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: 139 Updated 10/21/08

"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

LisaM

OK, guys, I need additions for this one, too!

__________________
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: 139 Updated 10/21/08

"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

ConstructionChick

Thanks so much for posting this!

__________________
326/311/189.8/145
Highest/Pre-op/Current/Personal Goal

21 months Post -OP: 136.2 lbs gone FOREVER!


06/20/06- Information Meeting
08/22/06- Nutrition & Psych Eval completed
10/16/06-First sleep test- diagnosed moderate to severe apnea
11/08/06- Prescribed CPAP machine
12/11/06- Ins. finally paid for part of Psych. Eval.
01/26/07- Ins. DENIED
08/07/07- final dr. appt., 6 mo. diet complete: Re-applied to Insurance
08/08/07-APPROVED!
09/21/07- SURGERY DATE Lap RNY

scottydidit

Lisa i think you hit the nail on the head with this post..Scott

__________________
Scott Southeast, Missouri
324.7/Pre-Op
299.6 Day of Surgery
265.0 @ 2mo. post op
260.2 07-30-2007
250 08-30-2007
242 09-30-2007
230 10-31-2007
220 12-20-2007
209 03-12-2008
200 05-22-2008
124 lbs GONE!
LAP RNY 5-22-2007
http://www.myspace.com/4xsprinter

TT GYM rat club member #40

LisaM

Bumping this...

__________________
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: 139 Updated 10/21/08

"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

Dayanara

I have printed this out and added into my WLS binder I have going that has all the questions I want to ask and any info I find helpful.

Thank you for posting this Lisa.

__________________
Trish
Height - 5'8"

370/357/205/200/170
High/Surgery/Current/My Goal/Doc Goal

LAP RNY - Oct. 22/07

haubrics

Lisa...
Thanks so much for the great post!...Very comprehensive...And lots of thigns I wouldn't have thought of...Much appreciated...I am scheduled for lap Roux-En-Y next Tuesday morning...Samples of protein instead of buying, taking own pillow to hospital...haubrics

Robin

I'm two weeks post op and my lifesaver at the hospital was a heating pad for my back. I still have trouble sleeping on my side and even with pillows under my knees, my back kills me when I have to spend all night on my back, so the heating pad is really helping!

annette

Lisa, Thank you so much, it will really help. I am due for surgery on 26th February 2008 and am absolutely petrified, but at least I knowthe questions to ask at my pre admission appointment.

THANKS ANNETTE

mommy_to_two

I also printed it out and put it in my binder. Great advice! I hope that I get to put it to use soon.

__________________
Christina

RNY June 10, 2008
Pre-Op Weight: 278
Goal Weight: 155

Week 1: 254

"The world is round and the place which may seem like the end may also be the beginning." ~ George Baker