Question:
Please help me make a list.
I am within a couple of weeks from my lap rny and am making a list of things I will need. I know I will need the basics (deodorant, brush, toothbrush, toothpaste, etc.), as well as sugar free breath mints and possibly tongs for extended reach (I got that idea from this website!). What are some other items I may ned while in the hospital and within the first week at home? I know my surgeon will let me know of the vitamins, so that is covered. I also am planning on getting a recliner before then to help me sleep. Please tell me things that you used or wish you had known about. I like to be well prepared. Thank you all. — Kelsey M. (posted on June 27, 2002)
June 27, 2002
If you have time order it before surgery, there is an excellent book you
can order online (I got mine at booksamillion.com) called "the
doctor's guide to weight loss surgery" - it has all kinds of useful
info in it for both pre and post ops, including a list of things to take
with you to the hospital.
— sheltie
June 27, 2002
Hi - FOR HOSPITAL: No real need to take PJ's and slippers, the hospital
will provide that, and the gowns are easily replaced if you have any
accidents. You can put two on, one backwards, for when you take your
walks. If you like to read, take along a magazine or book, or maybe a
portable CD/Tape player if TV won't keep you entertained.
FOR HOME: Get yourself a tube of Neosporin (or similar) ointment to put
onto your incisions; it helps to keep them clean and soft and will keep
down any infection that may be lurking around the corner. Some sterile
pads to place on the wounds under your binder (if you have one) will be
helpful, too. One basic food you will need is "SUGARFREE
POPSICLES". Each one provides you one ounce of fluid, as well as
giving your psyche the idea that you're eating something, plus it helps to
keep your hands busy and keep you from getting bored with the other liquids
they will authorize. If you don't have a Mini-Mixer/Blender, you can get
one at Walmart for $15 and it will come in handy for pureeing foods as they
are introduced into your diet. Also at Walmart, you can get a Sno-Cone
maker and sugarfree syrups, and these are delicious treats, too. Best of
luck. Marilyn (5-1/2 weeks/39 lbs)
— Dispatcher M.
June 27, 2002
I took so much stuff and only used the toothbrush, hairbrush and lotion. I
kept on the hospital gowns...they were big enough at the hospital I was in,
that I only needed one. I wish I had listened to the advise about the tongs
or a long handled wooden spoon. I used it when I got home...but it would
have helped in the hospital. For Home, make sure you have sugar free jello
different flavors, I found that I like chicken noodle soup juice (strain
out the food) better than plain chicken broth. Good Luck.
Sharon 6 weeks and - 38 pounds
— Sharon H.
June 27, 2002
I took a battery operated miniature fan to the hospital and was glad I did.
And I also took very loose pajamas that I did get a lot of use out of when
I started walking the halls. I felt a lot better being in 'my own'. And
the pajama pants were the best. I could move them out of the way for the
surgeon to check my incisions, unlike having to lift a gown *up*. I also
took the cottonelle wipes for the bathroom, kept me feeling fresh. And the
oil of olay face pre-moistened face cloths. Again, to feel fresh. Those
were my fav items.
— Cheri M.
June 27, 2002
I agree with the other posts. No need for p.j.'s or slippers. I took a
toothbrush (they provide one too), hairbrush loose clothes (the same ones I
wore in to save time and space) for discharge, lotion for my feet (they got
really dry), if you still get periods maybe take some pads (some women say
they get their period soon after surgery-although the hospital has those
too) and #1 was CHAPSTICK!! My lips felt like the Sahara desert. Loved my
chapstick. If you get the flavored kind it kind of makes you salivate a
little and your mouth is a little less dry. Best wishes to you for an
uneventful surgery and a speedy recovery.
— Cinna G.
June 28, 2002
Kelsey, I noticed that previous responses were for the hospital, and had
good suggestions. But for home, you might lay in some supplies for your
eating: ready-made or home-made clear broth, decaf coffee and tea,
sugar-free jell-o (make some the night before you go in, put some Saran
Wrap on top), crystal light or fruit-2-O, some cottage cheese, maybe some
peanut butter, and maybe some baby food. Also creamed soups - whatever
solids are in them can easily be avoided, or pureed in the blender before
you heat them up. You might also consider some utensils: a baby spoon, a
shrimp fork, a shot glass. The tiny utensils will help you take small
mouthfuls, and the shot glass will help remind you about how big is an
ounce. If you already have a sports bottle for your water, you might
consider having a second one so you can fill it up and let it get cool
while you using the first one. You will be drinking LOTS of water! I
myself did not need a recliner, but I did put pillows under my legs when I
went to sleep - they wound up on the floor anyway. Good luck to you.
Margie B
— Marjorie B.
June 28, 2002
Just take the very basics....they will furnish the rest..dr will give you a
list of meds attached to your file for dismissall from hospital....at home
just have your water, protein drink they suggest....and clear stuff...but
take your time....dont rush....your appitite will come back soon
enough....dont rush your tummy
— Jackiis
June 28, 2002
A FAN. I would have given ANYTHING for a fan. I begged and begged. I
finally got one the next day, but the day I didnt, I could have just died
from the heat. My surgery was in October and was it was cool outside. We
had the windows open and no covers, i honestly debated removing my gown.
Thank god I didnt!!! Everyone was in the room saying how cold it
was....everyone but me. Apparently morphine makes you hot. Who knew.
— RebeccaP
June 28, 2002
I brought a small fan to plug in by the bedside and it was the most
valuable thing I brought along. Also bring shoes to wear home that you can
slip into and not have to bend to tie. And something for your lips-they
get so dry. Some kind of moist wipes to help clean up are nice. Forget
the reading materials-hard to focus when you are on drugs!!
— Cindy R.
June 28, 2002
Hi, Great question. the website perhaps should put a page on of a permanent
list, it would be helpful for everybody!
All the suggestions listed so far have been great. Here is another for
home. I had a box of clorox wipes by my bathroom sink for wiping up after i
drained my drains into the sink. It made clean up nice and easy and kept
germs down all around! Also my butt started to burn around the anus due to
so much diareaha the first few days at home, i used lubriderm severly
sensitive cream on the toilet paper when i wiped,(after i cleaned of
course) i started to cry it was burning so...my brilliant mom discovered
the cream for me and it was great. sorry to be so frank, but thats what we
are here for right? I also kept toothbrush and paste in all the
bathrooms/kitchen for a quick rinse, my breath was so bad. I slept on the
recliner for a week. And i had my mom wake me at about 3 am so i could get
up and pee, drain drain, and walk around for 10-15 min. I found this way i
was so less stiff and in pain in the am. I had an infection in a lap site
so i was very uncomfortable for the first 3 weeks. Good luck and lets keep
the list going!by the way one of the best things i have found to eat is
crab legs. the supermarkets sel them frozen in the fish dept. they are
usually 4-6$ a pound and that is enough for a few meals. just steam them 2
or 3 min , dip in butter and they are so soft and go down easy. still my
favorite.
— robyn R.
June 29, 2002
Hi, The one thing I wish I had taken is my own pillow. I had a horrible
time trying to get comfortable with the pillows that were provided. The
personal fan is a good idea too. Chapstick, maybe a few magazines that you
haven't read yet, t.v at the hospital is boring, a hairbrush, deodorant,
and something comfortable to wear home. Check and see if the hospital
provides shampoo, I was told mine did, and they did not. Luckily, I
brought my own. You don't really need much else, unless you have a lot of
visitors and want to wear make-up, I do wear make-up, and had visitors, but
didn't bother to wear any, at that point I could have cared less, LOL. Good
luck you!
— Carey N.
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