Pre surgery questions?

Okay I don't have a date yet but should very soon. I have my sleep study this coming wed and that is it. So with knowing that I could very possibly be having surgery in the next month or 2, I want to start preparing. I have really learned alot from this site so I thought bringing my questions here would be the best.... plus I think it will help the others that are preparing for their upcoming surgery. So if you don't mind I would like any and all advice, good bad and ugly..... and any words of wisdom? and I have a couple questions. I hope they don't sound too stupid. 1. What should you have stocked up for before you go in for surgery (as in protein shakes, powder, broth, etc)? and what were some things that you stocked up on and didn't need or something that you wish you would have had? 2. What should you take to the hospital? Are there things you didn't take that should have or things you did take and shouldn't have? 3. Complications? Did you have any? 4. Now that you have had the surgery, looking back would you have done anything different? (besides having it done sooner lol) ex. walked more, had more help, took more time off work, etc. 5. And for those that have children at home. How long was it before you felt somewhat back to normal to where you could take care of the kids by yourself? I have my MIL living next door and my mom will be staying with us for a week after but just wanted to know if she should stay longer or not. Want to be prepared. 6. Last and final question......... I need an angel Any takers?

1. don't go overboard on what you buy. Get a few cans of broth, some sf popsicles, carnation instant breakfast, vitamins and protein powder samples. 2. For sure you need chapstick! I also took my own pillows, my fan, a robe and slippers, toothbrush and toothpaste, hair brush and shampoo. 3. Yes i had complications but it wasn't from the surgery itsself. I had undiagnosed sleep apnea and stopped breathing. You can read about it on my profile. 4. I would have taken charge of my care. Since my surgeon didn't have me do a sleep study i thought i was lucky. I had all the signs of sleep apnea, i would fall asleep driving even. I should have demanded one. Also i wish i would have shaped up a little before, like walking and taking vitamins...i was stupid. 5. Since i was on a vent for a week, i lost a lot of muscles and could barely walk or take care of myself....i was also on oxygen 24 hours. My husband stayed with me at home for about two weeks, after that my kids helped me.

Omgo****o think I was actually trying to to talk the dr out of having the sleep apnea test. I don't have any of the symptoms so I figured it was a waste of time. But now I am glad that I am having it done, you just never know ! I am so glad your okay ! Thank you for your input ! It's just little things that can end up being the greatest advice. ~~Rona

I am glad you asked the questions so I did not have to. I am waiting for my surgery date and I am excited and scared well I am every emotion you could probably have. I hope all goes well with you. Hope to hear from you soon

All great questions..ones I've often thought about myself! I look forward to reading the answers that you get! Shawna who's still in the pre-surgery stage.

Thanks Shawna ! I hope they can be some help to you and others as well. I really believe that hearing the stories, horror ones too.... kinda helps prepare us for whatever might happen. Have you got a date yet ? ? Where are you having it done at ? ~~Rona

I agree that its great to hear stories (both good and bad). I don't have a date. I'm still in the pre-stages I guess. I've got to do a 6 week class and I just started my 1st class last week. I've got all of my appointments made (for full physical, sleep apnea test, physc. eval. etc. They're ALL the 2nd week of March..busy week!) Blood work has been done. I think other than that, I just wait. And at some point, I will be going in to see the surgeon. I'm going thru Ingham Bariatrics. For several reasons, but 1, I have a 2 year old daughter. My husband works 1.5 hours away and to travel while I'm in the hospital or needing to get to appointments would be hard. I think sticking closer to home will be best for us, all around. I look forward to following your journey! Best wishes!!!

1 nothing 2 chapstick 3 nothing 4 nothing 5 my kids are old enough to bother their friends parents 6 i would but i'm mean kp

thats okay cause i'm mean too

I stocked up on sugar free jello...and still have the whole lot...lol some sugar free pudding, some broth, wylers has an awesome one, some popsicles, my protein powders, unflavored and chocolate unjury, I still have alot uflavored left as once I was able to do skim milk, I just use the chocolate. The unflavored is good in broth though as long as it isn't too hot, also a few cans of cream soups. I took the basics, toiletries, chap stick (carmax) my daughter works with patients in hospitals and this was what she recommends, and mouthwa****ook nightgowns but used hospital gown. And I never used my slippers, just the footies they gave. No complications for me at all. Leak test wasn't as bad as I thought. I wasn't in much pain at all. I was very surprised. Walked more before, walked more , walked more. I don't have kids at home but have 2 grown men...just like having kids..lol I went shopping 2 days after I was home, and was cooking dinner. But just do't overdoit...know when to stop. 6. Last and final question......... I need an angel Any takers? What does an angel do...? Good Luck , hope it's soon for you. Join us on the losers bench!!!