Need help making a pre-op checklist

[freedom4emjay 24]

I am so excited, only 3 more weeks until my surgery day!! I have been on this journey for some time now and now that it is so close, I would like help making a pre-op checklist. I guess I am looking for things that were important, or things you wished you would of done before surgery. With the Holidays coming up, I would like to be prepared. Thank you in advance!! :rolleyes:

[dylanmiles23 2,198]

Good luck. I love my band. Things I did not do before the band are take pictures, front, side, back any. I have noticed that some people when they take their before pictures they keep the clothes and every so often take up dates with those clothes to show how big the clothes are. Great idea. Also, I never took measurements. I do regret that. Other than that, I can't think of anything.

[Jim1967 3,569]

Make sure you get some Vitamins in chewable form for post op. Also, do you know if you're staying over night at the hospital? I was not allowed to eat or drink after surgery. I had some Biotene on hand to swab my dry throat.

[Bandista 7,466]

Hi there and congratulations on your surgery date. I'm going soon and getting some things together based on various suggestions. I will be in the hospital for one night as they do a barium swallow the following morning to make sure band is all set before release. Here's my list:

Pillow for hospital and small firm pillow for coughing and ride home

Robe for walking around after the surgery

Slip-on shoes for same...

Earplugs/earphones (I am sound sensitive)

iPad, cell phone, charger

Journal, pen, book

My CPAP machine, sigh

Water (for my machine and for drinking -- don't like city water)

Toothbrush/paste

Carmex

Biotene -- new to list, thanks!

Gas-x strips for car ride

Home:

Fresh sheets on bed

Heating pad

Papaya enzymes

Milk of magnesia

Stool softeners

Prescription pain meds filled

liquid Tylenol

Popsicles

Teas -- ginger, Decaf black, Kukicha (what I usually drink), peppermint

I have one day Clear liquids then a week of full liquids, so making sure we have stuff on hand as I won't be out shopping, etc.:

Protein shakes

broth

Boxed organic creamy Soups (I like Pacific brand)

Hot Cereal for thinning out (have not figured this out)

fruit juice

More Popsicles!

[FaithfulOne 21]

Nothing to add...just wanted to say congrats to almost being there! Its so exciting yet scary but you will do great!

[Leena 108]

Bandista- if you're going the thinning out cream of wheat route, just remember it's high in Iron and may constipate you a bit, or a lot.

Bandista's list is great. The only thing I'd add is a recliner. I slept in mine the first week as it was sooo comfy. Also a small shot glass. It helped me remember to take small sips in the beginning.

The pillow for the car ride home is ESSENTIAL! Hold it on your stomach for the bumps.

Make sure you have something comfy to come home in (think yoga pants, sweats, loose shirts, etc) You're probably not going to want to put on jeans.

I really overdid it with buying broth, trust me you are not going to need a case of it. A few cans/boxes will suffice. Popsicles however- buy a few boxes of those as they're good. Or maybe it was all the pain pills that made them good.

And, after surgery your tastes may change a bit. I went from loving the taste of Atkins shakes to absolutely not being able to stomach them. So you might want to have a backup shake on hand or be able to send someone out for them. At that point premixed ones are good just to see if you like it.

[Amy Carter 67]

I like the boost calorie smart shakes (chocolate only). It has less calories and more Protein than the boost high Protein Shakes.< /p>

[sengelken 51]

Great list guys! Just what I needed, too!