Hello!

After what seems like forever (Thanks, insurance company!), I finally have a surgery date. May 7.

What were you top 3 post surgery must haves?

Its not a physical thing, but the most important thing to have is patience. Patience with yourself and patience in the process. Trust the program/process and follow your doctors guidelines. Lastly, give yourself some grace, the weight didn't come on overnight and it won't come off overnight. You will have doubts and mistakes - don't be too hard on yourself, just take it a step at a time and get back up and on the program again.

Other than that, there have been numerous forum posts covering your question. You will find tons of advice on actual items etc., if you put in a search for your answers! Congrats on your upcoming surgery and welcome to the forums and a healthier way of life!

Edited April 15, 20251 yr by BlondePatriotInCDA

My friend told me to bring these items and I was so happy I did:

1) A muumuu dress or a nightgown, your stomach will be so sensitive, even wearing shorts with elastic is uncomfortable, I lived in loose dresses for like 2 weeks

2) Chapstick, you will get thirsty and your lips will get dry because you're thirsty, a Chapstick will help with the dry feeling of your lips (can't do anything about the thirst unfortunately)

3) For when you get home, get a prop up pillow for sleeping, I didn't have a recliner anything to help me sleep, my first night home, I thought I could just go to bed like normal, nope, big mistake, it was painful to lay down, I used like 4 pillows to prop myself up like at the hospital and I bought a prop up pillow from amazon that same night

I hope this helps, good luck!

I echo all the above.

Patience, you won't loose every week. You will stall a lot.

Use the knowledge on this site. Ask anything and someone will have had that issue.

Chapstick, laxatives and Biotin. Lack of liquids does terrible things to our bodies. Dry lips are bad. Waking with a dry mouth is scary. Going over a week without pooping is hurty.

To make your immediate post surgery a little more comfortable.....

Bring that chap stick or other lip balm of your liking

Bring flavored powders for your water if your physician allows it, mine does

Bring an extra long power cord for your phone, you know you'll have that with you

Bring your oral hygiene stuff, the hospital stuff is gross

Bring with you a book or iPad/Chromebook or a laptop for those non-walking moments

You don't want those glamorous yellow socks that are non-skid, bring skid proof slippers with you for the hall walking you ought to be doing.

Remember you will be tired, your body was just manipulated, let it heal. I agree with all of the above notations about being kind to yourself, drink and have the laxative of your physicians liking so you have a poop.

A lot depends on you and how you respond post surgery & how long you stay in hospital.

I slept a lot & wasn’t interested in reading or watching anything I’d downloaded. Didn’t have an issue with dry mouth or lips but they were pumping me full of fluids. Best thing I did was bring my own shower gel, own pjs & general toiletries. Nothing felt as good as that first shower, smelling nice and putting on my pjs.

Wear home what you wore to the hospital.

Disposable knickers. The possibility of very sudden diarrhoea with no warning is a real possibility. Wish I knew to bring them. I got up to do a wee, took three or four steps and whoosh. There was no saving those knickers and needed a shower. Those medical grade laxatives are super strong too and increase the risk. A friend wore hers first a good week after: wet farts!

Make sure you have your over the counter meds (non NSAIDs pain meds, gas X, stool softener, Imodium, etc.) ready at home before your surgery. I got the scripts the surgeon gave me filled at the hospital before I was discharged. Make sure you have a script for nausea and a PPI as well as any opioids the surgery gives you.

A heat pad can be handy to help with the surgical gas shoulder pain.

Stock up your shakes, bone broths, cream soups as you’re allowed in the post surgery liquid stage ready surgery. Be warned, you may find what you enjoyed before surgery you dint like after as your taste buds temporarily change & I had a textural issue too. I found shakes too sweet and grainy & bone broths too salty so have a variety.

I slept in my bed in my usual twisted side position from night two. No need for a recliner or to sleep propped up. I was the same with my gall removal and hysterectomy so it’s a me thing and may not be something you can do. Didn’t have any issues getting in & out of bed or from chairs. Just go slowly.

Actually just go slowly is good advice for your whole recovery (it takes a good 6-8 weeks to be fully healed). And walk. Little and often is fine.

All the best for your surgery and hope you have an easy recovery.

'1) 30oz Yeti cups

2) a talking scale. I kid you not....I am 9 years out...my scale has a female voice and I love hearing her tell the news every morning.

3) a fluffy pillow to take with you to surgery. Use it to hold pressure against your abdomen on the ride home...and whenever you need it those first couple days/week. When standing or walking...that pillow helps. I learned this trick during 3 abdominal hernia surgeries.

1. My favorite large shirt to wear after the swelling goes down.
2. Compression garments
3. Something for pain. I love tylenol pm but it makes me feel sleepy the next day so I don’t always take it. Depending on your job situation, you may need something stronger.