Words of advice

Tuesday is my surgery date!!   So here is my question.  Is there one thing (or several things) that you feel you wish you would have known in those first few days post op that would have made those days better? Can you please share those tidbits of wisdom  with me? It can be nutrtional info or any other kind of info. One I got is don'****ch TV, get movies, cause every other comercial is for food!!

Thanks for everyting I have gained rom you s far. Wish me luck!!

shannon

Congratulations on your upcoming surgery!  I wish you the very best.  The best advice I can give you is to "speak up" if you are uncomfortable post-op......nausea....ask for something.  As soon as your able to get up and walk............do it, with a little help of course.  It helps with gas!!  It is dry in the hospital....bring some chapstick.  I brought other stuff and didn't end up using anything, so travel light!!   I recovered quite quickly.........I'm out 16 days and feel really really good!!  Take care...........you will do great!!

 First of all, Congrats on getting surgery! 
When I was post surgery, I spent most my time each day on this forum! Rely on the sources you have for support, and take it easy on yourself, but still get up to walk a little everyday. Good luck!
Steph

Congrats on your upcoming surgery.  You will soon by on the "loser's bench".  :)

As for the food commercials...they don't bother me.  I am 8 days post-op and I'm just not hungry.  I never thought I would say those words as I have always been hungry.  I have to force myself to eat when its time. 

Do travel light..you won't use half the stuff you bring.  I did fine in the hospital, but be prepared for your emotions to go coo-coo for a while.  I didn't plan my date very well...just took the first one...and I'm a week from my cycle so my hormones are all over the place.  Accept the fact that your life is about to change for the better and embrace it.

The other thing I would do is journal.  It will really help.  Even journaling on here is good.

Good luck and keep us posted!!

Use the pain medication if you need it. I sort of let the nurses talk me out of using it and looking back, my first 36 hours didn't have to be as bad as they were. Walk, even though you won't want to.

Congratulations first off!

Use your pain meds if needed, on time so they work correctly.

Get up and walk ASAP.

When you are allowed water, start sipping and sip some more.

Before Tuesday, take your pre-op pictures, take your measurements and KEEP your pre-op picture outfit.  When you feel things are going slow, put that outfit on; you'll confirm you made the right choice.

Come to the boards as much as you can for support.  Read and read more and feel free to ask questions.  If you have any situation that your doctor needs to know about please do not hesitate to call; you and/or your insurance paid him well.  He is there for YOU.

Great list, cajungirl!

The only thing I'd add is to be prepared that, at some point during the first week or two, you will likely have thoughts that you made the biggest mistake of your life by having the surgery! Many people have a tough time emotionally during that first week or two -- I was no exception. But it's helpful to know in advance that the mood swings are going to happen -- hold on tight and ride that emotional rollercoaster, and soon the clouds will lift and you'll start feeling a lot better.

Personally, I had some major (but incredibly rare) complications in the early going -- and I STILL would have my RNY again in a heartbeat. I am so much more active, fit and content than I was just a year ago.

All the best on your journey to better health,

Laura

Congrats on your upcoming surgery!!  The best advice I got may seem odd, but it helped greatly.  Bring a small-ish pillow, something you hold against your stomach on the ride home.  I had a 45 minute ride back and the roads out here in western NY need some work for sure.  You feel every single bump.  Having the pillow pressed against my tummy helped so much!  Also, as others have mentioned, you don't need to bring a lot.  I packed way too much.  And also that first night, I can't speak for everyone, but I was so out of it all I did was sleep, walk a bit and then sleep some more.  Keep hydrated, little sips, walk as much as you can, and get your pain meds as needed.  You're going to do great!  Best of luck and keep us posted!

good luck and prayers for a speedy uneventful surgery! for me having my plush comfy robe at the hospital made me alot more comfortable...after getting home having my dad stay with me for a couple of weeks helped alot too cause i just couldnt stand the smell of food let alone make it..so he cooked for my hubby and himself while i took naps and watched tv and sipped on water. the protein shakes i was drinking post surgery did NOT work after surgery..it all tasted like **** and i gagged on every one of them..try different kinds until you find something that works for you..for me i found that making flavored tea like chai tea or vanilla tea and using unflavored protien powder from gnc with a little splash of milk was my saving grace at getting in my protein. i would have and still have 3-4 cups of tea everyday. i also didnt know how truly emotionally attached i was to food and found that alot of people here have said the same thing...be prepared to experience grief over loosing food. the omg what did i do to myself wont last for long and before you know it you will be feeling mentally and physically better and moving forward with your new life.
hope this helps a little
:)

I  am  8  weeks post op...... when the heck do I quit mourning the loss of food ?