I'm having my surgery on March 7th. I know the basics about the post op diet but does anyone have any recommendations of items that I should have on hand? Anything that you found to be most comforting, etc?

Thanks!!!

Peppermint tea - for gas, heating pad - for gas, stool softeners. I had a list and people will add so much more than you really need. I probably spent $100 on stuff I threw out or didn't need. Protein powder I couldn't stomach, protein drinks I poured down the sink, more soup than I ever use. I am sure you don't live in a 3rd world country and are probably close to the grocery store, so don't freak out too much, just have stuff to make yourself comfortable. Stool softeners will make you comfortable. Maybe test some protein drinks prior to surgery. GNC has a 30 day return policy.

Heating pad, it helps with the gas pain.

Definitely try Protein drinks ahead of time, otherwise you may find yourself stuck with a nasty one in the days after surgery.

Dannon makes these little 4oz bottles of Water. I found those great the first week after surgery because I just carried one with me and sipped constantly. It made it easy to track how much water I was getting in, too.

I did the SAME thing! Spent a fortune on GNC.com on icky Protein drinks. My nurse told me that Isopure Fruit Drinks taste like Jolly Rachers. I don't know what kind of Jolly Ranchers she was referring to, but they don't! They're gross. I spent like $75 on a case of them. I spent a fortune on chocolate Muscle Milk also. Hated it. ended up buying the strawberry protein powder at Walmart for $15 and loved it. Not too much, however. Haven't had a Protein Drink since I could eat food!

Definately the heating pad. And a pillow to put over your tummy to cough the first few days. It hurts to cough and the pillow helps. Alslo, Gas-X strips help. And walking, walking, walking. I had a treadmill and walked like 5 minutes every few hrs. It truly helps with the gas. You'll feel like you've been hit by a truck, but it's minimal (a small truck!LOL). You'll be fine.

Good luck..

Marci

Gas x and maybe a good blender or magic bullet...........

Thanks guys! Luckily, I have a Protein mix that I like. I work for a direct sales company as a side job and I love the one that we have. I've been using those for my preop diet so I will continue with those when needed. And I have a good blender and plenty of pillows. But I'm glad that you guys mentioned the heating pad and gas ex! Just added those to my shopping list.