Hospital Necessities

Hi Everyone-  I will be having my RNY in the next few weeks and am preparing for my hospital stay.  Is there anything that I should remember to bring to the hospital with me besides the regular things  (robe, slippers, pillow, toiletries)?  Any other suggestions to make the hospital stay easier/ more comfortable?

Also, I want to be prepared for when I return home... any suggestions?

I just want to be completely ready... thanks for any and all advice!

Hi There,

Welcome to the Cali Board and get ready to jump on board the losers bench.  We are all making room for you.

If you don't mind, what day is your surgery and which surgery will you be having?

I found that something to read, or a puzzle book worked for me.  Don't forget to take a pen.  Your mouth/lips get very dry so you may want to take some lip balm and possibly some sugar free mints.

You may want to take your own pillow.  Not only for your comfort in the hospital but also for the ride home.

If your surgery is uneventful as I am sure it will be, you should be in the hospital 24 - 48 hrs..  Every Dr. and patient is different.  Be prepared to start walking the halls within hours of recovery.  This will help move the gas along.

As for home, look over the diet plan you have for the 1st week and stock up on a few items like SF Jello, water, crystal light, some broth, etc.  Look at the sample menu you were given for the items you will be allowed to drink / eat during the first 3 weeks.  You may want to get some protein powder or drinks.  Remember when you get home to sip, sip, sip and do some walking.

Please be sure to have someone post after surgery so we all know things went smoothly.  Once you arrive home, be sure to come back to the boards and join in on the daily postings, WWW (wacky weigh in Wednesday), etc..

Never, ever be afraid to ask a question on the board as there may be one or several people that can answer or give their opinion on what has or has not worked for them.  Always remember, to follow your doctors protocol first.

Again, welcome to the Cali Board.  Wishing you much luck and success on your new life journey.  May you have a very uneventful surgery.

Annette

Congrats on your upcoming surgery, we're so glad you've decided to share your journey with us.  Annette was spot on with her advice both in the hospital and coming home.  I would add, that for me it was easier to sleep in a recliner for the first few nights at home as laying down was not as comfortable.

You're going to do great, it sounds like you are well on your way.  Remember to walk more than they tell you to in the hospital and at home and get those liquids and vitamins down when you get home.

Hugs,
Barb

my ipod was my savior in the room, along with the book I was reading at the time.  Also, if you have one, a portable DVD player wouldn't be to bad either.  Just don't get caught up in the DVD player, and make sure you walk....it's the best thing for you.

Forget the MINTS!!!!  You will have a brand new baby tummy and if you accidentally forget (and you might just do that) and crunch and swallow you could cause yourself unnecessary pain.  Leave the mints alone.  My doctor told me NO mints, or gum for the first  year.  If you swallow it it could cause an obstruction and they'd have to go in and remove it and it is really not a fun procedure.

Stick with the lip balm, water and ice chips until your doctor tells you otherwise.    A book and I found taking a small bolster pillow and/or your own soft comfortable blanket works and makes it easier to sleep having your own familiar fabrics with you.  The bolster pillow helps prop you up easier than the pathetic pillows you get in the hospital.

Let us know which date and we'll be cheering you on!.    Hang on, you're up for one wild ride!

MoMo

Congratulations on your upcoming surgery!  It is really exciting as the day draws closer.

My advice: keep it simple! take no more than what you can carry in in 1 bag (robe, slippers, toothbrush/paste, deodorant)  I was in the hospital a total of 24hours exactly...from admitting to discharge.  When I wasn't being pestered for vitals, I was sleeping or walking.  A book or IPod will help wile-away the hours.

Good Luck and hurry back to let us know how you are doing!  We'll all be excited about moving over to make room for you on the Loser's Bench ;-)
Nancy aka Sunray

A few things in general.  Ear plugs...If you are a light sleeper they may be good.  They will wake you up at all hours to take vitals...and if you are put near the nurses stations...they will talk at all hours.  Most protein shakes will taste bad early on...Just force down as much as you can.  You most likely will not be able to get in all your water and shake the first few weeks (RNY)...Just do your best and you should be fine.  Also at home don't be afraid to not call your doctor...Surgeons expect calls a lot and what you may not think important...is important.  Know the signs of dehydration (post them somewhere in the house) and know what a stricture is (RNY).  You can look both of those up so they don't sneak up on you.  Enjoy the ride.  Brian

Thank you, Everyone, for your advice and for helping me prepare for my surgery.  I am at the nervous/excited/anxious stage as I wait for my surgery (which should be during the week of Feb. 16th).  Just a few more weeks until I join you all on the losers' bench

Here are my thoughts on what to bring to the hospital: nothing of any real value to you that you would miss if it were lost or stolen in the hospital.  Beyond the regular things you mentioned, maybe a book or some magazines to read.

For home, make sure you have whatever diet you will be on already set up so you don't have to go out shopping for it.

Good luck with the surgery.

Lisa