I'm at home recovering from my surgery on Jan. 14th. First of all, it's not as bad as you can possibly anticipate. The only real pain is the gas that has lodged in my shoulder. The stiches (glue, actually) in my abdomen don't hurt and my stomach is tight but not sore. The gas however is quite painful. Walking and exercising my arm and shoulder have helped.
I am having no problem with food or diet. I will just tell you what I did and you can take it from there. Two weeks prior to surgery I removed all "no-no" foods from one cabinet and filled it with nothing but Protein Drinks (several different kinds) shakes, boxes, boxed Rice Dream, Protein Bars (for later) creamed Soups, Jello, broth, herbal teas, clear Fruit Drinks and Water. I filled all my empty water bottles from my tap which is well water. I have a drawer in the kitchen with my journal, pens, blood test kit, blood pressure machine, insulin and all meds. I cleaned out my refrigerator and freezer so that there is nothing in the house that I can "cheat" with. I live alone so this is easier than having a family around. If that were the case I would just isolate a "space" for my infirmary and supply closet and not venture elsewhere.
As for pre-op diet I started on January 1st, 2 weeks prior to surgery and eased myself into the post-op diet. My body got used to Protein drinks and water and around 800 calories so that post-op I'm feeling no hunger at all. If you can't have a cheeseburger post-op why eat one two days prior to surgery? In your head you haven't given up this type of food yet. Wrap your head around the fact that you won't be eating like you have been ever, ever again.
I have been sleeping a lot and very soundly. I'm taking liquid hydro-codeine which is powerful. Today I switched to liquid Tylenol. Other than the slowly easing gas pain in my shoulder I am feeling really good. Lots of energy and a positive attitude. I followed the doctor's instructions to a T and my reward was uneventful surgery, quick recovery and a positive attitude. Do what your doctor tells you!!!
I hope this helps. Take everything you think you might need to the hospital although they are good about supplying all the comforts. The best thing I took was a sippy cup and it was GREAT! I read that tip here in this forum and it was the best thing I did. Even the doc and nurses were commenting on how efficient it was. You need to keep drinking water all the time and they provided a plastic glass and pitcher, very labor intensive when you're flat on your back. The sippy cup stays in bed with you, doesn't leak and is so easy to use.
From reading these letters it seems to me that attitude is the most important component for successful surgery. The physical part is a breeze. Judyx3