blackcadillacs5

Pack some chap stick, after your surgery you wont be able to drink any water and your mouth gets terribly dry. They will give you some nasty tasting swabs to moisten your mouth and lips but it wasn't enough, at least not for me. I would gargle water and spit it out and it helped. Take some magazines or a cellphone. I stayed at the hospital 2 whole nights and didn't have anything to drink (Dr.'s orders) until 40hrs later. Be mentally prepared for that.

I decided to stand up the same night after my surgery...just so that I could get to know my pain and that helped me recuperate faster. I suggest you try it. Also you might end up with 3-5 sometimes more surgical incisions in your stomach, they will seem like they are 1 foot wide but if you see them they vary between .5 - 1 inch. If you get to know your scars they will be less intimidating and will help you try to get up and move around.

Sleeping at home was a pain, I bought a pillow that had arm rests and that helped me sleep almost upright in a sitting position...be prepared for that.

Besides that the days will fly and you will love LOVE the decision you made. I no longer view food as my friend...HA! I hate food sometimes because of the discomfort it causes when I eat to fast or over eat. You will know what I mean later. It is a fantastic journey and definitively life changing! Also its OK to stray from the pre op or post of diets, at least in my case. I enjoyed a nice moderate breakfast meal the day before my surgery and then a protein shake for dinner. Don't stray too far, keep the consistency soft and mushy or you will regret it after surgery.

I was in the middle of my semester when I had my surgery and I dont regret it a single bit even though it made me fall back on my school work. At any case I am rambling now...keep in touch and good luck!!!

Mashed potatoes...lol that was my solution. 1/2 cup and savor every bite...

It will get easier! Congrats on your first firm step on your new journey!