1 Corinthians 10:13

13 No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.

What do I need to be READY?

There is so much to do to get ready for this life changing surgery. Hopefully this list will help you make sure you have it all done, and will save you some time and energy! GOOD LUCK to you!!

What do I need for the hospital?

• Robe
• Slippers (non-slip, easy to get your foot into so you don’t have to bend)
• Chap stick (your lips WILL get dry. This is the #1 recommendation from post-ops)
• Deodorant
• Fan (in case you get hot)
• Soap
• Toothbrush
• Toothpaste
• Baby Wipes for that fresh feeling ;-)
• Blanket (Ones from home are always more comfy)
• Pillow (again, nothing like the ones from home)
• Cd player
• Cds
• Reading material (you may not be up to it, but just in case)
• Lotion
• Slip on pants
• Big t shirt
• Undies
• Socks
• Bra
• Pictures of family
• Night gowns (if you don’t want to wear their gowns)
• Bottle for water on trip home
• Bear (to hug when you have to do your coughing exercises)
• Camera (want mementos)
• Medications (if discussed with doctor)
• Hair ties
• Watch or clock
• List of phone numbers
• Don’t forget your insurance info, living will, and Power of attorney.

 What should I stock my kitchen with?

• PROTEIN!!! I suggest you buy samples to try AFTER (many peoples’ tastes change after surgery) surgery, then buy a canister of the ones you like.
• Mashed potatoes (you can thin this with chicken broth)
• Canned broth
• Bouillon
• Juice (mixed with water)
• SF (sugar Free) jell-o
• FF (Fat Free)/SF pudding
• SF popsicles
• Creamed soup (need a strainer)
• SF/LF (Low Fat) Yogurt
• Low Fat Cottage Cheese
• Low fat Ricotta cheese
• Eggs or egg beaters
• Tuna
• Applesauce
• Canned fruit and veggies
• Saltines
• Regular oatmeal, grits, cream of wheat
• SF Fudgesicles
• SF Carnation Instant Breakfast (Don’t really recommend this, much better ways to get your protein in)
• Stallone pudding
• Isopure
• Baby Spoons and cocktail forks
• Small plates
• Measuring cups
• Ice
• Bottled Water
• Crystal Light
• Fruit2o
• All of your recommended vitamins
• Milk of Mag
• Liquid Tylenol
• A journal
• Back Scratcher

 To Do List

Some of this stuff people do not like to think about it – but it needs to be done.

• Get a living will.
• Get a last will.
• Get a power of attorney made.
• Balance your checkbook
• Compile a list of all your accounts and bills for someone in case they need to take care of it.
• Pay all of your bills that are due the month after surgery prior to surgery.
• Have your house clean, laundry done, oil changed, cars cleaned and gassed, animals bathed, so you don’t have to worry about it after surgery.
• Buy easy prep food for those in your household so you don’t have to cook.
• Buy plastic ware and paper plates so you don’t have to worry about dishes.
• Go shopping about 1-2 weeks before surgery.
• Get several pill separators, and get your vitamins organized so you can get a routine down.
• Make a schedule of when to eat, when and how much to drink, and when to take pills for after surgery to ensure you get what you need.
• Replace all the batteries in remotes, smoke detectors, and anything else you use regularly. Also, ensure your phones are charged.
• Have workout partners and a plan in place for post surgery.
• Find someone to look after your animals while you are gone.

 If you are traveling and have to stay in a Hotel:

• Know where there are stores in the area.
• Call and make reservations well in advance.
• Try to get a room on the first floor so you don’t have to do steps.
• Compile a list of local people in the area where you are staying in case you need anything.
• Ensure you have enough water, protein, meds and vitamins for the hotel.
• Ask you surgeon if he can give you your script for pain meds early so you can get it filled in your home town.