A friend of mine is having gastric bypass next week and I'm looking for ideas that will help make her recovery more comfortable. Is there anyone who has gone through this who has some must have things that could be good for a gift? One of her big crutches is World of Warcraft. I'm not familiar with the game, but are there any related things that could make a nice gift?
My Father-in-law asked for a big bag of prunes. I guess he couldn't go home until he did his number. We got him a candy jar and filled it with individually wrapped prunes. I guess you would have to be really close to give a gift like that though. He also asked for some magazines. I try not to let my mind wonder on that one. He is a funny character.
Hey J.,
Funny thing - I just came from my pre-op appt because I too am having gastric bypass next week on Wednesday. I would suggest a gift card to a clothing store ... or buy her some cute sweat pants or pajama pants that she could wear after surgery. They told me that I should wear something like that for the first 2 weeks until the drain is removed and the staples/stitches are removed. I don't even own sweat pants so I'm going to have to buy them this weekend. Also, you might think of a one month membership to a local gym where she can walk or swim once she is given the ok by her doctor. Exercise is going to be one of the key things she'll have to do after surgery.
GREAT she has a supportive friend in you - she'll need all the support she can get!
Blessings Always,
D.
Hi J...
How nice of you to think of doing something for your friend who will be going through a life changing event. I had gastric bypass 2 years ago. I had absolutely no troubles at all and am 100 pounds lighter. I think the best thing you could give her would be support. Her body and mind are going to wonder what in the heck she did to it that first week. My suggestions would be (if possible) to take short walks with her. They don't have to be far but if I remember right they wanted you to walk 3 times a day. Its easier if you have someone to help you and motivate you to do it. Also, visiting with her to help take her mind off the surgery. Once she gets the drain tubes she will feel like a whole new person. Please tell her good luck and its all worth it in the end. I would do it again in a heartbeat!! Also, makes sure she follows all the Drs., physical therapist, nutritionist and anyone else who gives her instructions to the tea. That also helps for a quicker recovery.
I had gastric bypass. The best thing anyone did for me was make up some meals for my kids. I was unable to cook for a week or so because of the pain. It was such a reliefe knowing that my kids had a healthy meal even though I was unable to prepare it.
You and your friend both can go to www.obesityhelp.com for all the information you could possible need for gastric bypass, weight loss, and even care packages. I have been on this site for months now, because I have been going through the process to get the surgery myself, and have found the site to be absolutely wonderful!! Good luck to your friend and tell her to have fun on the "loser's" (as in losing weight) bench!!!
Nice of you to care so much for your friend. I had surgery in 2004 and some of my friends were against the surgery. I think being supportive is the best gift. Take little time to walk with her and listen. Drinking is the major problem in the beginning so how about a basket of different flavored no calorie and non carbonated beverages? I was given a pedometer, water bottles, and a gift card to the vitamin shoppe for my protein products.
Later be supportive at gatherings where food is in high demand, and NEVER ask if that is all she is eating. She will live on appetizers instead of meals and she may eat and run to the rest room after. It is not deliberate purging.
Hope this helps,
M. in Wisconsin
My sister in law just had gastric a few weeks ago and she uses alot of those crystal light water additive packs. Things she needed when she got home were puppy training pads, protein powder, lots of vitamins, sugar free jello and pudding, and since she did not have kids she was able to sit and watch movies and read books for a week. Maybe you could get a movie gift pack or a book series, like the Twilight series. Very nice of you to help!
My husband is a World of Warcraft player - I found him a computer keyboard specific to the game (with built in shortcuts) that he loves. You might want to do something like that if gaming is how she'll be passing time during recovery. Here's a link to check it out - http://www.ideazon.com/us/products/keyset_wow.asp
I don't know about the short term gift, but my cousin had the proceedure done and someone gave her the cookbook, "cooking for your man" and it's a high protein diet that her doctor approved of. She cooked a couple things for me and my hubby at a visit and YUMMY! Also, her hubby has lost some serious weight right along with her!
