Ready for post op !

[Aussie Girl]

Ok so thanks to this forum I think I am prepared as well as I can for post hospital:

• Bone broth
• Protein water (even found Isopure in my town!)
• Collagen powder (bit expensive but can add to hot or cold)
• Other protein drinks ie Atkins chocolate drink
• Sipping bottle (takes hot or cold)
• Vitamin patches (multi, B12, B6)
• Biotin capsules
• Good skin cream
• Even finally buying a nighty to wear in hospital !

I was going to get clear soup but couldn’t find anything in my supermarket except for beef/chicken stock. Not sure about the stock cube idea as the ones they sell over here only have 0.9g of protein and loaded with sodium.

I have taken advice on here and not stocked up too much to see what I can tolerate taste wise.

My last consult with my surgeon today - all good, green light ! He is happy with my pre-op weight loss (actually so nice to get recognition for the effort).

BTW I was only instructed to go on the Optifast diet and lose 10 kgs (22 pounds), more likely I will have only lost 7/8 kgs. He also said don’t worry about a liquid diet for the last 3 days (phew) just liquid dinner the night before surgery ☺

After enthusiastically telling my surgeon of my preparation he said not to worry about getting enough protein while in hospital (4 days) or even the first week, guess the focus is on recovery and getting fluids in.

He also said I can swallow tablets/pills straight away (guess I didn’t need those vitamin patches ordered from the States after all! ☺). Very different to what others have reported, wonder why, less risk adverse? He is a very well regarded surgeon, will I get a larger sleeve? Maybe the private (self pay) surgeons are not as particular as the US ‘insurance funded ‘specialists…? Ugh overthinking it!!!

[mandyjdc]

Hi there!!

Sounds like a good prep list!

I was able to swallow pills day after surgery. Felt a little weird - I could feel them in my stomach ! But it didn't hurt, was just slightly uncomfortable.

Good luck on your surgery!

[Aussie Girl]

Thank you mandyjdc!

News Flash!

I tried the protein water and Atkins choc drink today - protein they were diabolically bad !! haha lol

Hope the bone broth tastes ok, or I'm down to plan C !!

[Dutchie]

Don't forget to take a little pillow with you.
You can tuck that between the seatbelt of your car and your stomach, for the ride home.

I could have probably taken the pills, but I was afraisd to try.
Not because of the size of the pill, but for the large gulp of water I needed to get them down...

Good luck with your surgery!

[Christie13]

I started taking pills pretty quickly because I didn't like the liquid ones. I was definitely not going to crush my blood pressure meds and take with water. I had to do that the one night I stayed in the hospital post op and almost threw up. Nope. So I took my pills. I never really had any issues but my surgeon did say not to take pills for a month. I will say this, every surgeon/NUT seem to have their own way of doing things. And no matter what, the outcome is the same. The sleever loses weight and is successful. Congrats!

[julieaponte]

Don't over buy would be my best suggestion. I wasn't on liquids very long at all and didn't go through have of the shakes & soups I bought lol. They cleared me for soft foods quick and then solids within 2 weeks because I was healing so well and no problems with anything I ate. I felt more full with the solids so I've stuck to those straight away. I was off the shakes and getting my protein in with just food within the first 2 weeks. Everyone is different though. Best of luck!!

[Aussie Girl]

Thanks Julie, yes good advice, I only got one small bottle of the drinks, then they went straight in the bin after tasting, YUCK lol !

Wow, I didn't think that would be possible. My surgeon seems steadfast on the fluid/puree/soft for 6 weeks but I will ask him on surgery day what he thinks of moving that forward if I can tolerate it, bit scared though, don't want a leak.

[julieaponte]

Definitely be careful and follow doctors orders. I only moved forward with the ok from my doctor. You're going to do great!

[Jen43]

I was taking all my pills 2 days after surgery. Sometimes it feels like they are a small meal but I havnt had any problems with them.