So, I'm scheduled to go in for banding tomorrow. I am frantically trying to make sure that I have everything taken care of before I am out for the count. Things like kids having rides, bills paid, everything at work done.... and I need to make sure that I have what I need at the house for me...

This is what I have on hand:

1. Ibuprofen -- to help with swelling

2. Juices/broth for clear liquid portion of post-op

3. Powder protein flavored and non-flavored

4. A few liquid protein drinks for on the run

5. Gas X strips -- for excess gas

6. Milk of Magnesia -- for possible constipation

7. Liquid vitamins for a bit and then chewable

8. Couple good book

9. A knitting project

Have I missed anything?

Please advise if there is something else that I should pick up "just in case".

I heard ibuprofen is a no-no and you should use Tylenol now but I don't think that is for swelling???

Take some slip-on shoes and roomy clothes to the surgery. As soon as I woke up, the nurse wanted me to get dressed. It was strange to have someone help me with my bra. I remember her saying "just how many hooks do you have on this bra anyway?" (there were 5). She was a hoot.

I think I would take an iPod or something to listen to music on. I like listening to books myself.

No ibuprofen before or after surgery. It thins the blood and can cause bleeding. Also, they told me no red colored Jello or food either.

Get up and walk as soon after the surgery as you can. You'll do great. You've got a good list there.

Make sure you have a heating pad on hand. It will help with the gax and discomfort as well.

Best of luck tomorrow!!

Happy Shrinking!!

A small pillow to hold over your belly area if you have to cough. AND, I could not have made it without my heating pad! Helps with pain AND helps with gas pains

Sugar Free Popsicles!!! Seriously...they are yummy after this surgery (i was banded last week). You'll do great! My biggest piece of advice is to walk around Friday...even if it's down the driveway and back. You will feel groggy possibly and not up for it, but it will help you get back on your feet sooner and it will also work better than Gas-X at alleviating the gas pains.

Did someone say heating pad? Yes!!! Have it ready...you'll be amazed how much comfort it will provide you.

Thank you all for your reply... I didn't even think about a heating pad!!!

I also rechecked my discharge instructions and believe it or not, it says: "For the first 3 days please take ibuprofen 600 mg every 8 hours regularly." I will double-check this tomorrow.

I was stressing out over the fact that by my calculations I had lost 10 pounds, but because they had a different starting point than I did they were only calculating 4 pounds lost... They were happy with the 4 pounds that their scales showed and I am a go for tomorrow!!