Surgery 5/31 - Need help!

Hello All.

I'm having the VSG with Dr. Ramaswamy in Columbia Missouri. I am 32 years old and have a great support system. I had my pre-op yesterday and I'm on my liquid diet. How do I do this for 3 weeks? I would like to know some info, I have three main questions. Please help if you can :)

1. I have had 3 c-sections in 7 years and I always go home the next day. I am planning on going home the next day with surgery as well. I have 1 week off of work, so I will not be working...would just rather be at home. Is that reasonable? 

2. I am flying for vacation on Monday (surgery on Tuesday, so 6 days later). I am traveling to Houston Texas to visit family and will be doted on as needed...so I'm not worried about hiking around amusement parks or anything like that. Just visiting and enjoying company. Is this reasonable?

3. What do I need to take the hospital? I have my protein drinks and my vitamins, and my mind is really blank about what else I might need to take. Please help me make a list!

Thank you all. Your prayers are appreciate too :)

Hi!

I'm pre op, but I've done a lot of reading here!

1. I think, baring complications, 1 day is reasonable... some go home in less... they do it out patient!

2. Flying should be fine at that point... folks get this done in Mexico and have to head home shortly after all the time!

3.  Basically the clothes you wear it you wear out... chap stick so I've heard... cell phone.  That seems to be about the basics from the vets!

Good luck!  You can add my prayers on to your list!!!  Can't wait to join you on the bench !

I had surgery on a Monday morning and didn't get to go home until Wednesday afternoon....I guess it depends on your surgeon.  I took 2 weeks off from work but could have gone back after a week.  (I have a desk job).  As far as flying to Houston, just don't over do it - you might still be tired from surgery.  For the hospital - don't over pack like I did!  Just comfy clothes to come home in, slippers and a robe for when you have to walk the hallways, chapstick, toothbrush, hairbrush, deoderant...thats about it. 
Good luck to you! Keep us posted!!!

I had my surgery on Monday, 3/28/11 and went home about noon the next day. I have a desk job, and I went back to work the next Monday. I wasn't 100%, but it was doable. Just don't lift anything over 10 lbs for about a month. You have internal stitches, and you don't want to pop them. So, get someone to move, carry, or put away your luggage when you fly. Walking will be fine and it is the preferred exercise after surgery. The liquid diet is portable. Just purchase 2 or 3 shaker bottles, and some of that shelf-stable skim milk (or use water) to mix with your protein powder while traveling. OR, you can take a thermos of broth or strained soup and just have water on the plane. Others prior to this post have made great suggestions for things you might like to take to the hospital. Pack lightly. Wear loose-fitting clothes to the hospital so you can wear them home, too (you don't want anything tight around your waist). My doctor required me to take my C-PAP machine and my own pillow. I never knew why it was a requirement - but I did it and slept very well the one night I was in the hospital.  Good luck to you! I hope everything goes well and that you enjoy your visit with family after your surgery.  Keep us posted on your progress!

My surgery is the same day and we have the same name... we were meant to be friends! lol

Thank you all! I still can't believe tomorrow is the big day. The high protein liquid diet the past 10 days has been tough, but doable. I want this so badly...almost anything is worth it.

I really appreciate the info about dismissal and traveling. I added chapstick and slippers to my bag and I am grateful for the tip.

I've added y'all as friend and I hope to be posting from home on Wednesday June 1st!