Jump to content
×
Are you looking for the BariatricPal Store? Go now!

Help!! Surgery in two days!! Advice needed



Recommended Posts

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

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

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.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

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

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

7 hours ago, Neensyb said:

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

Bahahahaha! Too true!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

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:)

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

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!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

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

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

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.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

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.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now

  • Trending Products

  • Trending Topics

  • Recent Status Updates

    • jparadigm

      Happy Wednesday!
       
      I hope everyone is having a lovely week so far! 
      It's been a bit of a struggle this last week...I'm hungry ALL the time.
      · 1 reply
      1. BlondePatriotInCDA

        Have a great Wednesday too! Sorry you're hungry all the time, I'm pretty much the same..and I'm sick of eating the same food all the time.

    • ChunkCat

      Well, tomorrow I go in for an impromptu hiatal hernia repair after ending up in the ER over the weekend because I couldn't get food down and water was moving at a trickle... I've been having these symptoms on and off for a few weeks but Sunday was the worst by far and came with chest pain and trouble breathing. The ER PA thinks it is just esophagitis and that the surgeon and radiologist are wrong. But the bariatric surgeon swears it is a hernia, possibly a sliding one based on my symptoms. So he fit me into his schedule this week to repair it! I hope he's right and this sorts it out. He's going to do a scope afterwards to be sure there is nothing wrong with the esophagus. Here's hoping it all goes well!!
      · 2 replies
      1. AmberFL

        omgsh!! Hope all goes well!! Keeping you in my thoughts!

      2. gracesmommy2

        Hope you’re doing well!

    • jparadigm

      Hello lovlies!
      Today is a beautiful day in west Michigan! I hope you all have a beautiful Tuesday and rest of your week!! 🤗
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Clueless_girl

      Having gall bladder surgery in a few days and I so hope the recovery is easier than the one from the modified DS! I could use a bit of luck/pep talk for a change. I'm starting to be able to walk around without experiencing dizziness, but it would be great if the random pain in my chest and abdomen would go away!!
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Dawn 1974

      4/4/2024 - new patient orientation. Wt 313
      4/5/2024 - got all my lab work done.
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
  • Recent Topics

  • Hot Products

  • Sign Up For
    Our Newsletter

    Follow us for the latest news
    and special product offers!
  • Together, we have lost...
      lbs

    PatchAid Vitamin Patches

    ×