Question:
preparing for surgery
What should I be doing right now to prepare for my surgery in December? — cuppaloopy (posted on November 18, 2009)
November 18, 2009
What type of surgery are you having? That will make somewhat of a
difference in the advice we'll give. Make sure you do NOT gain weight
between now and then. Don't go out and start eating things you think
you'll "never get again". According to my surgeon, there are
times that the surgery will be called off if you have gained weight. When
the liver gets enlarged, it makes the surgery more difficult or even
impossible. There have been times when they opened a patient up, only to
have to cancel the surgery due to the size of the liver (they couldn't get
to the stomach). If you'll let me know whether you're having the by-pass
or Lap-Band, I'll be able to more specific. Congratulations on your
upcoming surgery! God Bless.
— KimM
November 19, 2009
Hi, I am also having surgery in December! I'm having the RNY and am very
excited! I have had my consult with the surgeon, and while there he gave
me a binder full of information for me to keep. I go in Monday for my
pre-op testing, then will have another appointment with the
Anesthesiologist sometime between Monday and surgery.
I have started getting little tupperware bowls (approx 2 oz in size), a
journal for my diet, started looking into the protein shakes for
afterward...stuff like this. I got a shaker cup to mix the proteins (I
have the link to a cheap but great site for the shaker cups on my page). I
started just writing different things down as I think of them, questions
for people, a list for the stuff I will take to the hospital, and things of
this nature. I also have been vacuuming every day and plan on Shampooing
my carpets right before surgery since I know this will bother me post-op
not being able to do the floors, lol. I just don't want other people
having to do this stuff for me as much as possible.
If you need specifics about the info my surgeon gave me, please let me
know, I would be happy to help!
— eyeflirt4fun
November 19, 2009
Thanks for the answers. I am having RNY surgery. I too have the binder but
I am interested in how other people are preparing for their surgery. I am
trying to prepare now.
— cuppaloopy
November 19, 2009
The best way to prepare for your rny is to not stress out over it. Don't
over think anything or you will drive yourself crazy. I did, and it drove
my family up the wall. I was all eaten up by preparation; I did nothing
but think about it. The best advice I can give you is just that. The best
way to prepare really is to be ready to make mental changes in your eating
habits. What to take to the hospital is a one time thing, don't worry
about that. The long term prep is to sever your tie with food now, so that
you don't have head hunger knocking down your door and your guard. Push
away the food and you will gain a lot more in life. Gentle hugs to you.
— Kristy
November 19, 2009
One "weird" thing I wish I would have had on hand was a bra that
was a little big around and NOT an underwire! All mine were underwire and
were just too uncomfy to wear (even a couple weeks after surgery-when I was
ready to go out a bit). Also, where I had my surgery done gave us a
"shopping" list beforehand, and I did pick and choose what I
thought I would need off of that.
— maryjo68
November 20, 2009
Hi guys, Im having my surgery 2 weeks from today, Dec 5 & Im having
RYN. I'm such a mix of nervousness & excitment I can hardly stand it. I
have to go to the hospital this Tuesday to get pre-admitted and get my
pre-surgery instructions. I have 19 year old daughter, a 9 year old son and
1 year old Granddaughter who lives wih me full time, only son &
Grandbaby live w/me, Im raising them both. After the surgery me and the
kids are going to live at Mom & Dads for a few weeks. Personally I am
looking so forward to the rest and being babied. I have had a few surgerys
before, C-section, metal plate put in my ankle and wisdom teeth pulled
while I was knocked out. The way I look at it is-I have been working on
this forever and its finally here-in the end its all gonna be a good
experience with some bumps in the road. I visualize going to the hospital
& being expectedly nervous, then you get your IV and you anti-anxity
meds, take a nice long deep well deserved and needed nap while doc does his
business. When I wake up I'll have a few days in the hospital being cared
for by someone which is always nice, I'll bring my laptop in case I am
bored and feel well enough to play on the internet. Then I go to Mom &
Dads for a few weeks, they help take care of the kids while I rest &
get well-Mom had RYN about 4 years ago and is an RN so I'll be well cared
for. Plus Moms extra bedroom is like a 5 star hotel. Im actually looking
forward to the rest and healing part, I need to catch up on a years worth
of sleep. I think in the beginning the eating wont be a problem because I
dont think I'll feel well enough to care much about what I eat. I think it
may get a bit harder when it comes to pureed food-thats along time to eat
baby food and I dont want to experience the dumping syndrome. I see two of
you here having December surgery, lets stick together and be each other
support, Im gonna send friends request to you guys.
Jen
— plumbkrazy
November 21, 2009
I'm scheduled for surgery on December 3rd, 2009 and so far I've ordered
myself a medic alert bracelet which states my name, RNY GASTRIC BYPASS,
SURGERY: Dec. 3/09, NO BLIND NG TUBE, My ICE (In case of Emergency)contact
and phone number, NO NSAIDS, NO SUGAR, LOW FAT, Water and Protein necessary
for hydration, and then my other medical conditions like contact lens,
asthma, sarcoidosis, fibromyalgia and high blood pressure. I went to
www.IdentifyYourself.com to order my bracelet as they have one that allows
for 5 lines on one side and four on the other. I actually wrote H2O and
PRO EXIGENT 4 HYDRATION because there wasn't enough room to write
everything. Then I went to www.unjury.com to order my protein that I will
need post surgery. Because I'm from Canada, I had to order over the phone,
but as it turns out, it was better because then I got to talk directly to a
dietitian, not to be confused with a nutritionist, a dietitian is
registered like a doctor and has a Bachelor of Science in Foods and
Nutrition. She was very helpful in informing me that the Strawberry and
Chicken flavours are ment to be mixed with water which means we can have
them post surgery during our clear fluids and even the day before surgery,
whereas, the chocolate and vanilla are meant to be mixed with milk so they
are good for our full fluid post-surgery times and finally the unflavoured
is meant to be mixed with anything but water, so milk or mashed potatoes
etc. therefore it's perfect for bumping up your protein in the third stage
after surgery. Beyond this, I'm just trying to organize things around the
house so as to not put too much responsibility on friends and loved ones
after I have my surgery. I'm stocking up on bottled water as a convenience
mostly. Also getting small containers to portion things. Trying to get
enough sleep and vitamins as proper rest and nutrition are essential to
proper healing. Also I'm ensuring I get sufficient protein in daily also
to promote proper healing. I never went on to become a dietitian after I
received my Bachelor of Foods and Nutrition because I felt that no one
would hire an obese woman to educate others when I couldn't do what I
preached so to speak. Although we all know that obesity is far more
complex than just the food that goes in your mouth, "regular"
people don't seem to get that. So maybe someday, I'll go back and finish
what I started and I'll be a dietitian someday too? Who knows. Anyway,
hope some of this information is helpful.
— Dandy_DeeDee
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