Surgery on monday! Any last minute advice?

[makemyownluck 785]

No gum after surgery??? WHAT??

Yup. No gum. Could cause a blockage if accidentally swallowed, but more importantly, it can cause lots of gas.

I'm not sure if that's a rule just for the beginning post-op stages or if it's a rule for forever, tho.

[nessieberry 19]

I think in a perfect world' date=' I'd like 6 weeks so I can be relatively 'back to normal' before getting back to work. But I also know ME, and I'll get bored. Fast. Not that I love my job so much, but I think about trying to be at home and staring at these walls and trying not to think about food or pain or whatever else would drive me mad. So I'm gonna take 2 weeks and rest, rest, rest; sip, sip, sip; walk, walk, walk and repeat and hope I'll be ready to get back to the grind.

Also, living alone, I just don't have the finances to stop working for that long. I do have disability benefits I could use, but it's really just not enough to cover me. I'd rather get back to my routine. I know the way I am and I just think I'll do better that way. But I know most people would take a 6 week break from work if they could get it!!

And you could take up to 12 weeks if you wanted to with FMLA (if your MD approves). Your job can't say no if the doctor says yes, that's the beauty of FMLA. <img src='http://www.bariatricpal.com/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.png' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='' />[/quote']

I feel very blessed to be able to take the 6 weeks. I work for a non profit so my out of pocket deductible is outrageous, but luckily our sick pay rocks. My boss told me the same thing about FMLA-she told me to stop worrying about, if the dr says you need it we have to let you take it. Im a social worker and I think it'll be hard to let someone else run my cases.

[UPRR Wifey 89]

***adds face wipes to my hospital bag list*** Thank you TES!

I'm taking listerine strips and biotene mouth spray with me' date=' because I hate having funky mouth taste. Taking my toothbrush and toothpaste as well, obviously, but I'm a habitual gum chewer now so I always want that extra freshness and I know I can't have gum after surgery.

I have some gas-x strips because I've seen them recommended a million times on these boards. But I also like peppermint tea, I've been using it for years to alleviate mild gas and to help with bloating from my period, so I think it'll be useful post-op as well. Plus, it's very crisp and refreshing, which will help with my aforementioned disdain for mouth funk.

And for at home, make sure you have slip on slippers and/or shoes. Bending down won't be pleasant for a while. I'm grateful to be having this in May because HOPEFULLY it will be nice out (although Chicago's weather has been crap lately) so I can go without socks and wear my slip on flats to work.

I'm thisclose to getting one of those grabber things... you know, like people with limited mobility use to pick things up or grab things from far away? I've actually wanted one forever, but thought it really represented the epitome of laziness since I'm not handicapped. But I live alone and I worry about having to bend over and pick stuff up (I'm a klutz, I drop stuff allllll the time). Not sure I'll actually invest in one, though.

good luck to you! I'm wishing you a safe and speedy recovery - think only of the big picture. The post op drama will pass soon enough and your new life is about to start! [/quote']

I absolutely love my peppermint tea! Really helps with my gas pains.

[zoogrl 12]

Someone on here suggested an extension cord to plug in your phone and I was thankful I'd brought one! Also, I brought a work out bra because you won't be able to put a regular one on without pain. Conditioner for the huge knots in my hair from being in that bed for almost two days was also nice! Good luck!

[AussieLady 521]

Last minute advice? Your life won't ever be the same again. Don't think, yeah, I'll have the surgery, be slim and beautiful and then my life will be great. Yes, you will be slim, but you basically won't ever enjoy a meal again. Being slim was a higher priority to me than food, but if that's not you, then life will be hell. After this surgery, eating is something you do to survive. You know how you feel about going to the gym at 6 in the morning feels.........you know you need to do it but it's not a pleasure, even if it's the best equipment ever. That's how eating is after the surgery.

[LipstickLady 25,682]

Last minute advice? Your life won't ever be the same again. Don't think, yeah, I'll have the surgery, be slim and beautiful and then my life will be great. Yes, you will be slim, but you basically won't ever enjoy a meal again. Being slim was a higher priority to me than food, but if that's not you, then life will be hell. After this surgery, eating is something you do to survive. You know how you feel about going to the gym at 6 in the morning feels.........you know you need to do it but it's not a pleasure, even if it's the best equipment ever. That's how eating is after the surgery.

