while you are healing :) it helps :) also have some nice cds or magazines or a book youve been wanting to read. youll need to remember to get up and move alot to avoid the blood clots but for those uncopmfy moments where you cannot sleep reading material or good music will get ya through it. best of luck to you and ill be thinking of you on your special day :)
   — carrie M.