Question:
I am trying to make a list of before and after MUST HAVES-vitamins, foods, liquids

My mom and husband will be caring for me and I want to do as much as I can, as to not cause them problems. Codependant as well as morbidly obese-could there be a better combination???    — Angelia W. (posted on November 20, 2000)

November 20, 2000
Hi Angelia, Actually, it was only the first few days home post-op that were the most difficult for me. My family did help alot but I was able to (very slowly) do most things for myself. Getting in and out of bed those first few days required a little assistance sometimes but I used alot (like 6) pillows to prop me up and help me get situated. I also needed someone to drive me wherever I needed to go during that time too. But as the mother of 4 grown, licensed driver sons, I always had a ready, willing and able volunteer handy for that detail. My best friend handled changing my surgical dressing for me and would call me just before she came over to allow me time to shower before she got there. I'm glad my family was there for me but I didn't need their assistance nearly as much as I thought I would. I was pretty much able to take care of most of my personal needs myself and prepare my own meals. I did have plenty of "pureed" things on hand (yogurt, refried beans, cream of wheat, frozen mashed potatoes, etc...) that I could just quickly measure out and nuke for a few seconds. I didn't walk around real straight nor very fast for a few days, but every day I got stronger and felt better. You'll be fine. You're very lucky to have a stong support group around you. Good luck and God bless. cj
   — cj T.

November 20, 2000
I agree with cj about the pillows. I used a wedge pillow for the first couple weeks with 2 or 3 additional pillows. That helped a lot. My experience suggests taking pads to the hospital with you. The ones the hospital had don't have adhesive strips & were a hassle. I understand starting your period right after surgery is very common. A good book to read & maybe a new cd to listen to can help the recovery process once you get home from the hospital. About all I did my first week home was read, listen to music & sleep. But at the end of that week I was well on my way to full recovery & was on my own throughout the day without difficulty. I didn't have a rising recliner, but sure did enjoy the regular recliner that first week home! Although I slept in a flat bed (but with the pillows!) from my first day home on. Good luck to you!
   — Kathy W.

November 21, 2000
LIP BALM, FLUSHABLE WIPES, while in the hospital. A full-length body pillow and a wedge pillow for the bed while at home recovering; broths, instant mashed potatoes, sugar free popsicles, gatorade, for early post-op days. Whatever YOUR surgeon recommends. Best wishes.
   — [Deactivated Member]