As I anxiously await my surgery date, I was hoping everyone could give me some advice on the things they felt were helpful after surgery. I read in a similar post that someone said that chewable gas tablets were really helpful. So I'm trying to compile a pre-op list of things to get me through! This can be anything from sleeping in the recliner to gas tablets, to band-friendly foods. Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated!

Liquid tylenol

Sugar free popsicles and jello

Heating pad

Gas x...chewable or melting strips

Chewable vitamin, iron, and calcium

Protein shakes....

I second the heating pad! I was also told to use liquid Motrin. My doc said he won't let me use it all the time but it's great for the inflammation and pain after surgery.

An extra pillow for the car ride home.

Once you're home if you're a side or stomach sleeper, an extra pillow is handy to use when you want to roll. It puts something between you and the bed and makes it super easy to get comfy.

Like the other posters said though... my heating pad was my best friend for the first week!

We have a recliner and I actually slept in that for the first two days. Much easier to get out of than the bed. After that I did sleep in bed, but got up with my husband so he could help me get out of bed and if I took a nap during the day it was always in the recliner (I was pooped the first week after surgery...I did walk alot though too)

Oh and TMI ALERT!!!! My dr also warned me that when you get the gas moving....be warned it may only feel like a fart, but sometimes it's more! (something with the anesthesia and then all the liquids they pump in ya makes you loose) I farted on the toilet for the first few days as well

Make sure you wear really comfortable clothing. I wore one of those soft bras that snap in the front and a soft dress that let me go commando if needed, also slip on shoes. If you're male, uh, make adjustments . I had a little clutch bag with my driver's license, hospital ID card, and ATM card to pay the deductible, chap stick (you will be very very dry afterwards), and a mouth moisutizing spray. I've had some rotten hosital experiences, so better I have it and not need it than need it and not have it.

I also had a splint pillow for the ride home, a very hard pillow to hold against my abdomen to protect when we drove over bumps, or God forbid, cough. Make sure you have your prescription for your pain meds already filled. You've already mentioned chewable gas-x tablets or strips, they helped me too!

I knew my husband wouldn't leave to eat, so I packed a thermos with coffee, and several soft drinks/ice tea, and other Snacks. I guess that's everything. Good Luck!

Someone else suggested having clean sheets when you get home. I did not sleep in a recliner so the bed felt really good. ISOPURE is a clear liquid protein drink you can get at GNC or Vitamin Shoppe.

Magic bullet for protein drinks or other mushies it is a lifesaver