Having my surgery on February 13th just in time for Valentines Day! No chocolate this year!!! For all of you who have had it does anyone have any last minute advice?
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The best advice is just follow your pre-op diet and recovery will be much easier. Eating before surgery makes your liver larger and can cause more pain. Also, post-op diet sucks so prepare mentally for that. Good luck and Congrats! It is SSSSOOOOOOOO worth it!
Take very precise pre op measurements and pictures. Take your pictures in front of a blank wall or door, from all angles. There will be time in your band journey you will feel like you are stalled and making no progress. Being able to physically measure and see a difference, and looking at pictures will make a huge impact! And allow you to see what you have accomplished.
Have some liquid Tylenol or such on hand, as well as Gas X strips. Some liquid (clear as well as shakes) protein on hand. When I found myself getting fatigued easily it made a huge difference!
Have some comfy clothes, including a comfortable non wired bra on hand....elastic waisted pants, slip on shoes, but shoes with some tread, that you will not slip in, because you will want to walk as much as you can.
Maybe some movies or books---or the computer to keep you occupied while you recover.
In regards to mindyemt's post above, the post op diet is not fun---and often times leads to some pretty serious diarrhea, the old liquid in = liquid out thing. So you might want to get a tub of Tucks, or the store equivalent (I know Walmart has the Equate ones) to have on hand, for that wonderful stage!!!
Other than that, just have a stock of broth, and jello, things so you do not have to go out to the store unless you just want to. I did, I go stir crazy quite quickly, and felt able to shop within a few days---but it was nice knowing I did not have to leave if I opted not to!
Take care, work your pre op---and we will see you in band land in a couple of weeks!!! Kat
I had surgery two days ago....and finally went to the potty today...and I'm in, as you described, that awful "liquids in-liquids out" stage. Hmmm, I sent my sweetie to the grocery store for TUCKS thinking it something to STOP the problem. He came back with wipies. As Peggy Lee sang, is that all there is? Can't take milk of magnesia, I suppose? Did you also recommend GasX strips? Do they help right after surgery with the puffiness in the lower gut?
Hi, gas X was a life saver for me. Also loved 'smart water' plain water with electrolytes added because I couldn't take much in and gatorade tasted too sweet. Also Special K protein water was great too.
Goodluck
To all those with upcoming surgeries, GET EXCITED! Remember the post op effects are very short lived compared to the wonderful journey you are about to embark on even if there are little bumps in the road! Follow your doctors advice and remember to have things like tums, gas x, vitamin water, crystal lite, liquid tylenol, centrum chewable vitamins, chewable calcium, and colace (a laxative) stocked in your home at all times. I am 4 months post op and just hit a weight loss of 56 pounds (half way there) and although I continue to have problems with bowel movements I do not regret having this surgery for 1 second! I am down from a size 22 to a size 14/16! Remember there is a great light at the end of this tunnel!
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