It hit me last night like a ton of bricks.. I thought to myself... "OMG, MY life is about to change.. really really change.. This is my chance!" Then of course I promptly started to cry.. lol.

12 more days! Feb 26 is my surgery date.. I am all cleared medically- all tested up and ready to go.

I'm freaking out a little bit about being prepared after surgery for the recovery. I live by myself so after the 2 day stay in the hospital I'll be taking care of myself. I've been trying to read up online for what to expect during that first 2 weeks. Per my Center, I will be doing liquids for 2 weeks, then pureed foods. I've got 4 weeks off work, so I'm going to take advantage of that time and re-learn how provide nutients to my body

I am very worried I won't have all the supplies I should have. I've got the list and will be purchasing my vitamins, protien and liquid foods this weekend. But there are soo many to choose from, I don't want to get the wrong ones. (or miss out on the "better ones" lol)

Anyhoo's.. I know most here are Vets, and way past this stage.. but any words of wisdom on what I should expect those first weeks out of Surgery? Again, I'm on my own for this one.. so I just really want to be prepared.

Thanks!!
Fuzzy

Fuzzy,
Congratulations!
I just had surgery in December so I'm not a good one to be giving advice.
Best of luck to you.

Fuzzy,

I am so excited for you!

I highly recommend the vitamin system from Bariatric Advantage. I get them at a small store near my home, but
you can also order them online at bariatricadvantage.com My labs are always great.

You're ready and will do well with this.

The strawberry chewable iron from bariatricadvantage is great. You can't even taste the iron. Actually all of the chewables I've used are good.

My best advice is to wait a couple minutes between pills. If the nurse is impatiently standing by your bed. Let her stand! This was advice I received the last day of my hospital stay & wish it had been given the first day.

Follow the rules: protein first, drink all of your water, take your vitamins, no snacking. You will be fine.

I do wish you had someone to stay with you the first couple days. They are the roughest. You will wonder what in the world you have done to yourself. Don't get discouraged. You will feel better.

Best wishes!

Thank you for the support and Advice!! I'll certainly look into those at Bariatrics Advantage!

I had my mom with me the first week...mostly to keep me from burning down the house or overdosing on the pain killers. After a couple of days, my focus was more on not burning her down or giving her too many pain killers. :-)

I'm pretty independent and once I was home, was able to get around okay. Just be good about taking care of your drain areas and don't be a hero trying to avoid the pain meds. Take them so that you can rest.

Kim is right. Rest is the key. Don't wait too long to take pain meds if you are having pain. Stay hydrated and DON'T lift anything heavier than a coffee cup. You need to give your insides a chance to begin the healing. I too am pretty independant and was about ready to shoot my husband or at least gag him and tie him to the bed after a couple of days.

Each day will be easier than the last and you will feel so much better physically so quickly that you will be amazed. Best of luck for an uneventful surgery and a speedy recovery.

Fuzzy,
I just had my surgery on 02-05-08. I also live alone, just rest when you come home and don't try and do anything for the first couple of days that you are home. After that it gets easier each day. Good luck and God Bless.
steamer

LOL- That made me laugh Kim!!
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Celadon -- Yikes.. So I am assuming the sloth 16 lb cat is going to have to manage without me carrying him! (just kidding.. I won't lift him!)

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Thanks Steamer.. Seeing as your still in that first month time frame.. I'll be sure to listen up!

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Hmmm.. I'm thinking this will be the PERFECT time to "have to" call in a maid service!!

Fuzzy, I gotta tell you how excited I am for you! And I will tell you the first days after surgery, the first week, I COULD NOT drink that protein stuff. TOO sweet. Couldn't stand it. Couldn't sip it. Just was nasty to me. I hope it's different for you, it's different for everyone. I'm telling you this because when you first are recovering, it's easy to panic if you're not doing everything "just right" like we've all told you on here.

Don't worry. Just keep sipping water and taking little walks when you can. Don't be afraid to swallow the pain pills when you get home from the hospital. I was terrified to even try to swallow my little tiny thyroid pills. They went down fine. Don't be in pain. Get some liquid tylenol to get you through the pain if you're afraid to swallow pills.

Don't worry if you are not doing everything everyone on here said to do. It's going to be ok. Remember, this is the rest of your life, and the first few days are weird.

Get on here and post as soon as you are able to. Call someone (pm me for my phone number if you want) and let us know. We're all going to be crazy nuts to know that you've arrived.

Sending big hugs and good juju. You are SO READY for this!

Echoing the thoughts above - go easy on yourself. Stay hydrated, try to get in as much of the protein as you can and most of all, don't panic! Like Sandi says, this is the rest of your life we are talking about...there is no real "Wrong"...do the best you can. Take your pain pills, call your doctor if you need to, and come on here to get any support or encouragement you need.

