Any last minute suggestions?

[dmcguire0408 0]

So this is it, I am having my surgery in five days..just wondering if anyone has any last minute suggestions, things I should do to prepare. or just something you wish you would have done/known before surgery?

[TN_girl21 1]

Walk your butt off after surgery. It helps so much more than you realize! And also, don't let the pain get away from you. I accidently did that, and it was not fun. Take your pain medicine as soon as it's time. I was able to stop the pain meds on Saturday (I had surgery Wednesday). I was not very sore at all. I could get up and down by myself! Everyone is different though. I am 8 days post op, and feeling great!!!! And fair warning, get ready to be hungry when your swelling goes down! I called my doctor 5 days post op and he let me move onto full liquids early. And actually let me move onto soft foods 1 week early! Get your liquids in! And I can't say it enough...walk walk walk walk!!!

[mi_illusion_st 27]

First off Congratulations on your new life ahead of you.

Get a heating pad if you dont have one it helps with aches and with gas too. Go into surgery

with the attitude that as soon as you can get up and walk that thats what you will do.GOOD LUCK!

[dmcguire0408 0]

ahh I keep reading that....the hunger part!!!! My doctor and nutritionist made it seem like it would a struggle to get all the liquids in....and I keep seeing the opposite on here! It's making me nervous!!! I will definitely get my butt walking. Thanks for the advice!!! And congrats on the surgery.

[TN_girl21 1]

You will be able to get your liquids in. You shouldn't have any difficulty and plus you can't let yourself get dehydrated. I forgot about a heating pad, that's a great suggestion too!

[Catherine55 43]

Congratulations!!! Here is my advice:

1. TAKE YOUR MEASUREMENTS NOW, if you haven't already! You are definitely going to want this info later!!

2. TAKE A BUNCH OF BEFORE PHOTOS! You don't have to look at them now if you don't want, but you will for sure want them for comparison's sake later on!

3. Pack lip balm for your hospital stay. You'll probably be thirsty and your lips may feel dry after surgery.

4. Walk after surgery (great advice from the earlier poster) to help move out the gas.

5. If this kind of thing is helpful to you, write out a post-op plan for success (i.e. what you are going to do to make it work). Here is a link to the one I made, in case you're interested! Chronicles from Band Land: Reflections on Pre-op Journal II

I hope that helps! You are in for a wonderful year of amazing changes! I hope it goes very well and am sending best wishes for your success!

All the best,

Catherine