Getting Ready

[Barbee 1]

My surgery is one week from today and I'm nervous about what I should have ready for when I come home.

They gave me a 4 page list but I'm fairly sure the only items that are critical is the Protein Drink and Vitamins the rest were puddings, snack and drinks and more vitamins etc.

From experience... just what will I need when I first come home?

My husband is going for hip surgery right after me so I won't have anyone to shop for me afterwards.

[Rsilversea 2]

Get enough Vitamins, broth, Jello for as long as you will be on liquids. Definitely make sure you have enough Water and Protein Drinks. Don't forget your medication. You will need this to keep comfortable. Even if you don't need it during the day, be sure to take some before bed so you can rest. Unfortunately, you will probably have to get it the day after surgery (get whatever the doc prescribes). I wasn't real hungry for the first couple of days so I ended up with more broth and Jello than I needed (and wanted ever to see again).

[Barbee 1]

My regular doctor gave me Darvocet.... that will work. I hate the way these pain drugs make me feel. When I was on Lortabs I had terrible nightmares and nausea.

Thank you.

How long before I can actually chew food?

[juliansmom2003 3]

Did your doc or nut provide you with a meal progression plan? I think I was on Clear Liquids for days 1-8, then full liquids for days 8-15, mushies days 15-22, soft days 23-30 and then regular food. Every doc is different though, so you might want to ask what the recommended meal progression looks like for post-op patients.

For right after surgery, I lived on Jello, broth, sugar free popsicles, crystal light/water and of course you will need Protein mix. Darvocet is good. As long as you have some kind of pain meds available when you need them!! You will need to be sure you have Vitamins on hand as well.

Good luck! You must be SO excited!!

[Barbee 1]

They gave me a pile of paperwork but they are all pre surgery so I have no clue what to expect later.

Excited? Noooooo I'd say scared is about how I feel. Which is why I came here. I am looking for reassurance that I'm doing the right thing.

I want to lose weight, diets don't work for me.... but I still want to enjoy food even in small amounts. I won't mind the liquid diets as long as I don't have hunger pangs because I get nasty ones that make me shake and then I overeat to compensate.

Proteins satisfy my hunger for hours and hours... besides the Protein drink, what other liquid has Protein that I can drink to stave away hunger?

[okiegirl79 1]

As soon as you are off your pain meds you should be able to drive no problem. I was banded on a Wednesday and was back to work on Monday.

I liked to eat SF popscicles (sp?) after surgery..I was so sick of pudding I have not eaten any to this day! The hot chicken and beef broth was good too!

Good luck with surgery!

Banded 10/14/09

[Barbee 1]

You can have pudding? But not until later, right?

[okiegirl79 1]

Your right..it was Clear Liquids at first but I could have Protein Shakes.< /span>

When I got off clear liquids into full liquids I also liked the soup-in-the-hand creamy chicken Soup. It actually was filling and didn't taste bad at all. I could drink them from my desk at work.

[okiegirl79 1]

I forgot to tell you...

You asked about additional protein...

One thing that I have recently found... thanks to my doctor.. are these soy Snacks (for when you get to this point in your diet) they are called Proti Soy Snax and they have 110 calories and 15 grams of protein- The bbq ones are really yummy. They look like Kix Cereal and taste like those firesticks (just not as spicy).

I have a hard time finding ANY Protein that I like..or can choke down without gagging. I have spent a small fortune on different types of protein. I do like Isagenix Isalean shakes. They are yummy when made into a smoothie with water-a little banana-and a little Peanut Butter. I actually look forward to them.

One thing that I am going to try...Isopure Zero carb clear protein drinks. I heard the grape is good and you can add a little CL lemonade.

Take care and good luck!!!

[Barbee 1]

I bought a Protein drink from GNC that was very expensive. Before I open it I should check with you people to make sure I got the right stuff.

It's AMP (Amplified Wheybolic Extreme 60

60 grams of Protein for 3 scoops. I got the strawberry. Will that work?

Is this what you call a shake?

[btrieger 21]

Do not over-think this. You are not going to be bedridden following surgery.

You just need enough to get you through the night.

[okiegirl79 1]

Well, every doctor is different so you have to follow YOUR doctor and I would definitley check with the dietician or dr. before opening that.

Yes..I use 1 scoop of Protein powder-8ozs. water/skim milk-1/2 banana-2 T natural peanut butter-and ice and that is my shake. Some just mix their Protein Powder with liquid and shake it up and that is a "shake" I just don't like them that way so I have always blended them and my doc and dietician was fine with it.