Letter To Your Caretakers

[NicoleW8ing 0]

Hey all--

I am going under the knife in about 48 hours, and I prepared a letter for those taking care of me, as it will be done in shifts for the first 72 hours or so. Lol. My dad on Thursday, my fiance on Friday, and my mom on Saturday. After that, I'm hoping not to need care and attention, but if so, who am I to complain. Hehe... Anywho, here is a little memo/reference guide I put together for them in case any of you would like to use. Make sure to modify for yourself, as I'm sure your individual surgeon's orders are different. It's good for a general overview type of thing.

Dr. __________ Office : XXX.XXX.XXXX

To my beloved caretakers—

Here are some things to know about what I have to or cannot do immediately following the surgery in case the pain meds make me forgetful, loopy, or lazy…

• Can NOT drink through a straw… must take SMALL sips out of a cup
  
  
• Can NOT have any type of carbonation, including soda
  
  
• MUST drink 1.5-2 ounces of Fluid every 15 minutes
  
  
• Can NOT guzzle or chug anything
  
  
• Can NOT eat anything/drink anything that does not pass the "pour" test. That is, can it easily be poured into another container? This means that pudding and Jello are a definite no-no as well as other "non-pourable" liquids until Dr. ______ gives the Okay
  
  
• MUST walk/move around at least once per hour, per Dr. _____ office
  
  
• Can NOT extend/twist/turn/lay on my abdomen so that the port, tubing, and band remain unagitated
  
  
• MUST take all required medications as to be prescribed and to include:
  
  • 1 dissolvable B12 per day
    
    
  • 1 ounce liquid Multi-Vitamin per day
    
    
  • 45-60 grams of Protein per day
    
    
  • Liquid Tylenol as needed
    
    
  • Gax-X capsule broken in mouth, liquid swallowed, and capsule removed as needed
    
    
  • 
    
    
  • 
    
    
  • 
    
    

  [*]MUST keep stockings on for circulation except when showering, per Dr. _____. Will need help putting them back on after showering, as they are very tight.

Here are some things to expect that are very normal immediately following my surgery:

• Chest, shoulder, side, and back pain – Even though these sites are no where near my incisions/stomach, they are residual gas pain. The changes to my digestive tract coupled with the surgery itself cause a large amount of gas buildup in the beginning. WALKING WILL MAKE THESE PAINS BETTER as well as the Gas-X
  
  
• Port Site Pain – This will be the most painful incision as it is the largest and most intrusive. Watch for excessive swelling (more than previous), funky discharge/discoloration as signs of infection. This spot is located upwards and to the left of my belly button (if you were looking at me)
  
  
• Headaches and Irritability – This ties into the extremely reduced calorie count. Just smack me in the teeth. I apologize in advance.
  
  
• Tiredness/Exhaustion – This is due to MANY factors and can be expected to last a few weeks. Reduced caloric intake and the after-effects of general anesthesia are to blame
  

Dr. __________ Office : XXX.XXX.XXXX

Edited May 6, 2008 by NicoleW8ing

[kathystrick 3]

What a good idea! Thanks for sharing!

Good luck Thursday and be sure to post and let us know how you're doing as soon as you feel up to it!

[NicoleW8ing 0]

What a good idea! Thanks for sharing!

Good luck Thursday and be sure to post and let us know how you're doing as soon as you feel up to it!

OOOOOooooo! Grats on your approval!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:lol::lol::lol::lol:

[mamamarie 0]

Great letter - Thanks! I have copied it and saved it to use when I have my surgery!

Good Luck on your surgery!!

[R Ellie 0]

Thanks for the letter. That will be very useful for the family. I'm a self pay and my surgery is scheduled May 22. I start my liquid program 5/8. I am ready. Good luck everyone! We can do this for our futures.

[gardengrl 0]

That was great. Thank you so much for putting this up! I will definitely use it for after my surgery!

[Hastings 3]

Are you having in or out patient surgery? Are you having it laproscopically?

[Kat817 19]

The crabbiness is also in part to pain medication.

Have you discussed with your Dr, how your pain meds are to be taken? If they have to be cut in half or altered in any way you might want to detail how to avoid being given a different amount!!

Good Luck to you, you will do fine! Look forward to seeing you in bandland!!!

Kathy---you got approved yesterday---YAY you!!!

Kat

[SeattleSweetie 5]

Submitted to insurance 4/14/08 - APPROVED 5/5/08

Congratulations!!!!!!!!!!