Preparing for surgery can be a scary ordeal. Here is a list of items to take with you and to have ready when you get home to make life a little easier during recovery. My friend sent me this list and I think it will be invaluable!!!!

Medicinal:

Liquid Tylenol (they make adult strength)

Chewable or liquid gas-x

Gauze Pads 4x4

Paper tape

Stool Softener

Pill cutter

Chewable vitamins

Benedryl cream (suggested for those who have a slight allergy to gauze tape)

Clothing:

Loose waisted shorts or sweats

For the ladies, a sports bra, no under wires

Slip-on shoes

Comfort items:

Heating pad

Flexible ice pack

A few books or movies

Pillow for car rides to guard against seatbelt irritation

Wet Wipes

Food/Kitchen items:

Protein shakes

Flavored water

A good blender and/or a drink mixer

Broth

Sugar free popsicles/jello

Kitchen timer ( for the first few days - 15 minute sips intervals)

Crystal Light "On the GO" add to bottled water mix

Gatorade

Bouillon

Cream of Wheat

Creamy soups

Applesauce

Yogurt - Dannon Lite N' Fit

Ensure, Boost, Glucerna etc

Frozen fruits for protein shakes

Small pudding cups

Suggested list of things to have done before you leave:

All laundry finished to ensure lots of clean clothes for a while.

Having someone who is able to be there for a few days to handle meal prep.

Ask at your pre-op for the pain med prescription so you can have it all ready to go when you get home.

Get rid of all the foods in the house you are not to eat, before you go to the hospital .

Make sure you have lots of fluids to drink afterwards - and for when you go back to work.

Buy all the groceries you will need for at least 2 weeks after surgery.

Check if your medications are “crushable”.

Hi,

Well.. thanks for that list because a lot of that stuff on there I hadn't even thought about! lol

And I was just curious... how long are you expected to stay out of work after the surgery in general? I've heard different things but just wondering if your surgeon told you the same as mine lol

Good luck with your journey and thanks again for the list!!

Shannon

My surgeon said about 4-5 days off of work. Some people are telling me to take the entire week off just to be on the safe side, and if you get two days off a week take those two days at the beginning of the next week next so you have a total of 9 days off. Sounds good to me. I don't know what kind of boss you have but good luck.

I love the list my friend sent it to me and like you said there were things on there I didn't even think of. When are you scheduled for surgery?

I have about a month to go! Still a little nervous!!

Same here! My surgery is scheduled on May 3rd. I'm a little more excited than nervous.. had my wisdom teeth cut out not too long ago and i figure if I can live through that i'll be alright with this lol

My surgery date is May 3rd too!!! We will be bandsters at the same time, how cool!! I hope you keep in touch and I will let you know how things are going over here! Where are you having your surgery done? I'm in Chicago, I will be having mine done at Mercy Hospital. I have completed the ekg, blood work, urine tests, pysch. eval. &nutritionist appt.

I still have the sleep apnea test, stress test, and I see the cardiologist tomorrow. I am alittle nervous about my insurance co. everyone seems to be saying they have received letters saying that they have been approved. I have not received one yet, but my doctor's office hasn't said anything. I have to go to weekly lapband meetings on Tuesdays 12 weeks before and 12 weeks after, so I am going to ask them about that tonight!! Keep in touch!! May bandsters!!!

Hi, wow.. hey, congrats!! I wouldn't worry about the aproval letter because I never recieved one either but ended up calling and they said that it was approved..

Anywho.. i found out today that I *won't* have my surgery on May 3rd... but will have to have an ultrasound, more bloodwork and then go to the surgery clinic ( whatever that is ) instead. But.. what I don't understand is they told me in my intial consultation that when I came back for my Upper G.I. then I'd have my surgery the same day so I don't get it. It's frustrating too having to keep making plans and then having to break the plans.. ugh

But oh well.. I'm gonna push for the next closest available date for my surgery now that I have the go ahead from my employer.

Keep in touch and let me know how your experience is going... good luck with everything!!