What will I need post op?

tricia1105 · March 14, 2008

I'm scheduled for surgery on Apr 22. I'm single and won't have anyone to run errands for me when I get home, so I want to be prepared. Does anyone have any suggestions for items I will need to have on hand for the first week or two post op? Thanks!

VegasGrace · March 15, 2008

You can go all out, like first time moms do with the birth of their first child, or you can just go thru it w/o all the fuss.

You will need to fill your scripts BEFORE surgery, perhaps the night before.

You will need tons of drinks and different kinds.

Grits

whipped cream

sweet potatoes, yams -when baked they go down so smoothly

make sure the house is clean w/ all laundry done and put away.

do the grocery shopping, pay the bills

Get a sudoku or other puzzle books

Get the remote ready.

Good luck! And we'll see you on the losers bench.

tricia1105 · March 15, 2008

Thank you for the advice, Grace! You certainly have done well with your lap band. You're under your target weight. That's fantastic! To what do you attribute your success?

marieze · March 15, 2008

I, too, am single and was banded on 2/13. I also wanted to have everything at home and I did. First and foremost, I called the doctors office and told them that I wanted to have any after surgery medicine filled and at home prior to surgery. They called my pharmacy and I picked up the prescription and put them next to my bed.

Here is my list:

liquid tylenol (adult, rapid blast...I could only find on amazon.com)

A case of bottled Water and sliced lemon for flavoring

Gas X Strips

Lots of soups..I bought Campbells Select Gold in the box and they were great

Instant Mashed Potatoes...I bought idahoian

2% milk...to add to Protein drinks and Soups for xtra Protein

A good Protein powder...I bought Isopure which can be purchased at GNC

Cottage cheese to puree

I also bought a heating pad to put around my shoulder in case of gas

There is also a list somewhere on another thread which is pre-post op. You should look there as well. But the above things are what got me through.

Best of Luck!!!!

Marie

JSOTO · March 15, 2008

here are a few more suggestions:

lots of movies

popcicles...( an absolute must) sugar free, fudge, fruity...i lived on these!!!!

crushed ice...( i went thru about a pound of ice the first day) for your dry throat.

broth,

pillows

journal

good luck, you will do great!!!

VegasGrace · March 16, 2008

Thank you for the advice, Grace! You certainly have done well with your lap band. You're under your target weight. That's fantastic! To what do you attribute your success?

I allowed the band to do what it's supposed to do. I didn't fight it or try to diet....so many others do diet, and that's okay. I'm sure getting the band AND dieting makes for better success.

But for me, it's just limiting the quantity of food.

marieze · March 16, 2008

I forgot to add this:

Pillows: These saved my life!! I was able to get comfortable in bed because I had gone to Target and bought 4 really cheap pillows with cheap pillow cases. I was able to sleep from the first night. I didn't want to sleep in a recliner like a lot of folks do. I highly suggest this.

Also, my surgeon used glue for my incisions which didn't hold them closed totally so I was happy to have had "steri'strips" on hand.