Postop

Here's a pretty good list. You can pick & choose what appeals to you: sleep Mask, or Eye Mask Ear Plugs Backscratcher Lip Balm Moisturizer Breath Spray Deoderant All of your prescription medicines in their original packaging CPAP machine and mask if you use one Own soap, shower gel, shampoo, conditioner hair brush or comb Hairdryer Toothpaste, tooth brush, mouthwash Cotton panties Warm socks (though many hosps. give you the ones w/treads so you can walk easily) Sports top/bra or bra with no wire Sleepwear Robe (even if you decide to wear the hosp. gown this is good for when you walk around the halls postop to cover your butt ) Loose clothes for the trip home Slip on shoes & slippers Ipod/mp3 player A book or magazine Glasses A small amount of money Possible credit card if needed for TV/phone rental Pillow- extra comfort and drive home. Cell phone and charger Camera for those attractive gown shots TV Guide or other mags/books Pen & paper Cardigan Portable DVD Player Laptop-especially for the bored but loving support person The best things I brought were Chapstick (it's incredibly dry in the hospital) and a large robe to put over the hospital gown.

Is it standard to get the blood thinning injections during your stay (and some given for your return home)? Not that I know of (unless you need them). Is it standard to get the blood clot prevention boots after the operation? (They are like huge blood pressure cuffs that squeeze your legs). Yes, wore them for days & had a Foley catheter for a couple of days as well. What were you offered by way of food and drinks? Was it bullion type broth, just Water etc.? Yes, liquids to sip the next day (water & Gatorade, also Soup which I didn’t eat) and a lump of turkey the next evening. My DS nutrit. had told me what to eat and drink (as the hospital wasn’t great with what it offered WLS patients). Are you given any meds to go home with, and if so what? Yes, Vicodin. Nowadays, I believe they give Percocet. Were you given information packs for your future eating, drinking regime? A lot of documentation before surgery so I could familiarize myself with it. If you PM me your email, I can send what I have in an email attachment [for gastric bypassers]. Were you allowed to wear your panties during the operation? Maybe paper ones? No, nothing. They want a clear path. No shaving, though. Does your nail varnish have to come off? Finger, toes or both? No, as they use pulse oximeter, it wasn’t necessary, but I did it anyway just to be sure.

Also, how often are you weighing yourself?

No one knows except my immediate family & physicians (that need to).

I eat every couple of hours as well. Pretty much Protein, but I do "go" 3-5 times a day. This has been how it is since I had the DS. The DSers I know vary with how much they "go". Some once in the morning. Some twice a day & others more like me. I guess I'm lucky. My DS nutrit. really knows her stuff. She guided me in the beginning & I guide her now. She's always willing to learn & not lump us in with RNYers or sleevies.