Help from the Post-Ops!!!

Hi. I am having my surgery on 3-31 and was wondering what items are very important to take to the hospital. I want to make sure I am prepared for the time I will be there. Any ideas would be great appreciated!!!!

Well, I can't really tell you for surgery where you will likely be because I brought stuff that was weird as I was in Mexico (like bringing your own bar of soap, etc). In case of my period, I took supplies, I took saline solution for my eyes even though I was wearing my glasses...just in case. I took hairclips, my shampoo/conditioner, toilet wipes (love those), slippers, robe, lip balm, magazines I never read and a laptop I never opened. I wore the clothing in that I planned on wearing out so I didn't have to pack any of that, so that was okay. Hopefully that gives you a little direction! Dina

I took way to much stuff. All you really need is a bathrobe, slipper, socks, chapstick. Seriously I took all of this other stuff and I barely touched any of it!! good luck. ~Nicole OPEN RNY 3-9-04 Down 30 pounds forever!!

The less the better. I stayed in the hospital gown and used their toothpaste and toothbrush and all. The only thing I used out of my bag was a hairbrush, chap stick, and underwear. Keep it light and someone can bring you something if you need it. LaDonna -20

I would have died without my chapstick and you must have slippers or slipper socks for walking. Other than that, I had a bag full of stuff I never used. When it came time to shower and such I ended up using their stuff because it would have been a pain to get all mine out. Then again, I was only in the hospital 2 days............ Karla -13

I wore their gowns the whole time because of the IV (wear 2, one open in back, one open in front). I did take a funny red hat which I wore for my walks. Made everyone smile and wave. Joy -19 lbs / 16 days

A friend who had this surgery two years ago told me to bring something to cover my....rear...when I went for a walk. She had forgotten and had to send somebody home. My hospital had gowns suitable for bariatric patients (i.e., not those skinny little things that would make you look like you were doing an imitation of Jack Nicholson in Something's Gotta Give). However, I draped my robe over my drip and was much happier. They had no skid, hospital issue slippers, too, but I preferred my own. Actually, I bought a new robe and slippers (slip on, so I wouldn't have to bend over) and have really enjoyed them while I was convalescing. Chapstick, yes, though, again, my hospital provided swabs for the dry mouth while you're waiting to be authorized to drink again. I agree that I touched nothing else of the many other things I brought. It is common for women to get their period after a surgery of this kind. I am in menopause and I had some bleeding (talk about no fair!!!!). I didn't see that coming and had to use the hospital pads and disposable panties and I HATED those. So go with your own stuff. Gano

For me al I really needed was lip balm and a phone card. My suitcase was "missing" for a day until they realized my sister had not picked it up after my surgery to bring to my room. It finally arrived in my room late the second day I was there. My surgery was done in Philadelphia and my family lives in NJ. That makes it a long distance call. I could not make any outgoing calls because my phone card was in my purse that my sister took home for safe keeping!! Otherwise everything that I brought was not touched. Pennsylvannia Hospital had gowns size 10X so coverage was not a problem for me. But wearing 2 gowns, one like pjs and one like a robe, is a good option not to have to bring a robe along.

From an earlier compiled list (better to overpack): Packing for WLS Clothes -roomy bathrobe -slip-on slippers (so you won't need to bend over) (or) -slipper socks with gripper bottoms -loose-fitting clothes or a dress to wear home (can be the same thing you wear to the hospital) Toiletries -hairbrush, toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, shampoo, conditioner, soap (bar or liquid), soap poof or sponge (on a long handle for accessibility) -comb, brush -flushable baby wipes for bathroom use and for cooling off/washing up (You'll want some of these after surgery too.) -antibacterial hand gel and/or hand/body lotion -chapstick/lip balm -menstrual pads -tweezers -a long wooden spoon for wrapping toilet paper around and wiping in the bathroom Food/Drink -protein shakes, broth packets, individually wrapped tea bags, sweet-n-low, Splenda Phones -phone card (if your hospital is out-of-area from those you'll need to call) -cell phones and most wireless modems are forbidden in some places in hospitals - also, you may not be able to get a signal. You may want to bring a recharger, although you probably won't need it. -List of phone numbers of everyone that you'll want to call. Don't rely on the numbers you have stored in your cell phone. Your phone may not work. Miscellaneous -pillows (for ride home and possibly to make yourself more comfy while in the hospital) -TV Guide -small fan (especially if you're hot-natured) -CD player for relaxation and to block out noise -magazines or books -backscratcher -camera to document "Before" pictures -plastic bag to collect the plastic pill cups. They're great for measuring your fluids you'll be sipping every 15 minutes immediately post-op, if you are required to do that. A nutritionist said that the hospital does not mind if you keep them. Post-op -working thermometer (digital ones are around $5) -pill crusher (standard issue at any drugstore for under $5) (Be sure and ask your doctor if you take time-release pills. Some of these may not be suitable for crushing.) -a chair for use in the bathtub/shower to safeguard against fatigue. Resin/plastic patio chairs work well. -Desitin