[LadyLisa]

Has anyone here had surgery after their WLS that involved a hospital stay? I am worried about how to make sure they feed me right I wont be able to eat three meals a day. I am going to take in some protein bars and have my DH bring me my yogurt and fruit when he comes to see me at night. I know I probably wont feel much like eating anyway after a hip replacement but I am worried about that and making sure I get my vitamins and calcium. I just dont know if they give meds other then my script meds. I know I am a worry wort and I am going to take enough of my vits just in case. I can see them saying ohh you will be ok without them for a week. Yeah smack me I am a worry wort but I guess I have to obsess about something other then the replacement itself.
Anyway if anyone has any advise or past experience please let me know I would reallllllllly appreciate it.

[Imlosinit]

I think they would give them to you if you told them too. I'd take my own vitamins though because they probably charge and arm and a leg for over the counter vitamins and such that your insurance probably won't pay for. Do you go in for a pre-op?? I'd make all your requests known then. They'll write it all down so it's in yoru paper work. I'm sure with all the GBS happening these days, it's not uncommon for someone with GBS to have other surgeries down the line.. like PS for instance, and hip replacements etc. When is your surgery again?? I know it's getting close.

[michelle09]

LadyLisa dont worry. (easier said then done I know.) They say they will provide all nessacary meds but I would take yours or make sure they have a written order to give you all you need ahead of time from doctors even vitamins! I had an expierence similar where they did not give me my needed meds and I got sick. Cost me an extra day in hospital. Never assume they understand it all or know. Communication and education are keys to success. I'm sure you will be fine your hubby is a good resource to ask questions on your behalf if you are too dopey.

[inuit48]

Just tell them you are on a post-op baratric diet and they will ask what you eat. I was a nurse for a lot of years and there were a lot of diet requests. Religious, personal preference, medical requirements and the list goes on and on. Don't worry about food during your hosp stay. If you were jewish, believe me they would not feed you bacon or if you had no teeth you would not be given pork chops. In my hospital, when I went to do a floor admission, I always asked about religious and dietary requirements. They will too.

[Janice Carol]

I have not had surgery since my gastric bypass but I have been in the hospital 3 times since. 1 of the three was not the one I had surgery in. I told them up front about my surgery and their nutritionist came to my room and took down all my info and they prepared meals expecially for me. They even did research on it. But I did take my own vitamins with me. Because I wanted to be sure that I was getting what I was suppose to. So just tell them up front. I am sure everything will be fine.

[carylk]

Good advice from everyone so far! Take your own vitamins- they can get an order from the doc stating you may use your own home meds. They may keep the meds and dispence them to you, or may let you keep them; they may also want to send the bottles to the pharmacy in the hospital to verify that they are indeed what the label on the bottle says, then return them to you. (People try to sneak in their own narcotics and street drugs, so they have to verify the medications.)
As for meals, ask for 6 small meals instead of the 3 large meals. You should also talk with the dietician- they will be able to help you make choices from the generic menu. And of course, take what you can with you. The foods you know you can tolerate will be comforting to you.
Nurses are becoming more and more familiar with the special needs of WLS patients, so don't let it worry you too much. You will be on a surgical floor and chances are they have taken care of post WLS patients before.
Good luck! And don't sweat it!

[Shelby1970]

I had to have an ovary out when I was only 10 weeks out. I brought all my vitamins and supplements with me and even my protein drinks. The nurses really didn't know what to do with me as far as eating. I ended up getting a personal consult with the dietician. The good thing about the hospital I was at is that you ordered your meals from a menu. They didn't have a menu for post-WLS, so I was put on the diabetic menu and was able to order what I needed. I basically ordered protein foods that I was able to eat for only being 10 weeks out. I used my own protein supplements. The nurses put them in a fridge with my identification stickers on them. So whenever I asked for one, they would bring them to me. I hope this helps and hope you have a speedy recovery.

[needanewme]

I was hospitalized a week after my surgery. The main problem I ran into was allowable meds...liquid meds are not as common as you think, so make arrangements for those as needed...even liquid tylenol vs a capsule calls for an order change that takes a day to process ... that was a nightmare.

[A new me]

I just had surgery and was required to stay for two days and I too was worried about that. I did have hubby bring up some of my protein drinks the next day but the nurses were good about getting me what I wanted or needed. The meals that automatically came as part of food service did not fit my needs--like pancakes for breakfast. but they were great and got me some eggs and another time they got me some cheese and turkey and some fruit.

[LadyLisa]

OMG pancakes ahhhhhhhhh I know last time I got to order my own food but things change so much its hard to keep up. I was thinking about emailing my nutritionist now ahead of time I didnt even think of that sheesh. You would think that would have been my first thought.. geezeee OK I am going to do that now before I forget Thanks Ladies you deff made me feel better..