LisaM

I'm also starting a similar thread in post-op. Everyone gets lots of advice before and after their surgery. Thought we'd put it all in one place, like the best of nutrition thread. You guys add yours to the thread, and I'll put it all on the front, as I've done before. Here we go with a few that are still in my memory. Feel free to suggest new categories, as well!

Ask Your Doctor

• Do you perform the surgery laparoscopically or open?
• How many gastric bypass surgeries have you done?
• What's your mortality rate? (How many people you've performed gastric bypass surgery on have died?)
• What's your complication rate?
• What's your most common complication?
• What kind of aftercare do you provide/suggest?

Buy Before Surgery

• Protein SAMPLES if your doctor/nutritionist wants you using supplements, don't buy case lots - your tastes WILL change post-op
• Blender or magic bullet to mix protein drinks/smoothies

To Do List Before Surgery

• Take your "before" pictures! And make sure you take front, back, and profile... Smiling helps...
• Take your "before" measurements, too. And measure EVERYthing--you will lose inches around your ankles, wrists, everywhere.
• Get your house in order, as you're not going to be up to cleaning or taking care of stuff for a while after you get back.
• You're not supposed to be lifting for four to six weeks post-op, so do what you have to in order to make sure you can take care of things like laundry--a rolling suitcase is great for a temporary laundry basket.
• Arrange for someone to be around for a few days, particularly if you have little ones.
• Get a TT buddy--somebody who can let us know that your surgery is over, and that you're OK...we worry!

Take to the Hospital:

• Chapstick
• Your own pillow
• Slippers of your own, so you don't have to wear those funky things they supply at the hospital.
• Loose pants to wear home
• Ipod or other personal music to block out the wacko in the next bed over.
• Cellphone, so you can call or text somebody at Thinner Times and let us know you're OK. Make sure you have your TT buddy's phone number already pre-programmed into your phone!

Don't Bother Taking to the Hospital:

• Books - you either won't have time to read because you'll be up and walking all the time, or you'll feel like crap and won't be interested in reading. Either way, it's just extra weight, and you won't be able to carry it out... you're not supposed to be lifting, remember?
• Work to do - See "Books." Same theory.
• Nightgown - Just wear the loose sweats to walk around the halls, with the hospital gown over. See below for hints on how to do that...

Hints While in the Hospital:

• Hospital gowns: Ask for a second hospital gown. Wear the first gown with the opening in the back, then put the second one on with the opening in the front. No bootie hanging out in the hallways... who wants to see that?

__________________
Lisa M

Lap RNY - 9/26/05
surgery/lowest/goal
Weight: 303/137/150
BMI: 56/25.1/27.4
Now in maintenance stage, with desired weight range: 150-153 pounds
Current weight: 143 Updated 7/16/08

"Never be bullied into silence. Never allow yourself to be made a victim. Accept no one's definition of your life; define yourself." Harvey Fierstein