Any Advice for Hell Week? - ThinnerTimes

snick1899 · 05-29-2008, 01:11 PM

I still have a ways to go before my surgery, but I am trying to prepare now, and mentally prepare myself as much as possible for Hell Week! We never have much food in my house, so I am not worried so much about cravings and fridge surfing. I heard people talk about how hard it is to watch food commercials, so I bought the entire series of Friends on DVD so I don't have to watch commercials! I also have Buffy, Charmed, Angel, Sopranos, Sex and the City (Movie comes out tomorrow! woohoo!), and Will and Grace to keep me company if Friends runs out, plus about 200 movies on DVD! I bought a heating pad, and am looking for a cost effective wedge pillow. I also have a stock of my supplements to take in case I can't drive, or don't feel up to it. Any other advice for getting me prepared??

tiaaya · 05-29-2008, 02:03 PM

I did exactly the same thing. I bought a favorite show to watch before and after the surgery. I went out as much as possible. If a friend was going out, I tagged along. It kept me away from the couch and kept me on my feet. The temptation is going to be around irregardless but, especially post surgery, you won't want to eat for a couple days. I think the best thing is to get out and doing things. Sleep in, get up, get dressed and go to the park. I did a lot of people watching post surgery. It's not easy. I won't sugar coat it but the time passes faster then you think, trust me. I do recommend finding a post surgery buddy or family member to help take you to buy things you'll need. It's very hard to judge what you'll need post surgery.

soon2bthin · 05-29-2008, 02:14 PM

Sounds like you already have what you need to occupy yourself just remember the pain will be a distant memory in no time at all. I will be 10 months out tomorrow and can't really even remember the pain but trust me being 96 pounds lighter is so worth it. Good luck.

blisandt · 05-29-2008, 02:35 PM

Great question.. I will watch the answers...

I too still have a ways to go...

I got one of each Isopure flavor today.. just so I know what my favs are (were?) and to stock in FEW for the first bit... (and to know what to tell my "helpers" to go get me)...

I am also sampling a few other shakes and things.

Since 5/3 I have been on the diet plan that we get to live on after day 66... and that alone has been a big shift for my body... and it is resulting in lost pounds which only makes me healthier for the operation (there's no chance of me getting out of the operable BMI range

)...

Marella · 05-29-2008, 03:55 PM

The wedge pillow is a great buy. I'm 4 weeks out after an open RNY and I still can't lay completely flat, especially on my left side and the 7" wedge is just enough. (Oh, it's much flatter now that I've used it soooo much).

Perhaps one of these places can fit your budget:
Harriet Carter Organizers Bedroom Large Bed Wedge and JCPenney department

Beside the wedge pillow, my other best buy is "ear plugs". I've been using ear plugs for over 14 years for sleep. They're great in the hospital, and at home, to keep out the noises during the day while you're napping.

all the best!

Marella · 05-29-2008, 04:02 PM

also: popsicles and fudgsicles!

Sugar free fruit flavored popsicles have a great soothing taste. I needed them for my throat. And "no sugar added" fudgsicles! They even have 2 grams of proten.

My nutritionist considered both liquids!

Oh, and don't forget a blender, 'magic bullet' or good shaker to mix up those protein shakes. A stick blender will be very useful, too.

Godsblessedme · 05-29-2008, 04:30 PM

yeah and some tissues near you because the -itchyness will totally creep in and tears from no where tend to appear!

you'll be fine girl but make sure you do have stuff on hand that you need so your not tempted to run out and "get it" after surgery

Debz · 05-29-2008, 06:32 PM

I would say to take the pain meds! If you're in pain and let it get too out ofhand, it's hard to get it under control. However, if you stay ahead of the pain, it is so much easier to handle. And that fuzzy drugged state made the whole week so much less boring.

Marella · 05-29-2008, 06:39 PM

Tissues!

Excellent suggestion. Tears are probably the subject of my very first post here on TT. They come out of nowhere, suddenly, and then you're fine. AND, you think you're nuts, but you aren't.

We all know that this WLS journey can be an emotional roller-coaster, and now that it's finally here, it's kind of a surreal experience. You can't believe that it actually happened. So many unspoken, and unthought of things are going through your mind a mile a minute that tears surge and at times, you may be overwhelmed.

Hey... this is normal ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !

And it will subside.

I haven't had THOSE tears since my first 10 days post-op. Today I only cried because I watched Oprah (about puppy mills), and I hugged and hugged my dog (who was adopted from a private home litter).

he gets a lot of love!

snick1899 · 05-29-2008, 06:47 PM

The main thing I am scared of is not me, it's my dad. he will be staying with me when I get home from the hospital and I am afraid of how it will affect him. he hasn't looked after anyone since we lost my mom to cancer, and I know I can handle the emotional roller coaster (I made it this far riding in the front car, I think I can make it to the end of the ride!), but I am afraid he won't know how to react to me. I plan on having a big talk with him about what I will probably experience (crying, buyers remorse, anger, moodines...) so he will know what to expect.