This is a turning point - turning on to the best road you have ever traveled!

We are waiting right around the bend...

FYI: Unjury makes a chicken soup flavored one. I find it very soothing to use it at the end of a long day.

Hi Fuzzy,

I'm excited for you. Like everyone has said, follow your doctor's "rules", know it will feel "weird" to have it over, to begin with and take your pain meds. I used liquid Tylenol, my doc wouldn't let me swallow any pills for a month. I had to crush my anti-depressant into some apple juice and it was awful, but tolerable! The vitamins I used to begin with and to this day are 2 Bugs Bunny Complete children's vitamins, daily! I love the way they taste and they are never a problem. My biggest tip to you at the beginning is to sip your water. I would take 2 small sips and wait 2 minutes and take 2 more etc. That worked for me. If you drink too much at one time, you'll feel it!!! But you have to stay hydrated.

Good luck to you!

Hello Fuzzy, This is Kuulani (Debbie) I believe we talked last night. I had my surgery on 11/04. I have lost over 120 and have kept it off. I was by myself also so I made sure I had my protein powders and I used what is called Isopure from GNC.It is 40 grams of protein in 20 oz bottle and has several flavors..I used the Whey protein powders and I mixed them with soy milk. For the first couple of weeks I bought baby food meats in the jars and that helped because if I didn't feel like making anything I warmed it up and I put lots of seasoning on it and since you can't eat much anyway it served it's purpose..My email is kuulani.808@hotmail.com if you have any questions and my phone number is (907)835-2011.I had someone who did this for me and it really helped to know that there is someone on the other end of the phone that has been there..It will change your life and I am so excited for you..Follow your doctors orders and you will be fine..Hope to hear from you soon..

I think if you weren't concerned that would be abnormal! LOL

We all went through it.
Review all you note.

Were here to support you!!

BIG BIG Hugs!

Nancy

Thank you again, gang.. WOW.. It is just so darn moving to realize how much support and encouragement you all are freely giving.
I'll absolutely be posting and keeping in touch!..

And Sandi.. omg, how did you know I'd be worried about not doing it all "perfect"? lol, thats so me.. thanks for giving me permission to wing it a little.. I needed to hear that!

Everyone before me pretty much said it all. Warm chicken broth and Carnation Instant Breakfast with skim milk helped me a lot. My best friend became my recliner in the family room. I still sleep there some nights because it seemed more comfortable and easier to get up.
Relax, you won't regret your decision!
Jean

I add a scoop of chocolate Unjury to my Carnation Instant Breakfast for a really good shake. Any chocolate protein powder should work.
Jean, Nice to see your smiling face in your Avatar!

I would basically echo all the encouragement you have already been given...but I will also put in my 2 cents worth...lol!

1) Start drinking your water the moment you wake up (unless you are eating first) and SIP SIP SIP your way thru the day...this was the absolute hardest part for me! Just getting all my water and eating each day...and I love water so it wasn't the taste. Crystal light is great if you like fruity drinks for a change in place of your water...I would recommend that you (if possible) buy a couple of cases of 16oz or 20oz bottled water...this makes is easy to keep up with your intake. Don't try and chug a lot of water at once...trust me it has no place to go but back up....kinda like "ol faithful"....it just acts like a jug that's been overfilled....spills over and out! LOL...not trying to scare you...it's just something you never forget if it happens to you. Kinda weird feeling, did not hurt though!

2) Designer Whey makes a few "protein" powders that you can add to the bottled water if you like...the fruity ones are great! My fav flavor is the Orange/mango.... It's called Protein2Go paks....go to www.designerwhey.com for a coupon for a free sample and $2 off first purchase. This brand also makes other flavors that can be mixed with milk or yogurt or water or whatever...I think the best place to order these on-line is www.topshapesupplements.com.... a natural protein powder is great to have b/c you can add it to almost anything...

3) Take care of yourself....don't be afraid to call the doctor or post on here if something doesn't "feel" right or you get concerned about ANYTHING! Take your pain meds....it's easier for your body to heal if you are not in pain...better to take them even if you are just hurting a little and not need them later than to not take them and allow your pain to get out of control... I had lap RnY...and was sore but not too bad after a few days....I had about a 2 hr car ride 2 days after surgery and that was interesting! Hope yours is nearer...if a long ride is required I recommend taking a pillow to hold over your tummy to help cushion the "bumps....

4) Don't sweat the small stuff...just "Do what you can, where you, are with what you have." ~T. Roosevelt

Blessings on your journey!!!!