Question:
What should I do to prepare for the hospital stay

Im having surgery in 13 days. I have my protein powder, liquids and vitamins. I want to know what I should do or bring with me to the hospital.    — barfiep01 (posted on January 3, 2007)


January 3, 2007
Hi Patricia, Congratulations on your upcoming surgery. I had my surgery almost three weeks ago. I would recommend you bring to the hospital a significant other/familu member who can help you and keep you company. Also, bring socks and chapstick. I also brought my ipod to help me fall asleep. I broght books but did not have the desire to read. Try to relax and enjoy the ride!
   — Beatriz A.

January 3, 2007
Slippers, chapstick, toiletries, cell phone (have someone hold it for you till you get to your room). That's all you're gonna need.
   — Sheri A.

January 3, 2007
Congrats on the surgery.. one thing I found helpful was a pair of tongs.. or one of those hand held picker-upper things.. not sure what they are called.. I had a hard time bending after the surgery (I had open rny) and they helped with picking up things best of luck to you!!! April
   — April

January 3, 2007
I had my surgery 4 months ago and along with the things that people have already listed I would take a sleep mask. That way I could keep the curtains open but if I wanted to sleep and no one was around I just pulled down my mask and went to sleep. Good Luck and Happy Weight Loss!
   — Lost4Ever

January 3, 2007
Chapstick-very inportant. Lots of underwear. A fan for the room just in case you get sweaty. Your own pillows. Loose p.j.s or clothes.
   — Jennifer K.

January 3, 2007
You may want paper and a pen for Drs. information,and perhaps roommate e-mail address (etc.). For coming home after, you may find that having a WOODEN cooking spoon helpful. The wood would hold the TP, as you won't be able to bend too well. You will be able to care for your restroom needs if you have it when you get home. A plastic or metal spoon won't hold on to the TP. A small thing,...but so important. Best wishes....see ya on the "other side"...Barb
   — StarWish624

January 3, 2007
Hello Patricia, congratulations on you getting ready for surgery. I hope that you have taken enough time to research what you are in for. It can go very well, but there can be complications as well. You won't need protein powder or liquids or vitamins in the hospital. They will be good for at home, but your taste buds can change, so don't bank on liking what you choose in protein powder. Sometimes it works out, other times you may not like it after surgery. For the hospital I would recommend you take some wet wipes and a plastic spoon (wooden spoon style). This will help you clean yourself in the hospital. The thoughts of others cleaning me drove me to this and it worked wonderfully. I also brought "coleman clothes", you can buy them at a sporting goods store in the coleman camping section. That gave me the freedom to bathe myself and keep my privacy. I also brought a cd player and comfort cds, as well as 3 small gifts for my 3 favorite nurses during my stay. You need slippers and garments, and I also brought my own pillow and a colorful blanket so it didn't look so hospital white. Toothpaste and toothbrush, comb or brush, and definitely some lip balm because after surgery your teeth and mouth are so very dry, something to oil them really helps. Be sure your advocate (family member, spouse) helps you on this one, because you will be dry. I also spent time on Obesityhelp.com looking through the memorials to respect those who had surgery and didn't make it. It gave me a sense of reality and respect for those who struggled and didn't make it. Personally, I made sure my relationship with my family was right and with God was right, put my will and my advance directives in order, and went to surgery knowing God was in control, and that I had asked Him for His care. He graciously gave it, and I have been doing well for almost 3 years now. I wish you well, but strongly urge you to know that what you are doing is very big, give respect to those who have gone before you and learn from them, and be so thankful if God is gracious to you in surgery and recovery. I hope the best for you. Patricia P
   — Patricia P

January 4, 2007
Lip Balm, disinfectant wipes are nice for keeping your table and bathroom clean. (especially if you have a roomate) Your own toiletries, favorite smelling lotion, Pen and paper... Night gown/ pjs... Good luck and congrats! My surgery was almost 4 weeks ago. I had some complications that caused me to stay a bit longer, but I am fine now. I was really glad to have my own pjs to wear.
   — robinmarra

January 7, 2007
Go to the head of the class for deciding to take the brave walk and join those of us on the losing side! I had my surgery November '06. I packed a big bag and used Nothing that was in it.The hospital provides most everything you need. I had a lot of tubes going and coming from everywhere after surgery. I didn't want to get anything on me so, I wore the hospital's gowns and saved my pretty ones for when I returned home. I had read about taking chapstick, the hospital provided vaseline and it worked just fine. They even had put footies on my feet before I went into surgery.Of course they weren't plush, but gain..I saved my soft ones for home. As for underwear...same as above! Best of luck to you.
   — purnellj




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