What will I need post-op?

[Chele6378 0]

Good Morning!!

My surgery is next tuesday and I'm trying to be as prepared as possible. What are things that I will need post-op? So far my list consists of Protein powders, popsicles and sugar free Jello.

What other things will I need? What did you need that you forgot?

Help! I can't believe it's only a week away. It's surreal...

[krstjump03 0]

My mom brought me Soup at hands..it is great since i dont have to get my pots out from under the counter (4 days post op) just throw them in the microwave. You may want to get a strainer...the ones with the teeny metal holes in them. I got a pack at target with 3 different sizes, one fits over a pot, one over a soup bowl and one over a cup. A bottle/jug that has the oz. noted on the side is very handy. I am having trouble getting all my fluids in right now and just having that tic mark on there reminds me I better get to sipping. Good Luck on your surgery!

[vlp1968 83]

Bring a soft pillow with you to the hospital. It will make the seatbelt much for comfortable on the way home. Lipbalm is helpful, your lips will get very dry. You might want chicken and/or beef broth. Good luck on your surgery. You are starting a whole new way of live!

[BetsyB 9]

If you can, fill your pain med Rx ahead of time--one less thing to worry about. (I also got my bariatric Vitamins in advance--chewable instead of the caps my surgeon provides.)

My diet advanced from clear liquid to puree 3 days post-op, so having good Protein, a Magic Bullet, some broths, etc. handy to make "meals" is helpful.

[Nancy6015 0]

Make sure none of your regular meds are extended release or sustained release, if they are, have your doctor write new Rx.

Get a pill crusher for the meds you take, and mix the crushed meds with sugar free pudding.

I find that boullion and V-8 juice taste pretty good after all the sweet stuff I have been eating!

oatmeal and Cream of Wheat (both thinned with skim milk) are good to have on hand. Low fat yogurt, too.

My doctor had me on liquids for 2 weeks before surgery and 2 weeks after surgery ... tomorrow is the end of those 4 weeks!

Edited January 18, 2010 by Nancy6015
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[JeweI 2]

Don't forget the before pics. I used gas-x strips too. They helped partly.

[Melinco 1]

Heating pad - helps with that shoulder pain caused by gas.

Gas-x strips

Pillows, blanket for while laying on couch

All the food needs as mentioned above

Get all your prescriptions filled prior to the surgery. Also, look for the liquid tylenol for pains that aren't severe enough for your Rx pain meds.

Slippers or slip on shoes for day of surgery, comfy pants (no zipper or belt), and a button up or zip up top (easy to put on so you don't have to lift your arms above your head).

Sunglasses - when we left the surgery center, it was so bright outside (after being inside) that the sun seem a lot brighter than usual.

I think the most important thing is to have someone available to help you. I found it really hard the first two days (including the day of) to get up off the couch or even off the toilet. I needed Hubby there to help me, I'd hold his hands and he'd help me scootch to the edge of the couch, then I'd use my legs to lift myself up.

Good luck! Before you know it, you'll be one month post op like I am and thinking you're ready for your first fill.