Jump to content
×
Are you looking for the BariatricPal Store? Go now!

What Should I Have On Hand?



Recommended Posts

I am scheduled to be banded next Tuesday and would love it if you all could share what exactly you found you used/needed following your surgery. Please include things like gas x or anything else you can think of. I read bits and pieces here and there but would love a comprehensive list all in one place. Thanks.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

No gasx suggested or used but I certainly appreciated the TLC from my DH. Make sure you have a supportive person around for the first couple of days just to help out - more emotionally than physically.

And have loose waist banded trousers/track pants for wearing home.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I have heard that gas x is a life saver

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Gas-x strips are helpful. Have your Protein shakes ready and make sure your blender or food processor is in working order. I found liquid tylenol helpful for when I wasn't feeling enough pain for the liquid vicodin, but still had some discomfort. A pill crusher is a help if you have prescription meds that can be smashed to take. My nutritionist also wanted me to have a chewable or liquid Multivitamin, as well as a chewable or liquid calcium+D supplement to take daily.

I also wanted to have things to do to keep my busy while I couldn't move around much (other than stare at the TV :P ) so I had a crossword puzzle book, a couple of new books to read, and (of course) my iPad. :)

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Lounge/Pajama pants that are loose and comfortable

Liquid tylenol (I too only used the liquid oxy? I got filled at the pharmacy for just the first 2-3 days), Protein shakes (costco premier nutrition are pre packaged, tasty and portable)

Water cup (you'll probably get one at the hospital)

Crossword puzzle book/Suduko, etc.

Books/Magazines.

I just felt groggy and tired when I got home from the hospital so I slept for the first 8 hrs or so. My husband checked on me every couple of hours and made me get up and walk around and get the blood flowing. Slow of course, but moving. The next morning, I felt ok but my belly was sore. I used the prescription pain medicine but very much in moderation. I was worried it would make me nasuaus and the LAST thing I wanted to do was throw up! I didn't cough or even clear my throat for 3 days! Sip your Water, tea, crystal light...but stay hydrated.

Good Luck!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

heating pad for the stomach and back for the gas pains - gas x does not touch the gas - because it's not intenstinal it's in the torso from surgery - the heating pad and liquid pain killers were the only thing that worked for me - not even walking although it's important to walk for a lot other reasons. BEST OF LUCK TO YOU - YOU WILL DO GREAT!!!!!tongue.png

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

liquid benedryl actually helps a bit with settling your stomach the first few days... phenergan is a life saver, and I suspect your doc will give you a few or Rx to go home with. You'll have to crush them, but mix with a little sugar free fruit drink, and it's no problem. I mowed through some sugar free popcicles and like the EAS Advantage rich dark chocolate shake ~$5 for 4 at most groceries and Target. When tired of sweet/fruity, I had some beef consomme or salty chicken broth. Sugar free Jello is a life saver. I'm going to admit it... I even made tiny jello shot cups with my liquid lortab. ohmy.png I graduated from college almost 15 years ago, but it was still pretty fun!

My surgery was gastric plication and lap band, so I was under for a while, and the gas pain was a killer! It's a referred pain in the shoulders area, since it's coming from near your upper stomach and diaphragm after your abdomen was full of gas. It's the same principal as your left arm hurting when you're having a heart attack. I went back/forth between walking around the house and curling up under a big pile of blankets. I kept a damp cloth near for nausea which seemed to help knock it out quickly. Keep sipping something even if you're not thirsty or don't want anything. I was home alone for the first few days but my bff kept texting drink and meds and walk reminders. It actually helped that someone remembered I was alive but suffering, even if I wanted to throw the phone every time it woke me up!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

heating pad definitely and sugar free Jello and sugar free sweets .. skimmed milk, 0% greek yoghurt, Soup and broth.< /p>

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

i couldnt eat the liquid chicken or beef broth, it was way too salty, but i loved the broth from campbells chicken noodle Soup or veg beef soup. sugar free pudding cups frozen taste just like ice cream ! sf Jello and liquid tylenol because the stuff they give you is beyond nasty. keep a bottle of Water and a roll of lifesavers in the car for the ride home. i had the worst cottonmouth after surgery that even ice chips couldnt get rid of. a small container in case you throw up or feel nauseous on the ride home. i was banded dec 13th, it was a breeze , i was at the hosp at 6am and out at 11am.i rested on the couch for 2 day and then was so bored by the 3rd day i went and did a little xmas shopping. down 17 lbs so far- feel great ! good luck !

