Help & Resources

Topics, Topics & More Topics… we’ll be adding more and more here.  This is just a small beginning.

What To Take To The Hospital

• Take as little as possible and leave all valuables (purses, watches, jewelry) at home.
• You’ll want some comfortable pajamas.  We chose two piece pajamas merely because there will be a barrage of people checking your incisions and you don’t want to be lifting a gown constantly for that full exposure.  Something loose and comfortable will help and will also be great for all those hospital hallway walks you’ll be taking.
• Since most aren’t allowed any liquids for the first 24 hours, some nice things to remember are lemon flavored glycerin swabs (the hospital should have these).  Many also like sugar free hydrating lozenges but DO NOT chew them. Clear this with your doctor first.
• Check with your hospital to see if they supply you with non-skid booties.  If not, take a pair for those walks.
• Don’t forget your lip balm too.  Those first 24 hours without liquids, the lips get dry (but not unbearable) and lip balm will help.

Water

Many don’t realize how drastically their tastes will change after surgery.  Things that were sweet before become REALLY sweet after and same goes for salty, spicy and more.  Most notice they can taste every mineral in water and have to be particular as to brands or go with flavored water.

We cannot stress enough the importance of sipping your water.  You need a minimum of 64 oz. per day.  If you’re going out, keep a small cooler and some freezer packs (two sets . . one to use and to always be ready) and carry snacks and water.  It’s just that important.

Dehydration can creep up on WLS patients before you even realize it.  Staying on top it by constantly sipping will ward off that danger.  You don’t want to end up in an ER having to be put on fluid replacement IV.

Symptoms of dehydration may include tiredness/fatigue, headache, dizziness and/or faintness, decreased blood pressure, blurred or snowy vision, infrequent urination and more.  Untreated,  dehydration can result in a state of delirium, unconsciousness and death.

Use A Timer

During those first two weeks post-op you will more than likely find it difficult to get in all the liquid food you need.  You typically won’t feel hunger and can literally forget to eat.  One suggestion, as a reminder, is to set a timer for every 30 minutes (your cell phone alarm makes a great reminder).  Each 30 minutes, take in your 1 – 2 oz. of soup or juices or whatever your liquids are.

Keeping the metabolism up is very important.  You don’t want the body to go into starvation mode, plus the soups and juices count toward your fluid intake for the day as well.

Fruit Bars/Frozen:

These are a great little treat during those first weeks when you’re on all liquids.  Go for the no sugar added, whole fruit bars (we love Edy’s Whole Fruit No Sugar bars).  Not only will it give you a little something crunchy but they count toward your fluid intake as well (1.75 fl. oz each).  It’s a treat you’ll keep eating well after the liquid stages.

Make Soups & Freeze

A great tip is to make your own soups so you can control the salt content.  Make homemade chicken or beef soup, strain any solids, freeze into ice trays.  Once frozen, place into place freezer bags.  Each ice cube is 1 oz. and the perfect size for popping one or two  in the microwave for a soup serving.