NuStartInTx

Things I actually used at the hospital: Bactene for dry mouth (before I could have ice). Chapstick Cottonelle flushable wipes Eye drops (my CPAP) dries my eyes out I took house slippers but didn't use them, I wore the little non slip hospital socks. But I wish I had worn them because the bottoms of my feet were tender from walking around on all that tile. Disposable mouth freshener brushes (little toothbrushes that require no water). My crushed meds (BP) were horrifically bitter and these were the only things to get the taste out of my mouth Things I am using at home: The little squirt bottles they put ketchup and mustard in at restaurants. I filled them with Gatorade 2 and cold herb tea. This way I could squirt my drinks into the little medicine cup dispensers without having to get up or worry about spilling all over. Also I didn't have to keep an open glass with me on the recliner. Still using flushable wipes A thermometer for just in case. A few times I felt bad and couldn't tell if I was warm from being under blankets or running a low fever. Sundresses - clothes with no waist to rub on my incisions.

Tonight I had peppermint tea with nothing added. It was very soothing in my tummy...

After I take pain meds I'm sleepy for about an hour. Then I feel semi good for an hour or two (this is when I get most of my walking in) then my incision sites get super tender until its time for meds again. Also if I sleep for several hours it hurts when I first get up and move around - stretching things out. Getting ready for my first shower! Gas pains less every day. I came out of the hospital burping and now I'm passing a LOT of gas. My little boy thinks that part is hilarious. Every day a tiny bit better. How about everyone else, how are you feeling?

Hope everyone is home safe and healthy...I got home late last night, spent a lot of time walking circles in the house and trying o gt my proton in.

That is awesome, thanks for the inspiration!

Amen.. I was just sleeved today (Monday) and I was 100 percent better prepared because of the many awesome members on this board.

Pee prayers comin your way lol....I know, i don't think I've fully comprehended yet that 85percent of my stomach is gone!

Congrats Laura! I'm sleeved now and doing well too...my surgery took twice as long because apparently my stomach was glued to my spleen and he was trying to avoid having to cut into the spleen (didnt even know this could happen). Even with my CPAP plus oxygen my oxygen drops into the 70s when I fall asleep so I haven't really gotten any rest. Not such a problem today but if this keeps up I will be an unkind peron by tomorrow lol. Best wishes and positive thoughts for all!

Way to go Tameka, you can get through this!

5am, leaving for he hospital! If my stomach wasn't empty I'd probably get sick....so much anxiety right now...

I agree Marty! I'd love to hear how everyone's doing - definitely easier having someone to come through it with...

Me too! Packing my bag now. I LOVE my surgeon, he just called to see how I was feeling, if I had any questions or concerns.... asked if I would have family with me tomorrow. It helped a lot because I am high anxiety right now. I wish all of you the best of luck, I know we'll do great!

Good luck to you too, and everyone else :-). I go Monday!

Good luck Tameks, hope you're feeling better and home soon!

So many acronyms and numbers, I don't even know where to start learning half his stuff

I was tested and diagnosed with hyperventilation and sleep apnea. I cried myself to sleep the first week because I had to wear that sexy mask and live plugged into the wall...and I travel internationally for work, I cant tell you how stressed I was trying to figure out how to make that work right in some 3rd world country where I couldn't ask for distilled water (in retrospect I was being dramatic, all that has worked out easily)....but forced myself through it, knowing the stress it puts on your heart. I had edema and was putting on weight daily. Now...OMGosh I would kill someone who tried to come between me and my CPAP. I didn't realize how strongly my life and health were being impacted until I actually had a few weeks of good rest under my belt. The test was kind of uncomfortable for me. Lots of wires, really nice room but you know people are watching you sleep on a camera so that was weird. But nothing uncomfortable.

There are a few good ones out there, the problem is that I'm sick of sweet flavored shakes and I'm on an all liquid preop. The only non sweet one I've heard of on these boards is the unjury chicken...has anyone tried that? I have to drink isopure for the first week post op and not looking forward to those. I tried a few and they were all unpleasant.

Sorry chikes not chimes lol

I'm drinking he chimes now for my preop. I hate real bananas bu I LOVE the banana shake. I got mine at the surgeons office but thy can be ordered online too....I haven't seen an orange I would love to try that one..

I told my family and co-workers, who they share it with I don't care. I figure let them talk it out now so it's not news later. It loses it's shock factor if it's not a secret. Nothing to gossip about if its common knowledge. Also, if someone can see me succeed (hopefully), maybe it will inspire them?

Good to hear, that's encouraging! I hope youre feeling 100% soon. My dog did the same to me after my gallbladder surgery