Hey there pre-op newbies!

I know that you have a TON of questions about what to expect, and what you can do to make life easier post-op. I'm only 3(or is it 4?) days post-op, and I've learned so MANY things that I wish I had been aware of pre-op. I will share these things with you and invite other post-op newbies to add their advice so that you can hopefully have a little easier time.

1) Stock up on broth, Propel, RTD Protein shakes, and children's liquid Tylenol NOW. Remember, you are supposed to drink 3 Protein drinks a day.

2) Clear out that colon the night before your surgery. If you aren't comfortable with the idea of an enema, then stay on a liquid ONLY diet for the last two days. Otherwise, an enema before bed time is highly advisable. The medications they pump into you during surgery in addition to the pain meds post op dry everything up. Trust me ... you do NOT want to be constipated post op. That pain just adds to the other pains you will be experiencing.

3) Make a little nest out of a recliner for yourself. Laying down in bed sounds like a grand idea ... until you need to get up to go to the bathroom. There are so many muscle groups that are supported by your abs .... things you never IMAGINED were connected in any way. Trust me. It's easier to get out of the recliner.

4) Walk up and down your hallway as soon as you can tolerate it, but do NOT try to go to the store with anyone. You will want to go if only to get out of the house. BAAAD idea. Sit on your patio/deck/porch if you want a change of scenery.

5) If you can, don't let your self get too hungry. Keep going with the fluids. Just be careful to not over do it. It's a hard balance to find, but find it. Dry heaving because you are too hungry sucks just as much as throwing up because you drank too much.

6) Make sure that you have someone who can help you out for the first week at least. I'd be a WRECK right now if my husband hadn't arranged to work from home for the first 2 weeks post-op.

7) Pain is going to be a constant companion for a few days. There are different things causing the pain, but it all hurts. You have incisions (I have 5 of them) in your abdomen, they pumped you full of gas so that they can see everything and may not have gotten all of it out, you have the band and port (aka foreign bodies) taking up space where there was nothing before, and you will be hungry. There's really no way to prep for this. The only advice I have is to stay on top of your meds. This WILL pass ... it's just going to suck a little while you recover.

8) Connect with someone who has already been through it. One of my biggest supporters is a lady who had the Gastric Sleeve done earlier this year. She shared her experiences with me, and they have been pretty much on par with what I'm going through now. Just this morning I pinged her on FB and said "Emily .... I got desperate because it HURT ... and I gave myself an enema. 4 DAYS of constipation .." and she knew exactly what I was talking about. She is simply amazing. So, yeah ... connect with someone that you can ping at any moment.

9) Beware of your "enemies". Their names are : Burps, laughter, hiccups, nausea, extreme temperatures, and laying all the way down (ie without extra pillows to keep you propped up). I call them your enemies because they WILL make you hurt. It's all part of the recovery process. this won't last forever, so keep your head up. You can do this.

10) Remember that this pain is only TEMPORARY. Seriously. So far, this has felt like the longest 3-4 days ever. BUT. The end is in sight. I know that I can make it through this. You can too.

Does anyone else have something to add?

Congratulations on your surgery; I'm glad everything is going well. The only thing missing from your post is the importance of realizing we are all so different. Each individual has their own process to go through and it's really important that we each follow our own surgeon's plan. They differ. I had no protein shakes or protein goals post-surgery (I still don't). Some of us are on a clear liquid post-op for a week and others for a day. Protocols differ greatly -- just stick with your plan and contact your medical professionals if there is anything you're not sure about. They are there for you. Good luck with all -- I am so happy with my banded life! It can take a little time to get the right adjustment and there may be a little frustration in the first few months, but it will all come together. Be patient and persevere -- do all the walking you can before, during and after.

So very true. Hardest part is not comparing yourself to others! I have a hard time with that.

Can I use almond milk for liver reduction diet before surgery

@@ashleyann1405 That's a question you really need to ask your surgeon and Nutritionist. The diets are pretty specific, and the pre-op diet is purposely restrictive.

Great list!

I'll add karate chops on your neck and shoulders a few times a day break up the trapped abdominal gas and relieve the sharp pain up on the left shoulder. Enlist a pal to do it for you. And walk walk walk.

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Edited August 5, 201412 yr by JustWatchMe

Some insightfull information and suggestions. Appreciate them all. I feel like a busy bank trying to store all this stuff in my tiny brain. lol