Shrinkythinks

I'm going through Ready4Achange and going to see Dr. Garcia in Feb. This message will be a bit long but I'm going to paste in the pre-op instructions that alma sent. I'm also going to add in some things I've found alot of users posting about just in case it helps. Most suggest bringing some gas-x strips to help with gas pain after surgery. Bring some chapstick for dry lips and biotene mouth spray for dry mouth for those times where you can't drink before and immediately after surgery. I've also seen some suggest that you bring neosporine and a few extra bandages for the hotel stay and to have for the flight or drive home. I've also seen some suggest that you bring a small bottle of dial antibacterial body wash for shower times to help prevent infection of the incision areas. lol think that's everything best of luck! Just think, your life will be different by the end of this year! --------------------------------------------------------------------- PRE-OP INSTRUCTIONS START THIS DIET 7-14 DAYS PRIOR TO SURGERY Use any prepared canned or powdered Protein Drink. You may purchase these in any health food store or many grocery stores. Please be sure it contains at least 15 grams of Protein per serving. 1 protein drink at Breakfast 1 protein drink at lunch Dinner: salad with Protein (chicken, fish, egg, etc), small amount of low fat dressing, or fat free dressing or olive oil and vinegar. 1 protein drink in the evening if needed You may also take 1 Metamucil capsule per day if needed for hunger. -------------------------------------------------------------------- Start this phase 3 days before surgery: Take a laxative (any laxative that you usually use). Take only Clear Liquids after that. This consists of broth, Jell-o, sugar-free juice, any clear liquid You may have nothing to eat or drink after the midnight preceding surgery or 8 hours prior to your surgery. If you are a Same Day Surgery arrive with an empty stomach. If you are coming in a day prior you may have dinner but nothing after midnight. You may take needed medications (such as heart or blood pressure medications) with sips of Water the morning of surgery as directed by our Doctors. Do not take any aspirin, Advil, Nuprin, Aleve or any other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication for 7 days prior to surgery. These medications cause unnecessary bleeding after surgery. This includes baby aspirin and most arthritis medications. If you are not sure, please check with our Doctors.. For Headache or minor pains you may use Tylenol. You may restart these medications the next day after surgery. Do not take any herbal medications for 7 days prior to surgery. --------------------------------------------------------------------- Bring comfortable shoes and slippers to Mexico, you will be asked to walk several times per day. Please bring your medications in properly labeled pharmaceutical bottles for documentation of dosages. You will be on a liquid and soft food diet for two weeks after surgery. Stock up on sugar-free liquids: Crystal Light, sugar free fruit juices, apple sauce, yogurt, sugar-free pudding, sugar-free jell-o, thin Soups and caffeine-free teas. If you do not like the flavor of chicken broth, make chicken noodle Soup and strain out the solids. Avoid all carbonated beverages (fills the stomach with gas). Avoid sugar (extra calories that fight against weight loss). Caffeine makes you urinate more and can lead to dehydration. You will need to drink plenty of liquids to prevent dehydration after surgery. Sport drink bottles with measurements on the side will help ensure you are drinking enough liquid. You will need to drink at least two quarts (2,000cc) per day to prevent dehydration. You will not be able to gulp liquids so you will want to drink small amounts throughout the day.

Woot thanks for laying it out so easy for us to see who's going when! It's always nice to have a little support since some are traveling alone. <3 I'm just hoping the delayed tax returns don't push my surgery date out any farther. Fingers crossed!

Thanks for the heads up, had to look it up this morning since we usually have w2's by now. Looks like now we're waiting on tax returns as well, praying things don't have to get pushed back too far. Sending you good thoughts for a speedy return!

Thanks hazelsmrf will definitely check that out Socaldixiegal we'll be parking at the airport and waiting on transport from there as well, just easier since we won't be driving anywhere in Mexico. Thinking it would be safer as well. You guys have put my mind at ease, I know it will be a great trip. Now just have to wait for the big day and hope the new tax delay doesn't push my surgery date back.

Hope this is ok to post here, still new to the forums so not sure if this is the right place or not but wanted to share. My surgery isn't for awhile and instead of driving myself crazy thinking (:::cough::: I mean obsessing) about my trip I've decided to take the opportunity to learn more about the area, it's culture and history and start some Spanish lessons. I figure that by the time I get there I'll have a better appreciation and be able to enjoy all the sights and sounds better. So with my bag already packed and plans made for pre-op and after I went searching for some free Spanish lessons. I just wanted to share some in case anyone else might want to learn or brush up a bit before the big day. For anyone with an ipad check out the iTunesU course selection. There's a good Spanish I course from Arkansas that includes a full color textbook, and everything you need is included (quizzes, videos, audio and PDF's to print and save as reminders. I also came across another interesting looking course that BBC put together. http://www.bbc.co.uk/languages/spanish/mividaloca/full_details.shtml So for the next month and a half I'll be trying to learn a bit, not sure how much will stick but at least it will help pass the time. Does anyone have any language or travel tips to share for the big day?

Thanks Ivonneh, I don't think I'll have any problems translating but wanted to learn a bit, you know when in Rome and all that I've got a translator app on standby just in case. I do think it's funny that some people complain that the nurses don't all speak english, O.o seriously? I did have some travel questions, like will I need an adapter for my electronics but thanks to google it looks like they are the same as in the states. I knew europe was different but had never thought about outlets in Mexico. I'll need to look up taking food across the border, we're driving out to San Diego so we'll be packing a cooler for the road trip and was wondering if we'll need to pack just enough for the road trip or if hubby can take it across with some Snacks while I'm in the hospital.

Just remember that they work with overweight wonderful people everyday, it's their business and they've learned the best ways to deal with things like limited mobility, specific health needs like cpap for apnea, high bloodpressure, diabetes, etc. I had my own freak out this week, mine was regarding needing a wheelchair to get around long distances. I have a back injury that has kept me wheelchair bound for long distances but I can get up and walk in short bursts after surgery so that shouldn't be a problem. I was just worried about fitting a wheelchair in for the ride across the border, etc. I've seen posts where people have said the van was packed. So I freaked, what if I couldn't have my chair like I needed!? My husband calmly brought me back down to earth and reminded me that it's their job to make us comfortable on this journey. I spoke to my coordinator and feel much better. <3 between alma and all you lovely posters I think I can do this and I know you can Amanda! Sending lots of love and good thoughts your way for an easy journey.