I got my surgery date today. It's October 10th! It all just got so real for me. I'm having a hard time not to just quit my job and get everything ready! I am the kind of person who loves to have the furniture rearranged once a month. So I'm wanting to set up my little area, stock my house, and everything. What did you all do before surgery to prepare?

Congrats on the surgery date. I know you are excited.

I would ask the Dr what prescriptions that you will need to take after surgery and have plans to have someone pick them up for you on the way home or even have them at the house before you get home.

I would also ask what the surgeon wants you to eat/drink for the few days after the surgery and make sure you are stocked up or that you have the Soups etc ready to heat up when you need it, you will not want to have to go to the store for a few days.

I would make a list of things to bring to the hospital. Dont bring too much, you wont need a lot. (I always have to have my makeup and hair done so I of course brought that) A loose fitting dress or pants that wont be tight so it wont hurt your incisions.

Also, I brought with me some GasX strips which helped alot with the gas pain and some Biotene dry mouth spray, it really helps when you cant drink much.

Hope this helps! Have a super surgery!

I stocked my house with lots of protein samples, different things to mix them with (soy milk, almond milk, Hood calorie countdown milk, etc.), lots of different juices and different kinds of tea and flavored coffee. I was on full liquids for four weeks and knew I wouldn't be cleared to drive for at least a week (I live alone) so I wanted to make sure I had all that on hand. I made sure I had all the supplies I would need for my pets. I got a couple of 32 oz. Bubba Kegs - they keep your drinks cold forever. I could just fill one with ice and water in the morning and work on sipping it all day long.

Per my surgeon's instructions, I knew I needed a digital thermometer and a blood pressure monitor (I take bpm) so I got those. I got a heating pad. I made sure I had comfy pajamas and a couple of loose empire waist dresses and soft cotton bras that close in the front, no underwire.

My parents got me an immersion blender as a gift -- that was great to have on hand for making protein shakes. I also had some RTD protein shakes on hand, mostly Premier Protein.

I got my prescriptions filled in advance so they would be waiting for me at home. I also got some additional OTC type products like Gas-X, Miralax, and Milk of Magnesia -- and as it turns out, I never needed any of that.

The only thing I didn't have that I wished for was a recliner. I thought about renting one of those power recliners from RAC or Aaron's and never got around to it. I wish I had! Getting in and out of bed and turning over in bed was painful for the first 10 days or so.

I was immensely grateful for the recliner in my bedroom. Made the first week home so much more comfy than trying to get/out of my bed. Never though about renting one but if you can, do it. You will NOT regret it.

A recliner is a great idea!!!!! I have one in my den, so I think that will be where I set up camp for the first few days!!! I know the heating pad helps with gas pains, did you ever switch out with ice? Or is that more of an incision thing?

Personally I had no real pain that required heat or ice. Nor did I experience gas pain. I highly recommend walking as much as possible. I walked all the time in hospital and as soon as I got home. Before I left for surgery I mapped out a one mile loop. I was walking that the day after surgery. I also walked up and down the driveway after every meal/shake/liquid. I'm three weeks out and walk either two miles a day or go to gym and do cardio for 45 minutes. I feel great, like I didn't have surgery at all!! Good luck and best wishes!!

For me the heating pad just made my abdomen feel more comfortable. Ice would have been no bueno, I am sure. All my surgery-related gas was gone less than 24 hours after surgery so I know the heating pad was not for that. Just warming things up a bit made my tummy feel better somehow.

Personally I had no real pain that required heat or ice. Nor did I experience gas pain. I highly recommend walking as much as possible. I walked all the time in hospital and as soon as I got home. Before I left for surgery I mapped out a one mile loop. I was walking that the day after surgery. I also walked up and down the driveway after every meal/shake/liquid. I'm three weeks out and walk either two miles a day or go to gym and do cardio for 45 minutes. I feel great' date=' like I didn't have surgery at all!! Good luck and best wishes!![/quote']

Wow!!!! That's awesome!!!!! And thank you!!!