Tips for post surgery

Hi all,

I am coming to the end of all my appointments and tests and happily, all have gone well. I am hoping for a surgery date early in the new year, fingers crossed.

I am a 46 year old single mom to a soon to be 13 year old and a soon to be 11 year old. Their dad is involved on a very part time basis and can't be relied upon for any sort of extended childcare. I am fortunate enough to have a supportive (but live-out) boyfriend, who has offered to take some time off work to stay with the kids and I to help out post sx.

But I am wondering: do any of you have any little tips, tricks of the trade or things you found out the hard way, that would be helpful to someone like myself who will not have a full time "wing man" so to speak for a prolonged period post bypass?

I know the basics: stock my freezer ahead of time, buy all the supplements and powders and so forth so they're on hand, but I'm wondering about the stuff you find out by experience only.

I am so happy to have found this site! What amazing souls there are out there.  You are all W.O.N.D.E.R.F.U.L.!!!

Thanks a bunch!

 

 

 

I had pre cooked frozen 7 meals.house cleaned and groceries for kids to help my hubby out all my vitamins gravol laundry done the rest he wil have to do you will be woman down and not moving to far for about a week i think once i stopped my oxy i felt better with more energy i am day 6 and feel great no oxy for 2 days

When my kids were that age they each had to help with cooking one dinner a week, might be fun to spend the time beforehand surgery to teach them how and what to cook as well as help with laundry and basic house work.  I was a full time student with 3 children and needed the help.

I went grocery shopping with my daughter (16 at the time) and had her buy the type of frozen entre she wanted to eat, bought them and she tried them over a couple of weeks.  Eliminated ones she didn't care for and tried a few others and refined the list to foods she would and could eat herself, so she was on her own after my surgery.  Didn't have a problem, our freezer was stocked with her choices, she fared well for herself and since she had picked them all and reviewed them, food was not an issue.  She even cleaned a couple of times (gasp!)! Good luck!

I too stocked my freezer with lasagna, spaghetti sauce, chili, shepherds pie etc. stuff I knew my fan would enjoy. I made sure laundry was done and kitchen was clean. Hubby isn't my 3 kids dad so it was very different for him to be responsible and I think he was a bit overwhelmed being mom for the 4 days I was in hospital. Just plan ahead as much as possible. At least your kids are a little older and will hopefully be pretty helpful!
Good luck!

congrats - you are really ahead of the game and very organized. Beside the freezer and vit's... as somebody did also post make sure the laundry and floors are done so they can wait for a bit. I did not have to take any pain meds (beside some liquid children Tylenol - so I was lucky)

The "live-out" boyfriend is nice right now - because I did like the bed by myself the first week - so I could logroll from side to side. Try to avoid using your abdominals the first week. (sit on bed - and "fall" sideways) .

Beside the vit's etc. I would also get Benefibre - sugar twin packets - a nice (decaf) thee that you would enjoy - and why not a wonderful book to pamper yourself a bit. :)  

Best of luck - you are extremely well prepared.

:)

Mar.

Be patient and kind with yourself.

 

welcome to OH.

This is a little different type of tip, but mine is to NOT test the waters carb wise and trigger wise, until you hit goal.  Surprisingly most of us don't crave junk food or really anything for a while.  Once you have tasted/tested something, your taste tends to come back for it.  I hadn't tasted a potato chip until I was about 6 months out (my big trigger) and the first couple, I didn't really care for, so allowed myself a couple here and there, no biggie.  Well I like them now and wish I didn't!  Crackers, bread, chips, sugar, popcorn etc., are not your friend and are not good for you, even if your centre allows them (I really can't believe when they do) and the longer you hold out, the less you crave, the faster you lose.

 

All the best!

You guys are awesome! Thank you all for your responses and tips and, for taking the time out of your busy days to drop a line!

I forgot to mention in my first message that I will be having my surgery at St. Mike's and, that I started the whole preliminary process back in April 2012. As noted, I am coming to the end of my appointments and, am eager for a surgery date! Like crazy!

I certainly am trying to be organized and on top of things - having been a single mom for nine years, it's a trick of the trade! :-)  I intend to have a well stocked freezer and pantry and, to have a shelf that looks like a health food store (protein powders, vits, etc) to boot!!!

I also really liked the tip about "log rolling" on the bed! Good one! I've had two abdominal surgeries in past (c-section and gall bladder) so am mentally prepared for the discomfort coming my way once I see this thing through! I remember pillows, lots and lots of pillows, being my friends!!

My beau is SO considerate and, in addition to taking time off work for me post surgery, he is also treating me to a new bed as he knows I love my extra firm and well...mine's close to ten years old now (yes, I know...). What a doll. He wants me to be as comfortable as possible post surgery. That's just me bragging for a minute!

I am not a tv watcher at all, so am hoping that I can manage to stay awake to read while I recoup. Between that and my laptop, hopefully I can stay sedate for a while.

I must admit I'm getting a bit anxious regarding how my kids are going to handle all this. I haven't mentioned anything yet because I don't have a surgery date but, both my son and my daughter are incredibly protective of me and hate it even when I have a cold.  This will be a learning curve for all, for sure!

Again, please accept my sincere thanks for all of you who have dropped me a line and even those who just stopped by to read! Hoping you're all having a great day out there, despite all the grey! Blech.

 

 

Had my surgery last Tuesday home Thursday and feeling good. The one thing I wasnt prepared for was boredom!  I have lots of movies, books etc. just cant seem to get into them. I'm an A type personality and this has been a challenge, to slow down. I know how important it is. I would suggest to think of things to do while recovering.

 

good luck and best wishes for a safe and uneventful surgery