Help with my Shopping List!

The first time I went to the grocery store a few days ago, I nearly had a panic attack, because I knew I wouldnt be able to eat anything for a while.

This time I go to the store, I am making a list and shopping list to prepare for while I am at the hospital and when I get home. Anyways, I want to be as comfortable as possible when I go to the hospital and I am sure they supply you with just about everything, but my question is What do you wish you had from home while in the hospital?? Extra Socks for cold feet, Your pillow, a plush robe, certain clothes to leave the hospital in? Anything at all to have made the whole ordeal as smoothly as possible. Also What things do you wish you had at home when you got back home, things you should of shopped for before you were sleeved.

Honestly, nothing.  The afternoon and evening after surgery, I was tired and groggy from the anesthesia, pain meds and anti-emetics.  I pretty much slept and walked. 

The next day, I alternated walking and sipping all morning.  I was still kind of out of it, but I watched a little TV, then got dressed and went home late that afternoon.

You really won't use that much, and you definitely don't need much.  Clean underwear, some lip balm, a hairbrush, and toothbrush.  That's about it.

As far as home...  don't buy a bunch of anything.  You can't imagine how little you will consume in the first few weeks post-op.  I threw out most of the jello, gave away the clear protein shakes that my surgeon wanted us to have (had to buy a case), and still have broth in the cupboard.  Definitely underestimate.

I used jolly ranchers and bianca and that was the most useful... I let several other people use mine and they were very thankful... dry mouth was my biggest problem.

I agree, don't buy much thinking you will use it. what a waste of money. I think isopure grape and punch were my favorite. you can also get propel or crystal light packets to make them have more flavor. I also wish I would have done a mild bowel prep before surgery because I remember the constipation and wishing I didn't have it (never constipated a day in my life preop so not liking this new change). also, ask someone to walk with you everyday to encourage yourself to get in the exercise. best wishes!!

I wore a tshirt and loose sweatpants to the hospital and that's what I wore home.  I did take a robe, and one pair of pajamas cause my legs get cold, but you don't have to. You can wear hospital gowns. I wore socks the whole time and take several pairs of underwear cause you may have an accident if you catch my drift.  Trying to get unplugged from everything and taking your IV to the bathroom may take more time that you need to get to the bathroom IF you get diarrhea.  Toothbrush, hairbrush, something to tie your hair back with if you have longer hair, cell phone charger, chapstick, and...that's about it.  I took shampoo, but they gave me a kit with shampoo, lotion, toothpaste, toothbrush etc. 
Good Luck!

VGS 4-2-12

I wish I'd bought less.  You will be surprised at how little you will be eating at first.  It will be good to get out and shop after you're home.  Seriously - the walking is good for you.  I went and bought some SF popsicles. 

Don't forget your cell phone charger and I needed sugar free hard candy to suck on and help with the nasty taste in my mouth. It also helped me tolerate my water. Also I took a fleece throw since I'm always cold and it came in handy.