Quick Glimpse of Pre-op need to know, do's & don'ts, hospital/home checklist

[Karishero 57]

Here's a compilation of the information that i have found during researching. Some from other posts and some from websites. I am not a medical professional. Just a individual who is about to journey down the same road as you are. My VSG consult apt is Jan 15th Fort Worth, TX.

Many of you have inspired me and helped me make this process some what less nerve racking so I thought the least I could do was share the knowledge.

Feel free to list any additional tips or advise that i may have overlooked.

Sleeve Stomach Comparison/Concept:

Stomach is going from the size of a Football to the size of a plastic Easter egg.

Your stomach has to learn to eat again just like an infant, first liquids, then puree, then soft, then normal food.< /p>

What to take to hospital:

Eye Mask/Ear Plugs

Lip Balm

Shampoo, conditioner

Toothbrush

Phone Charger

Gas X strips or chewable

Robe

Personal meds

Blanket

Heating pad

stomach binder to support stomach/Pillow

Things to have at home POST OP:

Multi-Vitamins chewable/liquid-Don’t take at the same time as Calcium and Iron

Biotin-hair loss prevention

Vitamin D

Iron-B12(sublingual)/Calcium-Don’t take at same time or with Multi take at least 2hrs apart or they will contradict each other.

Clear liquid

Protein Shake (Isopure, Muscle Milk, whey Protein etc).

Popsicles/SF Fudge Pops

SF Jell-O

SF- Hawaiian Punch/Kool-Aid

Italian Shaved Ice-SF

Diet V8-Splash

Decaffeinated Tea

Torani flavored sweeteners for shakes

Broth-cubes

Water-Gatorade G2-Smart Water-Propel Zero

100%juice

Crystal Light-varieties

Mio-flavor for Water

Full Liquids

Cream Soups

Almond Milk/Soy Milk/Skim Milk

Cream of Wheat

Yogurt

Carnation Breakfast-SF with skim milk

SF- pudding (skin or soy milk)

Do’s & Don’t s

Don’t drink with a straw

Don’t drink while you eat or 30min before or after

Avoid carbonated drinks

Avoid caffeine

Avoid gassy or greasy foods

Chew food and eat slowly

Stay upright for 30 min to hour after eating or take short walk after meal

Eat at least 2hrs before going to bed

Sip, Sip Sip 48-64oz of Fluid daily

Stop eating at first sign of fullness

Avoid hard candy and gum

Things to remember after surgery:

You are learning how to eat all over again so spitting up or vomiting from time to time is ok. This actually can last for up to 8wks post op or longer if you eat too much or too fast.

Swelling in the abdomen, It takes approximately 7-10 days for the swelling of the sleeve to go down. During this time you may have trouble with your intake but it will get better.

Thanks,

karishero

[Butterthebean 8,146]

You are well prepared.

Don't forget you're walking shoes for after surgery.

[notmeanymore 629]

Great list but Id like to add an extension cord for the hospital room. I found it to be the most valuable thing I brought. That way I could actually reach my phone and kindle when I needed it, even if they were charging. I did not need shampoo/conditioner/bodywash/toothpaste/toothbrush/mouthwash, the hospital provided it for me. I also brought my own pillow with a non-hospital looking pillow case just in cause they scooped it up while cleaning.

I had a private room so I did not need the eye mask or ear plugs and they also provided me with a bari-bear (a Teddy Bear for my tender tummy). I had all the blankets I ever needed too, when I wanted another one they brought it.

I did need my chapstick though

Its awesome that you have researched so thoroughly! Great job.

[Butterthebean 8,146]

I have to say, I did bring my phone and iPad....and didn't touch either. I was either sipping, walking, trying to pee or sleeping. I went home the day after surgery so there wasn't a lot of down time.

[johnlatte 1,232]

this is a great list! I was only in the hospital one night and half a day, and when in with a pair of sweat pants and came out the same way. Didn't need a toothbrush or shampoos. I literally stayed up all night after I woke up from recovery and just cat napped around the hits off the dilaudid. I had these plastic pump up leggings, that kept me up anyway (the pump was loud). The nurses kept coming in and checking my vitals, and sugars and breathing and changing my IV bag etc. I watched sportscenter until about 6:00am then put on my sneaker, made a bio stop and started walking up and down the halls. Then I started on the 1oz Water, 1oz Protein, and when home at about 3:00pm.

The do's and don'ts are good although I never quit caffeine I've never had any nausea or have slimmed or spit up though. Dr. prescribed Carafate and nexium to keep the gases and the stomach acids down.