Hi friends

My insurance just approved my surgery and surgery is on Wednesday.

I was wondering if anyone had any “hacks” or essentials that can make life easier for post op experience.

I heard little medicine cups are helpful, any other suggestions are appreciated

Thanks
Mark

Getting the liquids down is a must!! Best of luck, you’ll do great !

I was given the little medicine cups at the hospital to use every 15 minutes.. - I'd keep 3 medicine cups beside me at all times - one for water, one for protein shakes, one for hot broth. - I'd keep a to go mug of hot broth beside me and a bottle of water at all times. - in the beginning I'd set an alarm to make sure I drank every 15 minutes, but after a while resetting that got real annoying, so I'd take sips every little bit, not letting my stomach get overly full.

One thing I noticed VERY early on, I had significant pain that would wake me up in the middle of the night, and could only be fixed by having a protein shake. Water and broth did nothing to dissuade the pain.

My doctor could not explain it, as he'd never heard of such a thing, but it would wake me silently screaming in the middle of the night until I finally got up and grabbed my bariatric protein shakes.

This lasted for quite some time for me, and I ended up buying the little protein shakes they carry in the pharmacy section at walmart... keeping them beside my bed so if I woke in the middle of the night I could immediately grab one.

It finally stopped about 3 weeks after surgery and I no longer needed it at night, but I don't want to scare you, as since my doctor had never heard of such a thing, you might not even have that issue but in case you do, Ensure was a savior for me.

Stay as long as they allow you to.

Get up and walk walk walk as soon as you can. It will help with recovery and get the awful gas pains out of your system.

NEVER trust a fart.....for a few weeks anyway ?

I mixed apple juice with water, and didn't have it icy cold. It was easier to consume.

SMALL sips, all day.

If you have any relatives that want to help, get them to make some home made clear chicken soup and strain it. For me it was heart warming, homely comfort that I needed.

Whenever you cough or sneeze, try and get a pillow on your tummy and hold it hard in the first two weeks. If you are near one that is. If not, hold your arms across your belly, it just offers a little more support when you'll be a little tender.

If nothing else, follow 100% the advice of your doctor and dietician. With all due respect to everyone who is active on the internet, your doctor knows YOU, your dietician knows YOU. What works for me may not work for you, and vice versa.

You may have buyers regret for a day or two afterwards...I did, and so have many others. Just remember that feeling will pass and you'll be so much better for it. How exciting, I am so keen to hear how things go for you.

Take care

J

7 hours ago, Neensyb said:

NEVER trust a fart.....for a few weeks anyway ?

Bahahahaha! Too true!

Take louge pants or PJ bottoms, so you can roam the halls after your surgery. Don't bother with a robe, it won't go on over your IV. Take chap stick. Walk all you can:)

Some people have no pain...some people do. If you are in pain, take the meds they offer you! I took the pain meds every four hours for the first three to four days. I was very happy to have them!

Don’t take a lot to the hospital , I was there Tuesday and Wednesday I was out. Just comfy slippers to walk around and lose fitting clothes. Walking was highly recommended to relieve gas pain. Sipping was also a big thing but I was very nauseous at first. Because of the IV fluids, I had to go pee like crazy LOL So make sure you don’t rush to go

One thing someone on here suggested and I was so glad was pajama pants. Forget the robe cause of all the wires but you will want to cover up when waking outside of your room. Dry mouth spray and chapstick will also be helpful but other than that maybe an iPad or phone if you are awake but you will mostly just want to sleep at least the first day.

I found that something tight but not too tight over the abdomen area helps with the pain. I had some workout shorts that had tummy control and they helped alot. It keeps everything from moving to much. At least in my case.