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now

  • Trending Products

  • Trending Topics

  • Recent Status Updates

    • Eve411

      April Surgery
      Am I the only struggling to get weight down. I started with weight of 297 and now im 280 but seem to not lose more weight. My nutrtionist told me not to worry about the pounds because I might still be losing inches. However, I do not really see much of a difference is this happen to any of you, if so any tips?
      Thanks
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Clueless_girl

      Well recovering from gallbladder removal was a lot like recovering from the modified duodenal switch surgery, twice in 4 months yay 🥳😭. I'm having to battle cravings for everything i shouldn't have, on top of trying to figure out what happens after i eat something. Sigh, let me fast forward a couple of months when everyday isn't a constant battle and i can function like a normal person again! 😞
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • KeeWee

      It's been 10 long years! Here is my VSG weight loss surgiversary update..
      https://www.ae1bmerchme.com/post/10-year-surgiversary-update-for-2024 
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Aunty Mamo

      Iʻm roughly 6 weeks post-op this morning and have begun to feel like a normal human, with a normal human body again. I started introducing solid foods and pill forms of medications/supplements a couple of weeks ago and it's really amazing to eat meals with my family again, despite the fact that my portions are so much smaller than theirs. 
      I live on the island of Oʻahu and spend a lot of time in the water- for exercise, for play,  and for spiritual & mental health. The day I had my month out appointment with my surgeon, I packed all my gear in my truck, anticipating his permission to get back in the ocean. The minute I walked out of that hospital I drove straight to the shore and got in that water. Hallelujah! My appointment was at 10 am. I didn't get home until after 5 pm. 
      I'm down 31 pounds since the day of surgery and 47 since my pre-op diet began, with that typical week long stall occurring at three weeks. I'm really starting to see some changes lately- some of my clothing is too big, some fits again. The most drastic changes I notice however are in my face. I've also noticed my endurance and flexibility increasing. I was really starting to be held up physically, and I'm so grateful that I'm seeing that turn around in such short order. 
      My general disposition lately is hopeful and motivated. The only thing that bugs me on a daily basis still is the way those supplements make my house smell. So stink! But I just bought a smell proof bag online that other people use to put their pot in. My house doesn't stink anymore. 
       
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • BeanitoDiego

      Oh yeah, something I wanted to rant about, a billing dispute that cropped up 3 months ago.
      Surgery was in August of 2023. A bill shows up for over $7,000 in January. WTF? I asks myself. I know that I jumped through all of the insurance hoops and verified this and triple checked that, as did the surgeon's office. All was set, and I paid all of the known costs before surgery.
      A looong story short, is that an assistant surgeon that was in the process of accepting money from my insurance company touched me while I was under anesthesia. That is what the bill was for. But hey, guess what? Some federal legislation was enacted last year to help patients out when they cannot consent to being touched by someone out of their insurance network. These types of bills fall under something called, "surprise billing," and you don't have to put up with it.
      https://www.cms.gov/nosurprises
      I had to make a lot of phone calls to both the surgeon's office and the insurance company and explain my rights and what the maximum out of pocket costs were that I could be liable for. Also had to remind them that it isn't my place to be taking care of all of this and that I was going to escalate things if they could not play nice with one another.
      Quick ending is that I don't have to pay that $7,000+. Advocate, advocate, advocate for yourself no matter how long it takes and learn more about this law if you are ever hit with a surprise bill.
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
  • Recent Topics

  • Hot Products

  • Sign Up For
    Our Newsletter

    Follow us for the latest news
    and special product offers!
  • Together, we have lost...
      lbs

    PatchAid Vitamin Patches

    ×