SouthernFriedPugs

I'm on here because my sister just had bypass surgery on Monday so I really have no room to speak. However, I just want to tell all of you with unsupportive friends and family that they are jerks. I've seen how my sister has struggled since she was a child with weight. I've seen her lose and gain. I've seen her not go to amusement parks because she was terrified that she wouldn't fit on the rides. This surgery was an enormously difficult choice for her, but one she made for her physical and mental health. Anyone that sneers at you for "taking the easy way out" needs to be flogged. The easy way out is to give up. I didn't know a lot about these surgeries until my sister really started investigating them. Yes, they are drastic and life-changing. Isn't that the point? So is cancer treatment. No one tells a chemo patient they are taking the easy way out. That if they had just tried harder, they could have beat cancer. I applaud every single one of you. You are taking control over your life in a way that you couldn't before. I wish I could give you all hugs.

My sister will be having gastric bypass surgery on January 27. I am working on a care package for her. I'd like to get her a blender, maybe Protein powders, things like that. What would you recommend I get her to sort of start her out? Particular protein powders, blender (single serve), other nice things to have. She really doesn't like smoothies so this will be tough on her. I'm hoping to find things she'd like. She has kids and a husband who works out of state. I want to get things that will make her life easier and better. Suggestions? Thanks in advance, Southern Fried Pugs

I wish I could have stayed or brought her home with me. She lives in Nebraska, and I'm in Virginia. I couldn't take off more time from work or leave my dogs with friends any longer. I am calling and texting her several times a day. They are headed to the grocery store now to find something with Protein that she will drink. I'll keep at it. I guess worst case, she'll go back in the hospital. That might be better anyway. At least for now.

I want to thank everyone for your suggestions. Her surgery went well and she came home on Wednesday, probably a day too early. She's sleeping a lot. Like 20 hours a day. I had to come home, leaving her husband and kids to take care of her. Unfortunately, that's not going well. They won't wake her up to drink which is leading to dehydration. They are also not making her walk around. She's also experiencing a lot of pain and will be out of her Loratab tomorrow. She has a really bad headache which I've read can be dehydration, lack of Protein, coming off the morphine, etc. She has a low fever which will also make her feel terrible. Her surgery was Monday. When should she be feeling at least somewhat normal? Like able to stay awake for more than 15 minutes? She thinks that she should be better by now. I know everyone heals at a different pace but is there something that clearly says, go to the doctor? She distrusts the surgeon because they did something to her shoulder in surgery. Pulled her arm so bad that it pulled or tore her muscle. Everyone kept saying it was gas, but moving it in particular ways made her scream. We think they used it to pull her on to the table and won't admit it. They wouldn't do anything or won't until her first post-op appointment on Tuesday. I'm just at a loss for what to do long-distance.

Thank you for all your suggestions. I am flying to get to her so I can't bring any ready to drink shakes. I am sending her your recommendations though. I got her the unjury starter pack and a sampler from Vitalady. I'm also getting her a soft robe and slippers for the hospital because she wouldn't get that for herself. I am doing my best to be supportive of her. She's been freaking out and crying since Jan 8 when she got the surgery date. Where is the line between following your gut instinct and not giving into fear? She makes decisions (some terribly wrong ones) and then feels compelled to follow through because she said she would. I'm afraid that her stubbornness will win over any concerns that she has. I want her to do what is best for her and not because I bought an airplane ticket to be with her. What would you have liked to hear pre-surgery?