I am going to have to disagree, and no, I've not had surgery yet so I don't know how it will work for me. I understand that each person's journey is different and I hate that you aren't enjoying your meals post op.

I have 4 friends who have already had the surgery and they are a year post op. All over them have hit 90+ pounds lost and are right around their goal weight. I've been on vacation with one of them two times since her surgery Jamaica and Vegas) and watched her eating habits so I would have an idea what to expect.

She was able to eat whatever she wanted, the difference was, she was happy and satisfied after a few bites of each thing. She probably had the most fun because while the rest of us were eating, she was doing all the talking!

[boatdays 18]

The hospital will have everything you need. I'd suggest bringing your robe to keep you more covered and warm when walking the halls. I walked them over and over at all hours of the day/night. Good Luck to you!

[boatdays 18]

Oh and regarding gum. I chewed some day 4 after surgery and accidents swallowed. Called my surgeon in a panic ad he assured me I would be just fine- and I was. I pretty much chew gum every day, with no issues. Today actually marks 3 mos. for me exactly.

[LipstickLady 25,682]

Phew. I am going to have to chance it. Right now, trying to swallow gum makes me immediately gag, so I don't see it as a big risk. I have done SO many diet programs that it's ingrained in me to chew gum when I am head hungry. I hate the thought of giving that up.

[bmbrush413 124]

Last minute advice? Your life won't ever be the same again. Don't think' date=' yeah, I'll have the surgery, be slim and beautiful and then my life will be great. Yes, you will be slim, but you basically won't ever enjoy a meal again. Being slim was a higher priority to me than food, but if that's not you, then life will be hell. After this surgery, eating is something you do to survive. You know how you feel about going to the gym at 6 in the morning feels.........you know you need to do it but it's not a pleasure, even if it's the best equipment ever. That's how eating is after the surgery.[/quote']

I disagree with this as well. I'm only about 4 weeks out and still in the purée stage, but I am enjoying my food. I think the key is the way you approach it. I know several people who had this surgery before I did, and their lives are not hell. Maybe that's your experience, but I wouldn't make a blanket statement like that for everyone.

[bmbrush413 124]

As far as the OP - slip on slippers were helpful...I hate those socks! Phone charger, face wipes, Chapstick or some kind of lip balm, a small blanket (my room was cold), and if you'll be there for more than one night, your own pillow.

[BriDawn 79]

Last minute advice? Your life won't ever be the same again. Don't think' date=' yeah, I'll have the surgery, be slim and beautiful and then my life will be great. Yes, you will be slim, but you basically won't ever enjoy a meal again. Being slim was a higher priority to me than food, but if that's not you, then life will be hell. After this surgery, eating is something you do to survive. You know how you feel about going to the gym at 6 in the morning feels.........you know you need to do it but it's not a pleasure, even if it's the best equipment ever. That's how eating is after the surgery.[/quote']

Ouch. I understand you want to share your experience, and that's fine. But I feel like you shouldn't blatantly state this like it's fact. Everyone is different. I may not even eat a huge meal again, but I will be able to enjoy food again and indulge now and then in my favorites I'm sure.

[glitta114 6]

No gum after surgery??? WHAT??

I was informed you CAN have gum, but it can NOT be bigger than a piece of trident.

[nessieberry 19]

I was informed you CAN have gum' date=' but it can NOT be bigger than a piece of trident.[/quote']

No hubba bubba

[Sexiipisces77 27]

Is there anything you wished someone had told you before you went in?

Any out-of-the-ordinary supplies that you brought with you that came in extra handy?

Any other words of advice or just helpful things to calm my nerves? This is happening very fast and I'm excited but mostly terrified!

I wish someone would have told me to get more emotional help! My BF waited on me hand and foot and for that I will be forever grateful but this has been more Emotional than painful! The Pain was very minimal but im almost 4 months out and im so emotional its almost pitiful! U think because you feel better your okay but it takes time I guess because im still dealing with the emotional part everyday! Goodluck and God Bless